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PIERCING PAIN?
I am thinking about getting my penis pierced, but I have heard mixed things about it. My friend has a Prince Albert and it looks so hot. My boyfriend, on the other hand, said that it can screw up your penis and that it really hurts. Is this true or does my boyfriend just not want me to get one? 
Brent New York, NY
Genital piercing has a long history in the gay community. The particular piercing called the Prince Albert (PA) pierces the penis from the outside and into the urethra. The PA heals more quickly than many other piercings, and some believe that the frequent bathing of the piercing with urine contributes to the healing process. Infections of Prince Alberts are relatively rare. Initial healing typically takes from one to two weeks, with full healing taking nine months or more. One common misconception surrounding the Prince Albert is that it is very painful. Most men state that although it is sensitive it is actually less painful than other piercings. Some believe that penetrating the urethra causes dribbling of urine. This is not due to the piercing but is more likely caused by the urine flowing down the ring itself, although some men have found that downsizing the gauge of their piercing can result in abnormal urine fl ow. And men have said that the PA actually enhances sexual pleasure for both partners. So you might want to tell your boyfriend that as well.
STROKE AFTER STROKE
My grandfather is having a lot of problems because of multiple strokes, and it kills me to see what this has done to him. I would guess that I’m too young to worry about it (23), but how do I know if I’m at risk? Are there things I should be doing now so I don’t have to worryabout this in the future?
David Silvan Baton Rouge, LA
Sorry to hear about your grandfather. What it sounds like to me is that he is having multiple mini-strokes, or what we clinicians call TIAs, or transient ischemic attacks. A stroke is defined as a cutoff in the blood supply to the brain. There are two common causes. The fi rst is an ischemic stroke. These make up about 80% of all strokes and are caused by a clot that travels from a distant place like the heart (which is called an embolic stroke) or a clot that develops in a vessel in the brain (called a thrombotic stroke). These clots are like the ones that develop in your heart and cause a heart attack. The second type of stroke is called a hemorrhagic stroke and developswhen a blood vessel in the brain pops causing hemorrhage. In either case, blood supply is cut off to the brain and impedes the fl ow of oxygen. Risk factors include advanced age, hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes mellitus, high cholesterol and cigarette smoking. Cigarette smoking is the most important modifi able risk factor of stroke. Signs of stroke include muscle weakness, slurred speech, a drooping eyelid and numbness. In these cases seek medical attention immediately. A stroke can be treated if caught early on. Men who have symptoms of stroke that resolve in less than 24 hours are considered to be having mini-strokes and should seek medical attention to fi nd the underlying cause.
WORKOUT WARRIOR
Is there any difference if I work out in the morning or after I get out of work? Is one time more effective than another? Does your body respond differently at different times of the day?
Thomas West Lynnfield, MA
Not everyone’s body responds the same way to exercise, so when you work out is truly circumstantial to you. Working out in the morning has its benefi ts because there are usually fewer distractions because it’s before your day begins versus during or after, when situations might arise that can give you excuses not to work out. You are also raising your heart rate and kick-starting your metabolism to burn off calories earlier in the day, plus a morning workout can give you energy and mental focus that can last for hours. Since your body needs fuel to work out, eat something small before you head to the gym early to make sure you aren’t burning muscle. You are also waking up “cold,” with lower temperature, blood flow and stiff muscles so your body needs a good warm-up. Later in the day, when your body temperature is regulated and you have had some fuel (food), you may fi nd you have more endurance and energy for a workout, resulting in a better overall session. Your body has been up and moving for hours, so you won’t be warming up on stiff muscles, and you’ll burn off some stored calories from the day. The best overall benefi t is that you’ll be able to relieve some stress and tension from the day. You will also need to factor in that you’ll have increased energy after your workout, which could make it difficult for you to sleep. Always ask your doctor, but we’ll try our best to heal you.
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