Words: Arthur Tam
Erectile Dysfunction will affect all us boys at one point of time or another, so it’s a good idea to stay informed and brush away common misconception. When it comes to treating any disease, its best to tackle it in straightforward fashion. I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Francois Fong, who provided some enlightening details surrounding ED.

First off, is the relationship between sex and penis function, “ Erectile dysfunction is a bit of a chicken and the egg paradox. Does lack of sexual activity lead to ED, or is it because of ED that there is lower sexual activity?” says Fong. Studies cannot show a conclusive causal relationship; however, studies have shown that decreased sexual activity does increase the chances of ED- if you don’t use it you lose it. The good doctor does recommend a healthy dose of sex, but the problem is, not everyone has a compatible partner. But don’t fret-simply masturbate. Think of every ejaculation as a prostate cleansing. When semen passes your prostate, it actually kills off unwanted bacteria that might cause infection. “ I would say, masturbate two to three times a week, to stay regular,” says Fong.

Keeping a healthy prostate is crucial for preventing ED. Prostate infections increase your chances of getting ED. Frequent urination, is a symptom of prostate infection, so don’t let it go unchecked. Make sure your doctor does a urine, blood, and semen culture to see if you have an infection. An infection can usually be cured with a dose of antibiotics. Bottoms should be even more diligent when it comes to their prostate health. Increase of anal sex can lead to haemorrhoids, which are prone to tearing, opening a pathway for bacteria to enter the blood stream infecting the prostate. “Gay men actually have a higher rate of prostate infection than straight men, which could be because of anal sex, but studies are inconclusive,” says Fong. What’s ultimately important is for all men, gay or straight to go in for a check up if there is ever a sign of ED. Shame and embarrassment is a small price to pay compared to a lifetime of sexual complications.

Other than the physical reasons that can onset ED, there are psychological reasons that can contribute to the condition. For example, “ Usually when men have been out of a relationship for 6 months or longer, it can cause anxiety and lack of confidence. When men resume sexual activity with a new partner, there may be initial complications,” says Fong. Basically, stress can be a major factor for penis function and performance. If a guy is tired and worn out, chances are that his erection won’t be that strong.

It’s important for your doctor to assess whether your condition is a physical issue, a psychological issue, or a combination for both. For young men, the main cause for ED is psychological stress and relationship stress. For older men, ED can be caused by hormonal changes or deteriorating vascular function. Luckily there are pills to take to solve some of the complications of aging. Now, you can pop a Cialis, which lasts 36 hours, with few side effects, and can be taken in combination with just about anything, including alcohol. Ease your way in and have a little more fun arousing your partner during foreplay. With 36 hours, all men will have enough time to pre party and get into their sexual groove before sex, without checking your watch.

A common misconception surrounding ED is it’s only a problem for older men, but that story is not entirely true. Age comes with health complications, which is true, but older men can still have healthy erections if they maintain a healthy lifestyle and continue to have regular sex. Problem is, older men don’t engage in as much sexual activity because of social stigma or lack of sexual partner. Ultimately, it’s important to maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle to keep a steady flow of blood circulating to your penis. If complications still occur, consult a doctor because many cases of ED are temporary.

Words: Bryan Chan

In Hong Kong (or any country with a busy economy), beauty is always big business. With saturation in the female beauty market it is natural that men are the next big target of the industry, resulting in much more male-oriented marketing featuring male models and celebrities now visible throughout most cities. Obviously combining skin care with healthy living is preferable. Eating well, drinking lots of water and having enough sleep is key to maintaining healthy skin. But as society’s views on what looks good are constantly changing, men increasingly seek new ways to look good and ‘Medical Beauty’ has emerged as an option for many.

Medical Beauty usually aims at improve the look of the face and the effects are noticeable quickly. Below is a list of currently popular injection therapeutics:

Botox
It is a purified protein that is injected in tiny amounts into specific overactive muscle groups generally in the upper face. It temporarily blocks nerve impulses to give a rejuvenated and relaxed appearance which lasts between 3-6 months. Fine lines and wrinkles are dispersed and can change of shape of face.

Restylane
It helps to ‘slow down’ the ageing process by topping up our levels of hyaluronic acid and prevents the formation of lines and wrinkles, beautifying facial lines, lips and nose. Hyaluronic acid is a natural sugar found in all living cells that attracts and binds water, hydrating the skin and giving it volume. It will decompose in the human body, so every 6 – 12 months treatment needs repeating.

Sculptra
The Sculptra injection has been used throughout Europe since 1999 to improve the appearance of aging skin folds, indented chin surfaces, hollowed cheeks, sunken eyes and deep nasolabial folds (smile lines) and other facial wrinkles.

Now today, many beauty centers are providing this treatment, but prices vary widely. And because this is an injection treatment, everyone please choose clinics with good reputations, and from doctors who have the relevant training.

Q&A (Dr. Tong Chung Yin)

DS: Are male medical beauty treatments seeing growth? What kind of treatments are currently the most popular?
Dr. Tong: Nowadays, more and more men/boys have joined the trend to enjoy beautiful results from aesthetic medicine. The most popular types of treatments are wrinkle removal, skin toning and conditioning. Contour reshaping is also another major popular treatment.

DS: What happens to hyaluronic acid after it is absorbed by the body?
Dr. Tong: Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance which can be found inside our body, mainly in the skin and the joints. It is inert and can be fully absorbed by the body without causing any side effects.

DS: What is collagen and can we really benefit by drinking collagen supplements?
Dr. Tong: Collagen is the main scaffolding component of the skin. It provides support and elasticity. Oral intake collagen will be digested and cannot diffuse into the skin directly. Collagen molecules are also too large to penetrate though the skin surface

Information provide by Metro Medical, any question, please contact 3904 2556.

Words: James Gannaban

Hong Kong is toxic – that’s a fact. I dare anyone who says otherwise to take a swim across the “picturesque” Victoria Harbour. Watch your flesh instantly sizzle off and fall off your bones. We complain so much about the poor air quality, water pollution, thoughtless redevelopment of old districts, et cetera, but our regard for our own bodies doesn’t seem to get as much attention. We’re toxic, too – from our working habits, shopping addiction, alcohol consumption, and party lifestyle. Ironically, it just might be our mania for all things trendy that might save us.

Just as we got “addicted” to yoga a few years ago (I hope you’re lucky enough for your yoga studio to still stay open…), we’re on the cusp of an antioxidant addiction. Berry smoothies are starting to replace tall machiattos as the fashionista accessory du jour. We pepper our conversations with words like “phytochemicals,” “free radicals,” “superfoods” and the like, as though we were simply talking about last night’s primetime Emmy’s. And perhaps, it is exactly because of our toxic lifestyle that the conversation on antioxidants has reached our water coolers. Even marquee mixologists are coming up with cocktails that are supposed to be healthy for you, so hey, you can toxify AND detoxify at the same time! Isn’t that brilliant?

Here’s my “Top 5 Rundown of Hong Kong’s Best Superfoods ,” how you can enjoy them, and where you can find them. Don’t worry; stay healthy!

05 Pineapple
I don’t know why oranges have got the better end of the Vitamin C deal when, in reality, one cup of pineapple contains 131% of the daily value of Vitamin C. So Instead of drinking orange or grapefruit juice, or restricting yourself to these boring sources of Vitamin C, it’s much more exciting – and invigorating! – to get your thirsty lips around the appropriately named MO Tox. Get thee off to MO Bar in the Landmark Mandarin Oriental to experience this delightful blend of vodka, limoncello, coriander, ginger, fresh pineapple & apple juice. Good morning!

04 Wheatgrass
Ooh, we love a good shot of wheatgrass. Wheatgrass is one of the freshest ways to get more antioxidants into your diet. Several studies have shown that wheat grass can reduce blood levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, also known as LDL or bad cholesterol. A Wheat Grass Martini is hard to find. So make it yourself at home, you lazy bum. Grab a shot of wheat grass from MIX and shake with cachaça, vodka, apple juice and sour mix. Voila. Your liver is alive again. Cheers to life!

03 Coffee
OK, so who doesn’t enjoy a good morning jolt from a strong cuppa java? I do. Only when my eyes are glazed over from overcaffeination can I bravely face my mountainload of e-mails. And what’s better than a cuppa? A glassa, obviously. That’s a glass of Espresso Martini to you, which you can find in – where else – FINDS. The venerable Wyndham icon is soon moving to The Luxe Manor in Tsim Sha Tsui, and there’s no better reason than chasing the perfect espresso jolt to make the journey across the harbour. I’m coming!

02 Wild Berries
Packed with antioxidant phytonutrients called anthocyanidins, wild berries neutralize free radical damage to the collagen matrix of cells and tissues that can lead to cataracts, glaucoma, varicose veins, peptic ulcers, heart disease, cancer and… haemorrhoids. Do you really need any more reason than that to pick up an Aqua Mojito? I thought not. Get yourself up to Aqua Spirit in One Peking and ask to be served the mixed berries kind.

01 Green Tea
Wake up and smell the tea leaves. Clinical studies on the effects of green tea on colon or rectal cancer show decreased risk in those who drink the tea. Seriously, there’s no better incentive. So rejoice! You may now guiltlessly enjoy your Johnny Walker with Green Tea to help improve your… pipes. Make your way to Neway. And with branches all over Hong Kong, you now need no excuse for joyful karaoke marat

Words: Ash Pritchard

As the old saying goes: we are what we eat. Food, like sex, is a source of nourishment for all, and a hobby and obsession for many. So, what happens when you put the two of them together? What we eat, according to all sources, can affect our performance between the sheets. We all know that certain foodstuffs can influence our sex-drive. So what should you be feeding your man to ensure that both of your appetites are fulfilled?

Here are a few foods that are rumoured to have special properties:

Celery
Not only is raw celery the only the food that helps you burn calories just through eating it, it also contains a hormone known as androstenone, a pheremone that for animals, acts as a social sign of dominance and is said to enhance ones desirability as a mate. So get out that stick of celery and get ready to dominate your partner.

Raw oysters
This one you’ve all heard of, oysters are rich in zinc which raises testosterone levels, and also contain dopamine – a hormone that boosts the libido. They also have that incomparable sliminess that goes down the throat like nearly nothing else.

Bananas
Besides the pleasingly phallic visual benefits, Bananas are rich in the anti-impotence enzyme bromelain. So whip off that yellow sleeve and chow down on a juicy banana to get you in the mood.

Avocado
This luscious fruit was known by the Aztecs as “fertility fruit” and thanks to its high levels of potassium and vitamin B this green salad favourite can help boost the libido.

Nuts
Not the type of nuts you’re thinking of- nibbling on hard-shelled fruits such as almonds, cashew nuts or peanuts is extremely benefitial to the production of hormones. They also taste great when salted.

Eggs
Some people swear that raw chicken eggs are the perfect pre-sex pick me up – and thanks to their high quotient of vitamins B5 and B6, eggs do help balance hormone levels.

Figs
Succulent and tasty, figs are also blessed with amino acids that can improve sexual stamina and help put you in the mood.

Garlic
Not advisable for first dates, but garlic contains allicin, which is said to increase blood flow to the sexual organs. If you can’t stomach bad breath, it also comes in capsule form. Also useful for repelling bloodsuckers.

Chocolate
Chocolate is a food that can both substitute and supports sex. It is a natural stimulant, containing the alkaloid theobromine, and also is rich in phenylethylamine, which some believe stimulates the feelings of desire.

Kiwi Fruit and pineapple
It is said that you can taste a man’s diet in his ‘juices’, and they are all the more sweeter when he is eating a diet rich in fruits such as kiwi fruit and pineapple.

Words: Ash Pritchard

Alternative medicine, while given short shrift by many western doctors, is an established part of Asian life. From Traditional Chinese Medicine to Ayervedic remedies, Eastern culture is infused with a rich and varied heritage of holistically minded treatments for physical and spiritual ailments. One concept that underpins many healing approaches is the idea of chakras, energy centres that enable the flow of life force. Aligned along the base of the spine to the crown of our head, the chakras are also important elements of Hindu and Buddhist teachings.

The seven main chakras are the crown chakra located at the top of the head, the third eye chakra over the forehead, the throat chakra, the heart chakra, the solar plexus chakra over the navel area, the sacral chakra located over the prostate and the base chakra at the root of the spine. Acting to support the flow of life force energy, each chakra is said to influence its corresponding organs, as well as having an effect on our emotional states

Alternatively minded boys and girls will already be familiar the chakras. In fact, a wide variety of massage and other techniques are also based upon the concept. Related teachings underpin many practices such as aromatherapy, acupuncture, tai chi, crystal therapy and shiatsu. Now, an Australian spa owner and health and wellness trendsetter has developed a set of oils specifically devised to heal the body and mind through correcting imbalances in the chakras.

Verdel Maclean is best known for opening an exclusive hair and beauty day spa in Sydney’s trendy Paddington area, just around the corner from well-known fashion designer Collette Dinnigan. However, she has also working on formulating chakra/chi balancing oils for many years and developed her Anoint Chakratheapy range after a series of profound dreams that guided her to focus on healing the body and mind through correcting the imbalances we experience.

The oils work similar to acupuncture and reiki. During the creation process, each batch is infused with “positive thoughts and good energy”. Applying the smallest amount of these oils into the body helps to enhance the free flow of energy and enable a better connection with the spirit or life force. The 10 oils have been formulated to help unblock issues relating to certain aspects of life. For example, No. 4, Emotions Oil, is a blend of Organic Australian Jojoba Seed Oil and therapeutic grade essential oils that is targeted at the heart chakra. This chakra is associated with issues such as lack of trust, grief and inability to love.

The range also includes ritual bath salts. Bathing the body or feet in water infused with these potent salts is said to kick-start the chakra clearing process. So why not consider treating your chakra system with some anoint chakratheapy oils, or even some alternative treatments such as reiki or crystal therapy? For Hong Kong dwellers dealing with the city’s frenetically high-paced and materialistic lifestyle, the stress release and voyage to inner peace and balance can only be beneficial.

Anoint Chakratheapy oils range from $354 for 100ml to $999 for a travel pack, available at www.globalessence.com.hk.

Alternative treatment rates vary according to practitioners, they often advertise at www.newageshop.com.hk.

Words: Ash Pritchard

So what did you do last weekend? Did it start with after work drinks on Friday, perhaps a bite at Tsui Wah or McDonalds before hitting the clubs? Then Saturday night out at various clubs and a boozy brunch Sunday morning, or maybe a Dim Sum feast with the family. We hedonists in the gay community tend to party hard, and indulge more than our more settled straight brethren, and the results can be bad for our bodies. As we know, we are what we eat and drink, and as Britney would say, we are toxic.

Actually, the processed food we eat, the polluted air we breathe and the chemical filled surroundings make our city an extremely toxic environment, explains nutritional expert and doyen of detoxification Anita Cheung of iDetox. “Hong Kong is one of the most polluted cities in the world.” Add that to the gay party-fueled lifestyle, coupled with the prevalence of eating out at least once a day where you have no control over the food you eat, and you have a recipe for an unhealthy life. As Cheung reminds us, “You can do it during your 20s, but in your 30s you’re body will begin to catch up with you.” So, what can we do about it?

Luckily the answer is surprisingly quite simple, says Cheung. Firstly, you need to consider what exactly you are eating. By incorporating raw and organic food into your diet, and eating “superfoods” that are extremely rich in antioxidants and nutrients, you can begin to rearm your body in the war against toxicity. Secondly, you need to consider your lifestyle, making sure you get adequate sleep and relaxation time, eat at regular intervals and ensure that you drink enough water to cleanse your body.

If you want to go further, a good way to start is by doing a detox. Essentially this boils down to removing the toxic elements from your diet, going cold turkey on items such as refined foods like white bread and pasta, and cutting out red meat, caffeine, soda and alcohol. Over a set period of time, you then replace these with nutrients from other sources, such as the superfoods, organic whole foods and various supplements.

Cheung’s specially formulated approach is a nine-day programme, where you forgo traditional meals for “shakes” bursting with healthy goodness. Her recipes incorporate ingredients such as raw organic cocoa, spirulina and blueberries. Following an in-depth consultation, a 9-day long plan and action map is laid out. For three days shakes replace breakfast, then for two days breakfast and dinner, two days all three meals and then gradually back to just breakfast.

The benefits espoused by Cheung and her client testimonials include weight loss, clearer skin, enhanced energy levels and concentration, and reduced reliance on caffeine and cigarettes. Some clients have mentioned other benefits such as improved sexual performance (and one gay detoxer even noticed higher quantities of pre-cum and ejaculate.) So as Shakepeare’s Cleopatra says, maybe it is time to embrace some “salad days” and see what a detox can do for you.

Learn more about iDetox at: www.i-detox.com

Word: Golden Boy

The summer is here… AT LAST, so it’s time to get your pasty body ready for exposure to the sun and the public. So how does one get the perfect tan…?

The Natural Way

When heading out everybody knows that you need protection from the harmful rays of the sun. Sun tan lotions or SPFs (Sun Protection Factor products), come in a variety of formulations based on UV resistance, water or sweat resistance, child or adult use, scent, skin moisturizing properties, etc. First, any lotion should indicate “Broad-Spectrum” or “UVA/UVB” sunscreen protection. The ‘SPF’ values on the packaging indicate the level of protection from UV, with higher numbers providing stronger UV filters for your skin. For best results and protection with SPF products it is best to apply 15-30 minutes before exposure to the sun (reapply after swimming or exercise or every 2 hours if you’re just sunbathing).

Murad’s new Oil-Free Sunblock SPF 30 (available online at www.spaforlife.hk or www.spaforlife.hk and Joyce Beauty) offers oil-free matt finish, intense hydration plus pomegranate extract and broad spectrum UVA and UVB sunscreens to help prevent free radical damage and protect the skin.

More Sun Tan – With Less UV Exposure… Possible? You know the Power Plate machine in the gym…? Working in a similar way the oscillating BodyWave plate (available at California Beach Club) can help you achieve more tanning with less UV. It can increase up to 50% more tanning pigmentation from the same UV exposure through the stimulation of the body and blood circulation.

Exfoliate Before – Not After

If you like to use body scrubs and exfoliating products it is recommended that you use these before starting on your tan and limiting them when you are building up your tan as. When you exfoliate it clears away the dead skin cells and pollutants that may prevent UV rays from penetrating your skin. If you are currently tanning then it’s best not to accelerate your natural exfoliation by using products since they will speed up skin regeneration and therefore lose your much-wanted tan.

Tanning Studios

Try check out a few tanning salons before making a choice always take in to mind the staff’s knowledge, cleanliness, number of machines, quality of machines, variety of machines, opening times and additional facilities.

Quick, shorter tanning sessions performed more frequently expose melanin to more UVA more efficiently. Instead of tanning 10 minutes twice your first week, try 5-6 minutes three times, or even 4-5 minutes four times. You will lessen your overall UV exposure, reduce your chance for burning, receive more balanced vitamin D3 benefit, and ultimately get more tanned.

California Beach Club is the largest tanning salon in Hong Kong and offers the most extensive range of products and equipment ( www.californiabeachclub.net).

Hydration

Drink plenty of fluids, keep yourself and your skin hydrated by drinking at least 1.5 litres of water per day. Studies have shown moist skin seems to absorb UV better than dry skin.

Moisturize

Moisturize after each shower. Tanning itself is also drying to the skin, therefore application of accelerating/maximizing creams or even after-tan moisturizers before tanning will super-enrich the skin, thereby preventing dryness.

Keeping It

Once you do get the great tan you were looking for, do remember to maintain short but regular visits to maintain that tan. Otherwise, it’s back to the beginning. Should you chose to do no tanning, your tan will most likely be gone in under a month.

Faking It

The easiest option perhaps and without any chance of UV damage is the fake tan. For the do-it-yourself option Clarin’s (www.hkclarins.com) offer a whole range of products for face and body that give you a natural looking tan for the face and/or body with additional ingredients to keep your skin smooth and moisturized. The alternative, if you’re in doubt of your own ability to apply products without getting a streaky result is to go to a spa or salon that offer tanning application. Elemis Day Spa (www.elemisdayspa.com.hk) offers spray tanning with a selection of depth of colour for you to chose from and Om Day Spa ( www.omdayspa.comhk) offers competitive prices with great service.

So come on boys and girls – let’s get some colour in our cheeks… and arse cheeks!

Word: Avey Cortes

A quick Google search for ‘men’s facials’ will probably give you a list of gay adult sites with pictoral samples of a particular “facial” that some men enjoy. If you scroll down far enough, you will come across a link that simply states – that, “Oprah Recommends Facials for Men”.

Enough said.

Yes that’s right boys, as you well know, gone are the days when men didn’t care about the way they looked. It’s time to get sexy and savvy. Just take a look at salons throughout Asia, who are beginning to recognize mens growing interest in their looks.

Bliss Spa at the W Hotel Hong Kong (www.blissworld.com), for example, offers a multitude of treatment programs for the modern man. From the ‘manly-cure’ nail care to the ‘homme’ improvement oxygen facial, the spa provides a wide variety of services for men seeking to improve not only their appearance but their well being.

The aforementioned ‘homme’ improvement facial uses numerous hot towels, a series of scrubs and an anti-ingrown hair follicle calming mask, which also protects the skin against the sun, stress and pollution – three problems common to all big Asian cities.

Similarly, my favourite brand, Aesop have developed a treatment that alleviates the negative impact caused to our skin from environmental distress. The ‘Aesop Parsley Seed Facial treatment’ provides skin with vitamins and anti-oxidants that have significant protective and restorative benefits. This exquisite 60 minute treatment takes place in the facial area of the brand’s first floor concept store in Central. You will have passed it on the bustling Lyndhurst Terrace, but don’t let the central location put you off. The comfortable setting and soothing visuals make for a tranquil oasis right on your back door step. Your experience is enhanced with a spine tingling massage from the top of your head to décolleté (that’s your lower neck line to you and me). You are also invited to indulge in a shower for those in need of a refreshing treat after the quixotic treatment.

I would recommend this facial to rejuvenate your complexion and keep up the regime on a monthly basis. For enquiries or to make an appointment, contact Aesop (www.aesop.com.hk) at 2544-4489.

Another spa that provides great options is the Iyara Beauty Concepts (www.iyarabeauty.com). With two branches in Central and Wanchai, the spa offers a number of Dermalogica facials at unbeatable prices. Using only the finest ingredients available, all Dermalogica products are non-comedogenic and contain no occlusive mineral oil or lanolin, no irritating artificial colors or fragrance, and no drying S.D. alcohol.

The Dermalogica Intense Facial Treatment (HKD 700) uses powerful exfoliants to remove dulling superficial skin cells, improving the skins elasticity, tone and texture. If you want to get ride of dehydrated and rough skin, you may want to consider this type of facial.

The Elemis Day Spa (www.elemisdayspa.com.hk) on D’Aguilar Street offers a wide range of treatments for men, including the ‘Elemis Skin IQ Facial’. This 75 minute treatment is billed as the ultimate skin overhaul for male skin. By combining therapeutic products and bespoke massage techniques, this facial minimizes signs of ageing and calms skin irritations.

I was particularly impressed wit the ‘Elemis Urban Cleanse Facial’ (HK$1,280) which uses fast acting ingredients to reduce sensitivity and provide long lasting defense against the damaging effects of daily pollutants. In short, everyone commented on how clear and fresh I looked! The Elemis Day Spa can be reached on 2521-6660.

The best facial may fall flat if you do not follow the standard pre-requisites for a healthy existence – a balanced diet and regular exercise. So you can always start by putting down that greasy burger and picking up that reduced fat chicken sandwich (on whole-meal bread of course!). It also requires a proper understanding about the needs of your skin. You should learn to stay away from harmful chemicals and use safe products – more and more stores are stocking natural organic products.

If you do not have the time to get yourself to the spa, or find that a monthly visit burns a big whole in your wallet, try some home made facials. It’s as simple as mixing together a tablespoon of honey, egg yolk and olive oil. Apply this mixture and massage your face with your hands, then follow with a scrubber. Leave the mix on your face for 10 to 15 minutes and use cold water to wash your face. This will leave your skin feeling clean and smooth.

The best way to get healthy skin is by protecting your natural skin right from the beginning. So give your skin the treat it deserves and do as Oprah says – get a facial done.

Word: Avey Cortes

Nothing strikes fear into the heart of a man more than the thought of going a bit thin up top. Going bald is almost like catching swine flu – chances are you’ll survive, but you’ll want to wear a surgical mask to hide your identity when popping to the shops.

So great is man’s fear of losing it, that he’s prepared to put his sexual dalliances on the line by popping anti-balding pills such as Rogane Extra Strength or the newer Propecia hair loss drug. However, the main side effect to saving your hair from falling out by taking these tablets is a severe loss in libido. Now I’m hedging my bets that you would rather have your legs up in the air with Taylor Lautner between them, than cry over not being able to back comb your locks. Besides you can always reach for a hat if all else falls right?!

Well there’s no need to hide your thinning barnet under a bushel. Here are a few tips to help you ward off hair loss:

For a high tech fix, Europe based Harvard Add Hair Technologies has been helping the follically challenged in Hong Kong since 1987. The company offers a realistic and more effective alternative to the toupee by attaching hair to the scalp directly – kind of like male hair extensions if you will. The hair is identical to real hair in both look and touch. You are even free to swim, sweat, and have your honey run their fingers through it – bonus! More information on your free consultation and the different technologies available, can be found on www.harvardaddhair.com

If you are looking for something more ‘traditional’, the latest anti-hair loss solution on the market is Dr D. Founded by Dr. Dominic Lam, “Father of Biotechnology”, Dr D is a 3 step solution in the form of a shampoo, conditioner and serum. So what makes this different to all the other preventative products on the shelf? I could reel off the list of ‘scientific facts’ that these magical potions achieve, but as a number of men in my family (from the elder generation) use Dr D, they are living proof that this stuff actually does the job!

One particular family member started to thin at the crown of his head, but after a couple of months using Dr D, there was a notable reduction in hair loss and it is now thicker and healthier too:

“It works! It really works! Even my hairdresser has noticed that my hair is growing faster and thicker!”, said family member proclaimed.

He may not be the “father of Biotechnology”, but he is a father with a (relatively) full head of hair!

Dr D is available at Mannings.

The saying ‘you are what you eat’, couldn’t ring more true to the role nutrition plays in the growth of one’s hair. Being low on vitamin B12 or iron can interfere with the formation of hair cells and therefore hair growth. My personal trainer, whose hair is just as, if not more, impressive than his biceps, advised me recently to eat a “healthy hair” diet of protein at both breakfast and lunch, since hair is actually made of protein.

Hair loss may seem like agony, but there are several treatment options. If you were dealt with unkind hair genes, start with healthy lifestyle choices, a sound diet, lower your stress levels and consult your doctor for treatment options best suited to your condition. Heck whilst you’re at it, you might want to check in with your hairdresser who is bound to know a few tricks to hiding that receding hairline. If that fails, just google Jude Law. But above all, remember that in the long run a nice smile, a positive attitude and a healthy body are much more important traits than the quality of your hair. Now only if I could imagine a bald Taylor Lautner…

Word: Richard Smith

A New Year, A New Chinese New Year – have you determined to improve your lifestyle this year and go all out for a healthy body with gym visits and a healthy diet.

For many the gym and a healthy diet is not enough and they look towards vitamins and supplements to give them the boost they need to ensure a wholly healthy lifestyle and even add a little extra to the bedroom!

Here are a few of the most beneficial…

Don’t Be Moron…Take Boron

Prostrate cancer is one of the most common cancers that men are prone to – you are less likely to develop prostrate cancer if you have higher intakes of boron. Boron, according to USDA researchers, also improves memory and concentration. GNC stores carry it and you can also find it naturally in raisins and almonds.

Bone of Contention

Calcium assists in weight loss and in strengthening bones.

Sugar Free

If you come from a family prone to diabetes or are overweight then Chromium, that’s commonly used as a muscle-building supplement, makes the body more alert to insulin levels therefore making it easier to keep blood-sugar levels under control. The best form to take is in “chromium picolinate”.

Spring In Your Step

Your body produces coenzyme Q10 (which deals with your body’s supply of energy) in an ever-decreasing rate as you get older. By taking it as a supplement you can boost your self up with youthful energy. Studies have hinted that this may also have additional advantages of fighting cancer, Parkinson’s disease, Huntingdon’s disease and also, by thinning the blood, can help prevent heart disease…. Oh and to top it off, due to coenzyme Q10 containing lots of antioxidants, can slow the aging process!

Thanks For The Memory

By preventing clogged arteries and therefore improving blood-flow to your brain, Folic Acid keeps levels of homocysteine (the amino acid that increases risks of bloodclots) down. Dementia and memory loss (the initial characteristics of Alzeheimer’s) are associated with high levels of the amino acid homocysteine and it has been recognized that people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease more commonly have folic acid deficiencies. Folic acid can be found in citrus fruits, beans and fortified breads and cereals.

Top Of The Class

“No other single nutrient appears to prevent cancer more effectively than selenium,” says Gerald F. Combs, Ph.D., director of the USDA’s Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center. By increasing your intake of Selenium you decrease the risk of cancer in colon, lungs and prostrate. A natural source of selenium comes from the Brazil nut.

Holding Back The Years

Vitamin E is one of the most strongest antioxidants and may assist in the reduction of some eye diseases, heart disease, cancer… and also, according to studies, protects from muscle damage after exercise. As a whole, Vitamin E is your answer to anti aging!

Joint Success

Made from the shells of crabs and lobsters, Glucosamine rebuilds cartilage and therefore your joints. It reduces pain and stiffness in the joints and halts the progression of osteoarthritis in the knees.

If you are looking for stores in Hong Kong that supply the vitamins and supplements you need then look no further than the GNC website www.gnc.com where it lists numerous stores throughout Hong Kong which, of course supple GNC products as well as others. GNC also have a supplement to improve your bedroom antics… Biotab Nutraceuticals Extenze™ that claims to enhance pleasure and performance, improve your sex life and increase your size – well hello there big boy!