If you have heard the word “circumcision,” you would most probably know it is done in the newborn period of a boy’s life. It is not unlikely that older boys or adult men undergo this procedure for personal, cultural, or medical reasons. Circumcisions are undoubtedly a controversial issue and, in the majority of the Western World, the decision rests with the parents of the newborn boy. Most commonly, it is a procedure performed in the United States, Canada, the Middle East, Australia, and Africa. It is less common in Asia, Europe, and South America. Parents may choose to circumcise their son for a number of reasons, such as religious beliefs, hygienic concerns, or the belief that it benefits the boy’s health at all stages of his life.
Before making this decision, it is important to know some facts about circumcision and be aware of both the advantages and the potential risks. Overall, it seems that the advantages of male baby circumcision outweigh the negative effects—as the American Academy of Pediatrics Supports. Though it is an ancient religious procedure, it has been thoroughly researched and studied by medical professionals across the globe.
What is it?
Circumcisions are a surgical procedure that refers to the removal of the skin that covers the tip of the penis (also known as foreskin).
What are the advantages?
Some of the health benefits of circumcision include:
- Easier hygiene: the removal of the foreskin makes it easier to wash the penis. Although it enhances good genital hygiene, boys should be taught how to properly clean themselves regardless.
- Decreased risk of urinary tract infections: though the risk of UTIs in males is generally low, UTIs are more common in uncircumcised males.
- Decreased risk of contracting HIV and other sexual transmitted infections. Remember circumcision is not a preventative for STIs, but it does lower the risks of one.
- Prevention of penile problems: the foreskin on an uncircumcised penis can be difficult or impossible to retract, also referred to as phimosis. This can lead to inflammation of the head of the penis, something that circumcision helps prevent against.
- Lower risk of penile cancer: although this is a rare type of cancer, it is less common among circumcised men. In addition, the risks of cervical cancer are lower among the female partners of circumcised men.
What are some risks?
Serious complications associated with circumcision are extremely low, around 0.2%, and mostly associated with circumcisions occurring outside a hospital. Minor complications are about 3%. All risks are minimal when the procedure is carried out by a trained medical professional in a sterile setting.
Some rare complications may include:
- Bleeding at the time of the procedure
- Infection
- Pain
- Deformity to the penis, usually appearing at a later age
Remember you are not medically or legally required to circumcise your baby. If you choose to do it, consult with your doctor and make sure you are comfortable in your decision, as well as
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With the increased consumption of processed foods, we lose many of the nutrients necessary for our overall health. A large number of women turn to dietary supplements and multivitamins to make up for what they are not getting via their diet. The effort required for a healthy and balanced diet is sometimes too much to be accommodated through the rapid tempo of daily life, so even though women could get a lot of the necessary nutrients through food this is not always realistic. Vitamins, multivitamins and mineral supplements, are especially helpful for the following categories:
- Women who are or may become pregnant: to lower the risk of birth defects, pregnant women should have a daily intake of at least 400 micrograms of folic acid.
- Postmenopausal women: due to hormonal changes after menopause, women tend to lose bone density at a faster rate—especially when compared to men. Calcium and vitamin D are optimal to prevent osteoporosis, and they are not adequately provided through nutrition. A supplement that includes those, along with B-12 and weight exercises will help prevent osteoporosis and any associated health problems.
- Vegetarians: the consumption of plant products and vegetables may mean that women who follow a vegetarian diet are more in need of vitamins generally found in animal products. Most commonly, vitamins B-12 and B-2, as well as vitamin D lack in vegetarian, and especially vegan, diets.
Though it is easy to turn to dietary supplements and minerals to make up for the low levels of these vitamins in food, it is not impossible to make dietary choices that provide you with the necessary nutrients. These are some of the foods that contain important vitamins and minerals for your health, though you should always listen to your body and consult your health care provider if you make major dietary changes or are experiencing health challenges:
- Vitamin B9 (folic acid): spinach and other dark green leafy vegetables, oranges, pure orange juice, nuts, beans, chicken, lean beef, whole grains, and cereals with added folic acid
- Vitamin B-12: low-fat or fat-free milk, eggs, liver, poultry, clams, sardines, flounder, herring, blue cheese, and nutritional yeast. It may also be found in food that have B-12 added, such as cereal, fortified soy beverages, and veggie burgers.
- Vitamin D: tuna, salmon, and fortified foods
- Calcium: low-fat or fat-free yogurt, cheese, and milk. Dark green leafy vegetables and canned salmon make good sources of calcium as well. It’s found in calcium-added foods such as select soy beverages, 100% orange juice, tofu, and cereals.
- Iron: lean red meats and chicken, seafood, cereals/breads with added iron, oysters, beans, dark chocolate, liver, spinach, tofu, and canned tomatoes.
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After what felt like a never-ending winter, Buffalo has enjoyed beautiful weather so far this summer! Outdoor activities with family and friends are a safe way to adhere to social distancing, while exploring the most scenic sites in Buffalo. The region has countless hiking trails and many beautiful creeks. Additionally, Western New York is home to some incredible wildlife, including deer, foxes, hawks, and bald eagles.
Here is our list of the best nature-related day trips within an hour’s drive from Buffalo.
- Chestnut Ridge Park
One of Erie County’s best attributes, Chestnut Ridge Park is located about a half hour outside of Buffalo—just past Orchard Park. This huge park offers beautiful scenery for hiking, biking, or even driving. The park includes picnic areas and tennis courts.
- Eternal Flame Falls at Chestnut Ridge Park
This interesting natural phenomenon is tucked away off the beat and path in Chestnut Ridge Park. The waterfall contains a natural gas spring with a flame that can reach four to eight inches. The best time to see the falls at full water capacity is during the spring, after plenty of rain. However, the half-mile hike is scenic and can also be an enjoyable outing in the dry season.
- Tifft Nature Preserve
This urban-adjacent gem is located only five minutes from downtown Buffalo on the Outer Harbor. Tifft is a massive 264-acre preserve with five miles of trails and boardwalks. The facilities offer fishing and guided tours. Additionally, Tifft is an ideal spot for photographers, as it’s designated as an ‘important bird area’ by the Audubon Society. Many at-risk species, including bald eagles, red-shouldered hawks, and short-eared owls can be found among the 265 bird species at the preserve.
- Eighteen Mile Creek
If you are looking for a less urban/more remote option, check out Eighteen Mile Creek in Hamburg. This 466-acre undeveloped park offers vast hiking trails with fishing and wildlife viewing. Parking near South Creek Road leads to a trailhead that continues along the rim of the creek for about five miles.
- Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve
Located in the suburb of Depew, this unique 292-acre complex offers lush forests, ponds, and wetlands. Popular walking trails include the Lily Pond Loop where visitors can see ducks, geese, turtles and other aquatic wildlife, and the Beech Tree Trail that takes visitors through a beech-maple forest. Many native species of wildlife to Western New York, including white-tailed deer, beavers, waterfowl, red-tailed hawks, pileated woodpeckers and blue herons, can be found here.
- Knox Farm State Park
Those looking for more than just hiking and fishing, should check out the biking and equestrian trails at Knox. This state park occupies the former estate of the Knox family near the idyllic village of East Aurora.
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