M.Tech. (Homoeopathy) / South Africa is a diverse and multi-cultured country where coronary vascular disease has become a leading cause of mortality among all sub-cultures. According to the South African Dyslipidaemia Guidelines Consensus Statement published in 2012 it is estimated that every day 80 people die of myocardial infarcts and 60 people die of strokes. Hypercholesterolaemia is associated with the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques which lead to the condensing and restriction of vessel walls. This in turn leads to an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease which can present itself in the form of hypertension and coronary heart disease (Knox, 2008). This product Vasostate™ proposes to lower total serum cholesterol levels in a variety of ways ranging from aiding and increasing the transport of cholesterol to the liver while decreasing the amount of cholesterol synthesised by the liver to reducing cholesterol uptake from the intestines (Foodstate, n.d.). The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of Vasostate™ on modifying elevated lipid and CRP levels in males with fasting total serum cholesterol levels greater than 4.5mmol/l utilising blood measures including Lipogram and ultra-sensitive CRP within a 12 week period. This was a double-blind placebo controlled study conducted over a 13 week period utilising 40 male participants 30 to 55 years of age. Participants qualified for participation in the study with two rapid total plasma cholesterol test results averaging between 4.5-6.5mmol/l and no more than two Category 2 cardiovascular risk factors or a plasma cholesterol greater than 6.5mmol/l with no more than one Category 2 cardiovascular risk factors in individuals who are unwilling or unable to take conventional dyslipidaemia medicine. Participants were divided into 2 groups of 20 each. The control group was given the placebo (an identical form to the active in appearance), while the experimental group received Vasostate™. In order to ensure uniform distribution of participants across both groups stratification of participants between each group took place according to race and cigarette smoking. To guarantee the double blinded aspect of the study the researcher was not informed which group was the active or the placebo until the statistical results were released...

Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master's Degree in Technology: Chiropractic, Durban University of Technology, 2009. / The Effect of Cervical and Thoracic Spinal Manipulations on Blood Pressure in Normotensive Males. BACKGROUND A distinguishing feature of chiropractic is manipulation that is a load delivered by hand, to specific tissues (usually a short lever bony prominence) with therapeutic intent. Chiropractic spinal manipulation results in somatovisceral reflexes, which can affect the cardiovascular system and thereby reduce blood pressure. Areas of the spine known to cause such effects are the upper cervical region and the upper thoracic region. Increased blood pressure/hypertension is a global disorder. The incidence is increasing and leads to complications of cardiovasular disease and cerebral vascular accidents OBJECTIVES The objectives of the study were to determine whether spinal manipulation evokes somatovisceral reflexes and causes a reduction in blood pressure following an atlanto-axial (C0/C1), and Thoracic segments one to five manipulations (T1-T5). METHODS Forty, asymptomatic, normotensive males between the ages of 20 – 35 years of age participated in the study. All subjects underwent four consecutive days of intervention. Day one was sham laser. Day two was C0/C1 spinal manipulation. Day three was T1-T5 thoracic manipulation. Day four was a combination of C0/C1 and T1-T5 spinal manipulations. RESULTS The results of this study suggest that blood pressure decreases following a cervical or a thoracic manipulation, however a combination of the manipulations does not have a significant cumulative effect on the reduction of blood pressure. iv CONCLUSIONS Somatovisceral reflexes are evoked following a spinal manipulation, causing a reduction in blood pressure after an upper cervical or upper thoracic manipulation. Neurophysiological effects occurring as a result of spinal manipulation may inhibit or excite somatosomatic reflexes, which changes heart rate and blood pressure. / Aaron Bear Foundation

The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate a nutrition education program for men on healthy eating when dining out. The Health Belief Model provided the basic framework to identify factors that would potentially motivate men over 40 to change their dietary behavior to reduce heart disease risk. Roundtable discussions were held to identify nutrition needs. A 10 minute "Dine Right with MENu Insight" slide program on low-fat eating away from home was developed. Three educational messages were the key concepts of the program: 1) relationship between diet and health, 2) proportionality, variety and moderation as themes of the Food Guide Pyramid and 3) low-fat food choices at home and away. A four page handout was developed to supplement the slide show presentation. Four programs were presented to a total of 148 people (136 males, 12 females) at Rotary and Kiwanis groups in Corvallis and Albany, Oregon in January and February, 1994. Each program included a pretest, the "Dine Right with MENu Insight" slide presentation and a group discussion. Of the 136 males, forty-eight volunteered (aged 40-60 years) and completed the 10-15 minute follow-up phone post-test 3-4 weeks after attending the program. Pre-test responses showed limited knowledge of the Food Guide Pyramid, with 65% of the men incorrectly selecting the vegetable group as the base of the Pyramid. Knowledge of low-fat menu choices was high with an average score of 4.7+1.1 (out of a possible 5 points) and a range of 0-5 prior to the education program. An attitude score measuring awareness of healthy dietary practices underlying the Pyramid (eg, variety, proportionality and moderation) had a mean of 5.3+1.7 (out of a possible 15) with a range of 3-8. These pre-test data suggested that participants were aware of the relationship between diet and health. In the post-test, 98% of the men correctly selected the bread group as the Food Guide Pyramid food group that should be eaten in the largest amount. This was a significant increase (p<.001) from pre-test scores. Half of the men had heard of the Pyramid prior to the program. A reassessment of healthy dietary practices awareness showed a significant increase in positive attitudes (p [less than or equal to] .001) with a mean of 3.6+.93 (out of a possible 15 points) and a range of 5-7. Seventy-three percent of the men reported that their diet could be "somewhat healthier". In the past year, 69% reported increasing their consumption of foods (eg, vegetables, grains) to reduce heart disease; 79% reported decreased consumption (eg, red meat). Seventy-five percent reported that they "sometimes" try to select lower fat foods when eating out. Personal preference (65%), menu selection (80%) and the restaurant (27%) influenced lower fat food selection decisions. Many participants indicated awareness of the relationship between proper food selection and optimal health before the program. However, awareness did increase as a result of the program. There was a significant positive (p [less than or equal to] .005) change in attitudes toward the importance of watching fat in the diet in order to stay healthy between pre and posttests. In addition, a positive (r=.36, p [less than or equal to] .05) correlation was reported between knowing that the amount of dietary fat affects the chance of heart disease and watching fat in the diet in order to stay healthy. These data suggest that the Dine Right program conveyed a tie between diet and optimum health. Significant changes in participants' knowledge about the Food Guide Pyramid and underlying concepts also suggest that the program had an impact on participants. These data suggest that knowledge of nutritious food choices at home and away from home increased or was reinforced by the program. The majority (79%) of men learned "some new things" from the program. As a result of the program, 65% planned on making changes in their diets when eating out (eg, by increasing grains, fruits, vegetables). Thirty-five percent planned to make changes at home. Eighty-three percent reported showing the Dine Right handout to someone else and 85% talked about the program with their spouse, family member, coworker or friend. The results of this research indicate that men respond to nutrition education programs. Therefore nutrition and health campaigns to reach the American male are merited. Men's health and nutrition programs such as "Dine Right with MENu Insight" could be followed by additional education programs utilizing a theoretical framework. Future research should test each of the components of the Health Belief Model on men's dietary behavior. Also extensions to other samples of men (such as those with lower educational levels) is warranted in order to better understand how to target nutrition education programs to this important audience. / Graduation date: 1995

A research report submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Master of Arts in Health Sociology in the Faculty of Humanities, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. / This study is founded on the argument that the health of a population is dependent on both structural factors and human agency. Literature shows that men are generally poor at attending to their health needs as compared to women, with statistics confirming higher mortality rates and lower life expectancy among them. This research study aimed to explore the factors influencing the health seeking behaviours of black South African working class men in Modimolle Township, Limpopo Province (South Africa). The study followed a qualitative approach where semi-structured face-to-face interviews were used for data gathering. A snowball non-probability sampling technique was used to select 15 black working class men between the ages of 29 and 50 years. All the interviews were conducted and audio recorded in Modimolle Township between two residential locations. The interviews were transcribed verbatim. Thematic content analysis was employed for data analysis in which emerging themes bordered around the identities of men, their relationship to their bodies and their perceptions of health care systems. The construction of masculinities among men created multiple and varied ways to their health seeking behaviors. Men engaged in multiple practices ranging from preventive medical check-ups, the use of various types of enemas as well as the use of traditional medicines for the maintenance of their health. These practices were associated with the construction of a responsible masculinity among the participants which challenges the notion that masculinity is associated with negative health seeking behaviors among men. / MT2018

Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master's Degree in Technology: Chiropractic, Durban University of Technology, 2009. / The Effect of Cervical and Thoracic Spinal Manipulations on Blood Pressure in Normotensive Males. BACKGROUND A distinguishing feature of chiropractic is manipulation that is a load delivered by hand, to specific tissues (usually a short lever bony prominence) with therapeutic intent. Chiropractic spinal manipulation results in somatovisceral reflexes, which can affect the cardiovascular system and thereby reduce blood pressure. Areas of the spine known to cause such effects are the upper cervical region and the upper thoracic region. Increased blood pressure/hypertension is a global disorder. The incidence is increasing and leads to complications of cardiovasular disease and cerebral vascular accidents OBJECTIVES The objectives of the study were to determine whether spinal manipulation evokes somatovisceral reflexes and causes a reduction in blood pressure following an atlanto-axial (C0/C1), and Thoracic segments one to five manipulations (T1-T5). METHODS Forty, asymptomatic, normotensive males between the ages of 20 – 35 years of age participated in the study. All subjects underwent four consecutive days of intervention. Day one was sham laser. Day two was C0/C1 spinal manipulation. Day three was T1-T5 thoracic manipulation. Day four was a combination of C0/C1 and T1-T5 spinal manipulations. RESULTS The results of this study suggest that blood pressure decreases following a cervical or a thoracic manipulation, however a combination of the manipulations does not have a significant cumulative effect on the reduction of blood pressure. iv CONCLUSIONS Somatovisceral reflexes are evoked following a spinal manipulation, causing a reduction in blood pressure after an upper cervical or upper thoracic manipulation. Neurophysiological effects occurring as a result of spinal manipulation may inhibit or excite somatosomatic reflexes, which changes heart rate and blood pressure.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of androstenedione supplementation on testosterone levels in older men. Healthy men (n = 11) between the ages of58 and 69 were divided into two groups: 6 taking 300 mg of androstenedione (mean ± SE, 62.33 ± 2.57) supplement and 5 taking the 300 mg cellulose placebo (mean ± SE, 60.2 ± 1.02) for a period of seven days. Subjects in both groups had been participating in the Ball State University Adult Fitness Program (BSUAFP) for at least one year, incorporating both aerobic and resistance training into their workouts. Testing measures involved the subjects performing two exercises (leg extension and leg curl) while having blood drawn prior to, during, and post-exercise for a period of 20 minutes both pre-and post-supplementation. Specific weights for the subjects were determined with a ten-repetition maximum (10-RM) lift on both exercises. It appeared that the subjects in the androstenedione group were stronger with the exercises than the subjects in the placebo group, but with no significance. Testosterone, estradiol, and androstenedione were analyzed via hormone assay pre-and post-supplementation. The analysis of the testosterone revealed a significant difference pre-(mean ± SE, 4.65 ± .51 ng/ml) to post-(mean ± SE, 6.72 ± .58 ng/ml) supplementation for the androstenedione group. Analysis of the androstenedione revealed a significant difference pre-(mean ± SE, 0.88 ± .20) to post-(mean ± SE, 7.46 ± 1.25) supplementation for the androstenedione group. The estradiol assay revealed no significant differences pre-to post-supplementation for either group. The placebo group did not demonstrate any significant differences pre-to post-supplementation for either testosterone or androstenedione. The results of this study concluded that supplementation with 300 mg. of androstenedione for a period of seven days significantly elevated blood testosterone in older men. / School of Physical Education

This thesis examines the lived experiences of young men, addressing their sexual health using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). It is known that young men do not access sexual health services in the same numbers as young women (Pearson, 2003a) and their masculinities are posited as a contributory factor to this. IPA was used to analyse data, collected using semi-structured interviews. Participants were young men, aged 16-20 years (n=7), recruited through local authority leisure centres; convenience sampling was used. Six semi-structured interviews were used as two participants were interviewed jointly. Interviews were conducted exclusively by the researcher, a young woman. The study aimed: • To discover young men’s lived experiences of addressing, or failing to address, their sexual health. • To discover young men’s experiences of negotiating masculinities, relating to their sexual health. Young men were found to have little knowledge of sexual health and sexually transmitted infections and asserted their wishes about sex over their partners. Women were characterised as the source of sexually transmitted infections and the young men sought to ‘protect’ themselves from their partners. However, contraception was seen as the preserve of women, despite unplanned pregnancy being a great concern for the young men. Young men’s ideals of masculinities often did not correspond to their personal ideals; in order to preserve their masculinities, the young men explained the compromises they made. In this way, they negotiated their masculinities with themselves and society. The study has contributed new knowledge and understanding about young men’s negotiation of their masculinities when considering their sexual health. A contribution to knowledge about methodology of interviewing young men has also been made, as the researcher was a young woman who was successful in eliciting rich data about a sensitive subject from young men.

M. Tech. / Binge eating is defined as eating an inordinate amount of food in a discrete period of time, during which the eater experiences a subjective loss of control (American Psychiatric Association, 2000). The event is often followed by emotional distress, including feelings of disgust, shame, fear, guilt or discomfort (Herrin, 2003). Binge eating is found in all eating disturbances, and is especially associated with binge eating disorder, which affects all races and both genders almost equally (Fairburn & Brownell, 2002). Current treatment protocols include psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy and traditional weight loss programmes (Birmingham & Treasure, 2010; Mitchell & Peterson, 2005; Wadden & Stunkard, 2002). The role of homoeopathy in the treatment of binge eating remains poorly explored. This research study was designed to examine the efficacy of homoeopathic similimum treatment on binge eating in males, following ten case studies. The research was carried out at the University of Johannesburg Homoeopathy Health Centre, from 8 July 2010 to 24 November 2010. Ten male participants, all between the ages of 23 and 42, took part in this research. Each participant was screened telephonically before their first consultation. Inclusion criteria included eating a large volume of food within a short space of time, and feeling a loss of control over eating habits. Exclusion criteria included a prior diagnosis of anorexia nervosa, bulemia nervosa or any morbidity associated with obesity, including diabetes mellitus and heart disease. Each participant attended a total of four consultations over a 12 week period. Follow-up consultations took place every three weeks. During each interview, the participants' severity and frequency of binge eating was assessed through their history, a self-assessment calender for recording binging incidence between consultations and by completing a psychometric evaluation. On the second and third consultation, each participant was issued with an individuated similimum prescription based on the totality of their case history, to be taken as directed. v. All data was collected and analyzed, with the following results: – All participants reported a variable decrease in their binging frequency and severity. – Most participants experienced a concurrent improvement in other aspects of their health, such as their sleeping habits, libido, blood pressure, level of confidence or an overall sense of well-being. – Statistical analysis of the participants' measured results confirms a significant improvement in both binging frequency and severity after similimum treatment. The researcher concluded that this study shows the possible benefits of homoeopathic similimum treatment in binge eating in males, by decreasing both binging frequency and severity.

M.S.

Although the association between elevated serum cholesterol levels and cardiovascular risk has been known for many years, few studies, with freely living individuals have used a full complement of intervention strategies to attempt to alter practices associated with elevated serum cholesterol. Two studies, (Study 1, n=4; Study 2, n=8) with 12 middle age men (mean age = 47.3 years) and with elevated serum cholesterol (x= 238.7 mg/dl) are presented that use multiple measures of serum cholesterol (using the Boehringer Mannheim Reflotron and finger stick technique). The main intervention strategies included a combination of procedures using education, frequent serum cholesterol feedback (two to three times per week), and specific dietary feedback (one to two times per week). A less intensive intervention that is similar to recent studies in the literature was also implemented and assessed for half the subjects in Study The results of the two studies indicated that within approximately 14 weeks, the combination of enhanced procedures reduced serum cholesterol by about 14%, or about double that found in prior studies. The less intensive intervention showed reductions of 9.1% The use of multiple measures also allowed for the study of intraindividual variability. issues pertaining to maintenance of effect, cost-effectiveness, and generalizability are also discussed. / Master of Science