A Blog For Healthy Living

Teenage sex education: Helpful guide for healthy life

2011-04-30T23:51:00.000-07:00

Sex education is a burning issue worldwide. Comprehensive sex education must be imparted to teenagers to make them healthy and happier.

Teenage sex education: Helpful guide for healthy life

Sex education is a burning issue worldwide. Many statistical data show that majority of adults have a feeling that teenagers should not be having sex. To control such acts, most parents, intellectuals and teachers support the notion that comprehensive sex education must be imparted to teenagers to make them healthy and happier. During teenage, girl or boy become sexually mature. It should be well informed to this age group that if you have sex, you could get pregnant or get someone pregnant. Besides pregnancy, having sex can have dangerous consequences such as a sexually transmitted disease, herpes or genital warts, or HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Sometimes teens do not follow the advise of adults and feel that they are restricted to enjoy the life. The best explanation to this question is that enjoyment is not the necessity of life at this stage. Teens must have good physical and mental health. They must concentrate on studies and career on which whole life rest. Teens must be secure when they do not have sex.
Advocates of sex education believe that sex education in included in the curriculum of schools. The goal of this education is to aware teenagers about physical growth and dangerous consequences if they go on the wrong path such as become infected with a venereal disease when they have physical contact. Parent must take full responsibility to explain teen about sex. They must provide correct information, which reflects family’s values. They must be able to clear all queries asked by their son or daughter. Two, you want to be sure that you are prepared to answer questions your teen may have. Sexuality Education is a program that must start in high school or earlier. It must cover age appropriate sexuality topics and the broad spectrum of sex education, including safe sex, STDs, contraceptives, masturbation, body image, and more. People must not feel shy to discuss cases about sex at teens and generate awareness among teenagers. Teachers, elders and parents must be prepared for questions with the correct answers, and not encourage teens to clear it from other sources, which may misguide teens.

Note: This information is just for knowledge. It has no relation with personal life of individual. Writer is not responsible for any difference of opinion.

healthy sex Comparisons Chart

2010-12-27T04:32:00.000-08:00

Learning to distinguish healthy sexuality from other forms of sexual experience empowers you to bring healthy sex more into your own life and relationships. Below you will find a “comparisons” chart that contrasts “healthy sexuality” with a “sexual abuse and sexual addiction” perspective on sex. Pay attention to any items that concern or confuse you. You may want to discuss these with a friend, counselor, or health educator, to tease out the differences more. How you think about sex significantly effects how you and your partner will experience and feel about it.

Sexual Abuse and Addiction	Healthy Sex
Sex is uncontrollable energy	Sex is controllable energy
Sex is an obligation	Sex is a choice
Sex is addictive	Sex is a natural drive
Sex is hurtful	Sex is nurturing, healing
Sex is a condition for love or devoid of love	Sex is an expression of love
Sex is "doing to" someone	Sex is sharing with someone; sex is part of who I am
Sex is void of communication	Sex requires communication
Sex is secretive	Sex is private
Sex is exploitative	Sex is respectful
Sex is deceitful	Sex is honest
Sex benefits one person	Sex is mutual
Sex is emotionally distant	Sex is intimate
Sex is irresponsible	Sex is responsible
Sex is unsafe	Sex is safe
Sex has no limits	Sex has boundaries
Sex is power over someone	Sex is empowering
Sex requires a double life	Sex enhances who you really are
Sex compromises your values	Sex reflects your values
Sex feels shameful	Sex enhances self esteem

Can a sex addict break free from this addiction?

2010-12-25T02:22:00.000-08:00

Can a sex addict break free from this addiction?

Read the personal account of a sex addict as he struggles through his recovery.

Hi, I'm Paul, and I'm in recovery for sex and lust addiction. My recovery has been amazing to me, because I was actively in that addiction for close to 35 years, during which time I attempted to quit many times. All of those times, I tried under my own power and failed miserably.

It started with my first exposure to pornography at the age of about 6 years old. There was a large family gathering at a cousin's house, and I discovered a stack of men's magazines in a corner of his living room. The whole family was there, including my parents, but no one seemed to mind that this young boy was looking at the dirty pictures. I was instantly enthralled by those images, and all these years later they are still imprinted on my mind. I can also recall the laughter. Those images caused my body to respond in a way that I didn't understand. When I got up to go to the bathroom, thinking I had to urinate, I could hear people snickering. When I came out and went back to the magazines, there was even more laughter. This caused me to feel shame that I didn't understand, but I knew that I didn't want to feel it again.

Even so, I was obsessed with those images. Not wanting to face the ridicule, I kept my obsession a secret. So I would look to sneak that thrill whenever I could. Admittedly, in my community in the mid-60's there weren't a lot of outlets for a boy that young to find dirty pictures. But when I was about 10 years old, I discovered a readily available source. My father kept a stash of books and magazines in his sock drawer. From that time on, whenever I was home alone, I would be at that sock drawer. Even later on as an adult, when my parents would leave town and ask me to look after their house, I couldn't keep myself from going to their room and kneeling to my dad's shrine to the porn god.

Even as other kids my age started showing an interest in sex, I still kept my obsession a secret. An example is when I was in junior high school. My friends and I often took a shortcut walking home that took us under a bridge crossing railroad tracks. One day we found an adult magazine and stopped to look through it. We eventually left the magazine there and continued on our way. Since I lived the furthest, I eventually was walking alone. I doubled back close to a mile so that I could pick up and take that magazine home.

My relationship with the opposite sex at this time was disastrous. I was 6-feet tall by the age of 13, but only weighed 140 pounds. As the tallest person in my class, I was the target of any kid who felt a need to prove himself. Since I was skinny and uncoordinated, I had no chance whatsoever of defending myself. The few times I tried were quite painful, so I started to run away from conflicts. To say the least, my self-confidence was abysmally low. And if I didn't have the courage to stand up for myself, how could I possibly muster up the courage to talk to those frightening creatures called girls?

But I made up for all of that in my fantasy life. Those girls in the pictures all thought I was an impressive young man, and they were so eager to have sex with me, that they were already out of their clothes. Who was I to say no? It was not unusual for me to masturbate three to four times a day during junior high and high school. But with real life, flesh and blood girls, I was painfully shy.

Despite this, somehow I met a girl in my junior year of high school. Actually, we were thrown together by mutual friends. We started dating, and after only four months, I finally got up the nerve to kiss her. In looking back, I can see that my fear of rejection held me back for that long; I wasn't going to make that move until I was sure she wouldn't say no. Once I was sure, it only took me a couple of months to take the physical relationship the rest of the way.

We continued dating for the next four years, including three years of long distance relationship as I went to college out of state. I figured I'd never be able to meet another girl who would put up with my shyness, so I married her. This is where we break to the happy ending, "they lived happily ever after," Right? Wrong!

Marriage did not take the place of my addiction to lust and pornography. After our honeymoon, we packed up and moved to Utah for my senior year of college. Immediately upon arriving in Utah, I went on a senior field trip with the college of engineering. Among the stops was two nights in Las Vegas. The first night some of my classmates and I took a cab into downtown and ended up in a topless bar, followed by going to an adult bookstore. The next night they were going to check out one of the more up-scale strip clubs, but I faked illness so that I could stay behind. It's not as noble as it sounds. I couldn't handle another night of getting worked up in front of guys, where I couldn't act out. So I stayed in the hotel room and acted out with myself, several times. Marriage hadn't removed my addiction for even two weeks!

Over the next few years we started our family, and I kept my addiction as that secret place I would go to when the frequency of sex didn't keep up with my expectations. And through having three children in 4 ½ years, my wife was often too tired to meet my needs, so I went to that secret place quite often. We lived one year in Utah, followed by six years in Montana. Neither place had a readily available source of pornography, so I had to make do with the soft-core magazines I could get, and R-rated movies.

When we moved to back to California in 1986 all of that changed. My wife wouldn't let any hard-core materials into the house, but that didn't stop me. I found that I could go to the adult bookstores at lunch, or on my way home, and hide my purchases in my briefcase or in the trunk of my car. My memory was photographic enough to allow me to act out based on the images that I stored in my head; I didn't need to have the magazines actually with me.

Our physical relationship deteriorated to the point that we had a set routine. We'd go to bed, I'd approach her in a "romantic" mood, she'd say she was tired and wanted to sleep, and I would say it was all right. This would go on for several months at a time before we would actually be physically intimate. I got to the point that I didn't mind, because I had another outlet for my sexual energy that never turned me down.

All this time I kept telling myself that what I was doing was noble, because I loved my wife enough to do that so I wouldn't have to cheat on her. What I didn't realize is that when I started to turn inward physically, satisfying myself, I also started turning inward emotionally. I became self-centered and distant. When she would try and tell me that there was a problem, I wouldn't listen. I was perfect, so I couldn't have any problems. In fact, I thought that she was the problem, because I wasn't getting enough sex. Well thirteen years of my kind of perfection was all she could stand, so in 1993 she moved out and we divorced.

That first year we shared custody of the kids, on alternating weeks. So when I was alone in the house, I could suddenly do things I couldn't before. I could openly bring out my hard-core magazines, and even run videos. With no accountability of any kind, I just went wild. Early that next year, I got majority custody of my children, so I had to go back underground with my addiction. All that means is that I had to take it behind the closed door of my room.

About this same time I went through a divorce recovery program, and met an amazing lady there. We started dating and got serious. Since I had my kids, I couldn't spend all of my time with her, so I kept the secret life at home going.

But she did start to encourage me to make some positive changes in my life. We went to church on occasion, I started listening to Christian radio, and I started to remember what guilt feels like. I had accepted Christ as my personal Lord and Savior as a freshman in college. However, not knowing what that meant, I continued to live my life as if nothing had happened. I did read the Bible on occasion, and I was developing an intellectual knowledge of God and Christ, but I didn't understand the concept of a relationship.

I started to realize that what I was doing was wrong, so I tried to quit. I went through my stash of magazines and videos and threw them all away. But within a week, I'd go out and buy some more, and build my stash again, only to eventually throw those away as well. This vicious cycle went on for about five years, during which I quit probably close to 100 times. In recovery, we say that insanity is defined as doing the same thing over and over, and expecting different results. I was definitely insane!

A big change came in my life early in the year 2000. I bought a new computer, with a modem, and got on the internet for the first time. I no longer had to build up a stash, everything was right there at my fingertips. So when I felt guilty over what I was doing, instead of throwing everything away, I just turned the computer off. This greatly accelerated the cycle of quitting and starting again from every other week to a daily basis.

After three months of this, my mood and behavior changed enough that it was obvious that something was wrong. When my fiancé confronted me, I admitted to my problem. This was a very difficult thing for her to hear, and she shared things with me that I had never thought of before, like that I was cheating on her emotionally, and that I was even cheating on her physically, in that I was feasting my eyes and mind on images and situations that no flesh and blood woman could ever hope to compete with.

Since my fiancé had dealt with betrayal in earlier relationships, what I did struck her as down right cruel. She still gave me a second chance, which I squandered in a couple of weeks, complete with lying through my teeth to try and cover up. At this point she had had enough and she broke off our engagement.

So for the first time in my life, I started looking outside of myself for help. First I went to a therapist who tried hypnotism (which didn't work), then a second therapist. Soon after, I joined a support group, and I would love to say that everything went wonderfully from there on out. But it didn't. I struggled with my sobriety from the start. Sexual sobriety is defined as no form of sex with yourself or anyone else other than your wife. As a single Christian, this meant no form of sex whatsoever. I would do well for short periods, and then fall. I started to collect 30-day chips, and it was a wonderful day when I finally got a 60-day chip.

After a year in recovery I had finally worked my way up to almost 5 months of sobriety when I was thrown another curve ball. My 18-year-old son suddenly became sick, and after several doctor visits was finally diagnosed with an aggressive form of malignant melanoma. By the time we realized he was sick, the cancer had spread throughout his body. One week after we discovered what he had, my son passed away.

This was especially hard because one of the other side effects of my addiction was a separation from God that kept me from sharing with him the Truth that I knew in my head. With what I was doing in secret, I felt like a hypocrite, so I just stayed silent on the issue. I had hoped that he would have time to find Christ on his own, as I had done.

My son's death happened just as my group was finishing the fourth step. In this step, we would write down a spiritual inventory of our sins, resentments, hurts, and hang-ups. This tends to be a very emotional exercise and we were learning to open up and feel things that I had never felt before. My grief acted to shut that all back up. I essentially put my recovery on hold, delayed doing my fifth step for several months, and slowed down the whole group in the process.

But God was good to me once again. He filled my support group with incredible men who wrapped their loving arms around me and helped me through my grief. I am also aware that my leaders went to bat for me in allowing me to stay in the group, even though my recovery was on hold. The suggestion that I go to another group so that I wouldn't hold up others any further was the impetus that I needed to get my recovery on track again. So I met with my sponsor and completed my fifth step through a lot of tears. The rest of our group also got back on track, and we completed the steps in only 24 short months.

The recovery process brought about several positive changes in me. God has restored my life to a point where I can look at myself in the mirror without disgust. He has restored my relationships and I married that amazing woman in May of 2003. He has taken away my desire to wander around the internet, or to go to places that sell those kinds of magazines. He has made me aware of the triggers that could rekindle that desire, and given me tools to combat those triggers, including a caring support group that I can call on at any time.

But I think the most important change was in my spiritual life. Proverbs 27:17 tells us that "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." Before going through a support group, I had no concept of what it meant to be a follower of Christ. But the men in my group sharpened me. Through their transparency, humility, and love, they modeled for me what a Christian man looks like. I still keep a close relationship with several of the guys from that group, and we give each other encouragement, prayers, and accountability. I also learned that it was okay to hate my addiction, but also to thank God for allowing me to have it. Because it was only through the recovery from my addiction that I was able to enter into healthy relationships with other men and for the first time to understand what a relationship with Christ means.

Thank you Lord for the incredible changes that You have brought about in my life. Thank you for letting me share

Is Sex Addiction Real?

2010-12-24T23:13:00.000-08:00

Although several high-profile celebrities have sought treatment for sexual addiction, the diagnosis tends to elicit eye rolling and sarcastic reactions ("Right, I’m a sex addict too"). Because, really, who doesn’t love sex?

To some, saying you have a sex addiction is a bit like saying you’re addicted to the gym or eating cookies; it’s an innocent exaggeration. Add in the fact that many experts aren’t convinced either—sexual addiction is not formally recognized in the bible of psychiatry, The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)—and the diagnosis smacks of a philanderer’s last-ditch grasp at redemption.

While sex may indeed be akin to drugs in its ability to bring on seriousrelationship wrecking and life-altering (not in a good way) behavior, it is not supported by the same hard evidence that proves addiction, says Charles O’Brien, MD, the chair of the substance-related disorders work group for the American Psychiatric Association, which will publish the DSM-V, the fifth version of the manual.

"Drugs activate [an addict’s] brain’s reward system directly, like getting food or water," says Dr. O’Brien, a professor of psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania. "It could be that there are some similarities in those people who are called ‘sex addicts,’ but it hasn’t been studied or demonstrated."

Sexual behavior that might elsewhere be called addiction will instead fall into a new DSM category called hypersexual disorder. Many of the symptoms are similar to what mental health providers consider sex addiction.

But until larger studies are conducted by evaluators who don’t have a hand in providing treatment, there just isn’t enough proof. "Good evidence that it should be classified with addictions doesn’t exist," says Dr. O’Brien. "Established professionals won’t use that term."

Still, addiction therapy and rehab programs are booming, and patients swear by their treatment. Despite the debate over the diagnosis, sex addiction counselors say there are distinct differences between the sexually addicted and people who just love sex.

Secrets to a Healthy Sex Life

2010-12-18T02:10:00.000-08:00

A healthy sex life is part of a healthy lifestyle. When you're having a loving and exciting intimate relationship with your partner, you feel fulfilled and energized. Sex also has physical benefits that help you stay well.

However, there are times when you may feel too exhausted or stressed to maintain a good sexual relationship. There are many factors that contribute to low sex drive including obesity, poor diet and stress. For normal sexual function we need healthy organs as well as a balanced, working endocrine system producing the necessary hormones.

Natural health offers numerous ways to enhance your sexual energy and invigorate your intimate relationship. "Sexual energy is simply energy," explains herbalist Brigitte Mars, author of Natural First Aid (Storey Books Publishing). "When you're exhausted and don't have energy to get through the day, you won't have energy for your sexual relationship. Anything, such as exercise and a good diet, that enhances your energy, will enhance your sexual energy as well."

As Mars explains, a wholesome diet, low in fat and high in fiber and complex carbohydrates is a good place to begin for increasing your sexual energy. A diet and lifestyle that promote circulation and normal weight, and contain high-vitality fresh foods will lead to better sexual function.

A general multi-vitamin and antioxidant formulais a necessary component. One of the most important nutrients for sexual health is zinc. Many of the foods traditionally believed to improve sexual function come from the ocean. Oysters and clams have high levels of zinc, which may have been the basis for their reputations as sexual enhancers.

Daniel Gagnon, medical herbalist and author ofLiquid Herbal Drops in Everyday

Use (Botanical Research and Education Institute), agrees. He believes that stress is the big culprit for depriving men and women of healthy sex. "Most people are basically running ragged, and the ability to have a successful sexual experience is the antithesis of how the body and mind feels in a state of stress," he notes.

Gagnon names four herbs as essential for a healthy sex life:

* Damiana -- Over a period of time, Damiana nourishes the body and it is a slight mood elevator. Those who take it may feel more alert but not hyper. It does not contain or act like caffeine.

* Passion Flower – This herb may help stop excessive brain chatter so a person can be more in the mood for lovemaking. It was once used by the early American Indians to soothe their nerves.

* Muira Puama – Although this Amazonian tree is widely believed to restore libido, Gagnon says exactly how it works is a mystery. "Because it is not a stimulant as such, no one really knows exactly what this herb does. But it seems to work."

* Cacao (chocolate) – Christopher Hobbs, author of Handbook for Herbal Healing (Botanica Press) cites this herb as one of the most renowned aphrodisiacs. According to Hobbs, "It is mildly euphoric and stimulating to the nervous system, with minimal effects on the cardiovascular system."

Gagnon emphasizes that the health of the whole body is the best aphrodisiac of all. He also recommends eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, exercise, deep breathing and adequate rest.

Good Sex For Good Health

Cynthia Watson, M.D., author of Love Potions: A Guide to Aphrodisiacs and Sexual Pleasures, agrees that a healthy sex life and overall good health are intrinsically linked. "Sex makes you relax, relieves stress, connects you intimately with another person, and produces endorphins, the body's natural pain relievers. Plus, I believe sex helps the immune system function better."

Watson notes that besides the physiological explanations, the mind/body connection is important as well. "Basically, sexual pleasure is good for your health. It's relaxing; it alleviates stress. We all know that stress is a factor in heart disease, and it can also impair white cell function, part of the immune system's ability to fight off sickness. Anything you can do to combat stress is good for you. Likewise, when you're happier, you have less of a chance for developing disease."

Exercise is another aspect that helps keep your sex life alive, notes Watson. "I think of regular physical exercise as an inexpensive aphrodisiac. After all, you need endurance to maintain a sexual rhythm that carries you and your partner to sexual heights. Physical fitness helps energize you; conversely, a lack of energy dampens the libido."

Aromatherapy is helpful as well, according to many experts. Watson suggests scenting the air with a few drops of jasmine, sandalwood or ylang-ylang essential oil. Scented massage oils also help open up the sexual chakras she notes. She suggests trying Tantric Yoga exercisesthat teach you to move energy through the chakras.

Tremendous Quick Weight Loss

2010-12-17T13:21:00.000-08:00

The body can do much more than most people think it might and that’s the reason super quick weight loss is possible. Within the army folks learn the bounds of the human body. Most individuals are very surprised just how far they can push themselves. Let me take the time to elucidate how dropping pounds works. Then, we will talk about theadvantages of shedding weight. Finally, I’ll enable you arrange your own extreme objectives that can see you shedding the kilos as fast as possible.

Every single day you take in a certain quantity of calories. This is printed on the container of the food you get. In case your food doesn’t are available in a container, then likelihood is it does not have too many calories. I’m speaking about fruit and veggies here. I’m not talking a few slice of pizza that you get from a pizza place. Those might not have the energy marked on the container, however they’re nonetheless there.

The more calories you take into your physique the upper the probabilities are that you will achieve weight. Let me explain. You see, your physique burns a sure number of calories each day. Even in the event you just sit in a single place, your body is going to burn over a thousand calories. In case you move round then your body will burn even more calories.

So, if you happen to absorb extra energy than you burn off, then your physique will flip those energy into fat. Should you burn off more energy than you take in, then your physique will burn off the fat. That is just the way it works.

This leads some people to assume it is smart to just cease eating all together. Well, your body is too good for that. If you happen to cease consuming then your body will reset how many calories it burns off. It’s going to begin burning off a lot less calories so you won’t drop pounds and when you begin eating again you’ll achieve more weight than you’ll have otherwise. So, starving yourself is a really dangerous plan.

When you drop pounds you are able to be happier because you get in a greater temper when you find yourself thinner.

Tremendous fast weight reduction comes as you give you a plan that will see you shedding a ton of weight. So, all you might want to do is decrease the amount of energy you absorb by an affordable fee, after which transfer round a lot more so you burn off a ton extra calories.

The Cholesterol Solution

2010-12-12T01:34:00.000-08:00

by Barrett Niehus http://www.freetrainer.com

Is there an alternative to statin drugs such as Lipitor and Pravachol? If yes, does it have any side effects? Physicians are facing these questions each day however, most have bought into the drug companies marketing, and have not done the research for themselves. The truth is that there a number of naturally-occurring compounds that will work as well as, or better than, these multi- million dollar drugs. These compounds are found naturally in our bodies, or are found in nature. They don’t cause the side effects commonly found with statins, and are much safer to use. These compounds have been clinically shown to improve cholesterol levels without the heart damaging side effects found with statin drugs.

So what are these compounds, and why hasn’t the doctor told me about them? Well, there are a couple of them. The first is Pantethine. Pantethine is a compound in your body that is created from vitamin B- 5. Although your body produces it through enzyme metabolism, supplementation of Pantethine has been shown to significantly improve your cholesterol levels. As your body uses Pantethine, it slows down cholesterol production in your liver. It also increases the rate at which your metabolism uses fats. Because of this effect, Pantethine has been clinically demonstrated to increase your level of good cholesterol (HDL) while lower the level of bad cholesterol (LDL) in your body.

Where is the proof? Japan has actually been using Pantethine for over 30 years. There are a number of clinical trials that demonstrate its effectiveness on cholesterol levels, as well as improved liver function.

In addition to Pantethine, the mineral Niacin has been shown to greatly decrease the levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) in the blood stream. Our Niacin intake is typically pretty low in western diets because of the number and type of processed foods that we eat. Subsequently, supplementation has been shown to significantly improve our cholesterol profile. In fact, the combination of Niacin and Pantethine can be more effective than statins in improving overall cholesterol levels.

The impact of this is significant, especially when you consider that side of effects of Pantethine and Niacin are non-existent when compared to the effects of statin drugs on you heart, liver, and short term memory. In fact, there are no documented short or long- term side effects with Pantethine,. The only side effect with Niacin is a short term hot flash that is harmless, and can be avoided by taking time-release Niacin or taking an aspirin fifteen minutes before taking the Niacin.

Why hasn’t the doctor told me about Pantethine? Well, the answer is, he may just not know about it. Unlike drugs companies that spend millions of dollars on advertising and have sales reps whose only job is to push their statin drug, Pantethine and Niacin are naturally occurring compounds. Because they are natural and common compounds, nobody can patent them. Because a drug companies cannot patent and therefore have exclusive right to sell the compounds, no significant investment in marketing or education for Pantethine and Niacin has been made. Subsequently, your doctor may just not know.

The final compound that has been demonstrated to have a dramatic effect on cholesterol levels is Policosanol. This compound is a waxy substance taken from sugar cane or beeswax. It has been demonstrated to significantly reduce bad (LDL) cholesterol and to raise good (HDL) cholesterol levels in the blood stream. The specific mechanism that Policosanol uses to improve cholesterol levels is not as understood as that of Niacin and Pantethine. However, it is believed to both increase the elimination of LDL cholesterol in the blood stream and aid the liver in creating good (HDL) cholesterol in a manner similar to Pantethine.

What does all of this mean? Well, if you have high cholesterol, it means you have choices. Statin drugs are highly effective. However, side effects for statins range from muscle atrophy to loss of short term memory to significant heart damage. Because statin drugs block your body from producing an enzyme that makes an essential heart health vitamin as well as cholesterol, the potential for negative side effects can be significant. Alternatively, supplementation with Pantethine, Niacin, Policosanol, or all three simultaneously has been shown to have no damaging side effects and can be just as effective as statin drugs.

About Barrett Niehus Barrett Niehus is a principal at IP Ware http://www.freetrainer.com and is a technical associate of Compound Solutions, http://www.compoundsolutions.com in Escondido, California

Healthy food at work – a healthy body, a healthy brain

2010-12-11T01:49:00.000-08:00

Best advice on correct nourishment at work

Nowadays it is stylish to be healthy as well as to invest your money in your health. We spend a lot of money on fitness, diets, rejuvenation and other things. Sometimes the need to work and the need to feel young and healthy are contradictory. But we are able to combine these needs.

Do you eat junk food at work or do you eat a healthy food?

First advice, effective advice: it is important to combine properly your alimentation regime with the working day. We have to nourish depending on our regime, on our hours of activity and of relaxation. The proteins enriched food (meat, fish, and legumes) increase the metabolism and excite the nervous system. During its digestion there is an active secretion of gastric juice. Therefore spending the whole day in an office is better to eat a portion of meat with potatoes. But this dish would not be so useful in the evening, because your sleep slows down the stomach activity and the proteins are processed mush more difficult. It does not refer to the people that work in night shift. It is recommended to eat before night, if you are about to work a complete night shift.

It will be better for you to drop out the junk food and to begin a healthy eating regime.

Second advice: not so effective: if you have an intellectual work, you shouldn’t forget this is connected with a tense nervous activity. In this case you better keep a chocolate in your bag. The coffee and chocolate combination is a perfect double stimulator, less harmful than cigarettes and much better than brain stimulating pills. This method helps you get rid of headache and tiredness. In few hours you will begin to solve your problems like a modern computer. It is efficient also for people who have to mobilize fast. And it is important that chocolate is better to be consumed without drinks, unlike any other snacks.

When cooking the evening meal cook a double portion so that you could eat a part of it the next day.

Third advice: the most effective: Fat food is healthy, especially in cold days and in cases we are submitted to physical work. Our muscles need other kind of energy than our brain. If your job is purely physical, suet will be much more useful than the salad. Fats have the capacities to eliminate energy and to maintain in our body a stable, normal temperature.

Our advice for you is to try to eat healthier than you did before and the results will be soon impressive; your work will be better done, problems will be solved quicker and the most important – you’ll be much healthier eating healthy food at work.

A poor diet can have an injurious impact on health, causing deficiency diseases such as scurvy, beriberi, and kwashiorkor; health-threatening conditions like obesity and metabolic syndrome, and such common chronic systemic diseases as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis

Traditional Treatments for Back Pain… Which Ones Work and Which Ones Don’t?

2010-12-10T13:24:00.000-08:00

When Dorothy followed the yellow brick road, she was told to do so by those who wanted her to get where she wanted go. Well as humans when we blindly follow recommendations even by individuals who have good intentions, it may not always be your best option. So I’m preparing this article to compare and contrast what are known as traditional treatments vs. complementary or alternative treatments for back pain. Remember there is rarely only one reason for your back pain and almost never one silver bullet fix. you may need to try several approaches till you find what works for you.

So when reading this article and thinking back on your visits to medical professionals, did you have the big picture or were you just following that yellow brick road? If you have been down that road, or if you are just starting to suffer from back pain it’s never too late to seek out new and more encompassing information about your condition when trying to find a solution that works for you. Don’t say you’ve tried everything because you haven’t… your solution is out there and you just have to find it!

Orthopedic Care

One of the first places many people go when they experience back pain is the orthopedic specialist (surgeon) and a visit usually last 5-10 minutes. They will typically look at the problem/symptomatic area and often fail to look at the body as a whole. If you’ve been to an orthopedic specialist for your back pain, did they do a full body physical evaluation (takes 30 mins. or more)??? Not likely.

Here are some of the common treatments used / prescribed by orthopedic specialists:

Cortisone Shots

Cortisone is a catabolic steroid which is intended to reduce inflammation by killing off the tissue in the inflamed area. now let me ask you, does that make any sense to you at all?

Not only are these injections quite painful, but they rarely result in any pain relief and if they do it is short lived, usually 1-2 weeks if at all. Plus, it does NOTHING to identify or address the cause of the pain. it is only intended to treat the symptom. It’s for those reasons that we do not recommend them.

Anti-inflammatory Drugs

Just the name should scare you away. just like cortisone shots, anti-inflammatory medications do not identify or address the cause of your pain and for many people, they deliver little pain relief. These medications also deliver serious side effects! The main reason they are prescribed is money. and if you don’t believe me, do the research and you’ll see for yourself. The drug industry is huge and unfortunately, they have a huge influence on the whole medical community, including the doctors.

I challenge you to find a drug that will fix your back problem. you’ll be looking forever because there is no way a medication can fix a physical problem so avoid medications at all costs!

Back Surgery

Surgery for back pain is very common and more often than not, the individual still has pain afterwards (or it returns within weeks) and sometimes even new problems! Very rarely is a surgery the answer…

for example, many people have surgery for herniated discs. The logic behind the surgery is if you remove the piece/portion of the disc that is putting pressure on the nerve the problem is solved. Unfortunately, the same forces that forced that disc to protrude or bulge will likely force more of the disc out, or another disc out.

Surgery should always be the last resort… and even then I’d question it!

Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy is traditionally the next step after seeing an Orthopedic Doctor. That is if surgery is not recommended. So what should you expect? The process will start with an evaluation and here may be the start of the problem. here is why.. the doctor has to write a prescription with a diagnosis on it. You give the prescription to the PT and he or she will perform an evaluation… chances are the PT will simply confirm the diagnosis from the doctor, however the hope should be that they take the extra step to look for the root cause of your pain. They may but chances are they have several other clients in the office at the same time and simply do not have the time.

So without a comprehensive evaluation to identify the root cause of you pain they will simply treat your symptoms. We have just identified the second problem. The health care industry is required to show improvement with each and every session so the push is to reduce your symptoms to show progress in order for them to get paid. The long and short of it is that yes your pain can be reduced but the root cause rarely gets addressed, meaning that the pain and your suffering will return again and again.

So what should you do? When selecting a Physical Therapy office you may want to ask how many patients the office sees in a day and how many PTs they have on staff… then ask how many patients can a PT work with in an hour. Do not be surprised to hear that a PT can see up to three patients in an hour. That’s you and two others at the same time. Do you think you will get the attention and proper treatments you need? I doubt it.

There is a little joke in Physical Therapy when treating patients and it has to do with what course of modalities you will get. The joke is called Shake and Bake and it refers to everyone gets the same treatment protocol. that way it can be timed so that your PT can see other people simultaneously. What goes into a shake and bake treatment? It may start with a spin on a stationary bike or a trot a treadmill than you will get a 3 to 5 minute Ultrasound over the effected area followed by Electrical Stimulation to the area with a little Ice strapped to your body and to finish off your session you will get a hand out with exercises you should do at home. Certainly not a recipe for success!

Chiropractic Care

One of the most common treatments for back pain is Chiropractic Care. The approach consists of physical manipulations of bones and joints in an attempt to line things back up and it’s recommended typically 2-3 times per week.

The problem with this approach is that the same forces (muscles, tendons, and ligaments) will likely pull the bones and joints right back out of place again. Also, most (not all) chiropractors will spend 15 minutes with you if your lucky.

Ask people who see a chiropractor how long they’ve been going. I hear of people who have been going for 10-15 years and still don’t have a healthy back. Look, the fact is chiropractic care is lacking.

Unless the chiropractor combines the two approaches, it doesn’t make sense.

The ONLY way chiropractic care makes sense is if you are addressing the muscle imbalances that are pulling the bones and joints out of place to begin with and that requires strengthening and stretching exercises that are chosen specifically to correct your muscle imbalances.

Alternative Treatments for Treating and Eliminating Back Pain

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy, if done correctly can work wonders for people with back pain. This is not to say that it is the best choice and that it will work for everyone. however, most people will get great results from it if the massage therapist has a good understanding of muscle imbalances and how to work on them.

NOTE: Not all massage therapists are the same! Just like any profession, there are varying degrees of training and qualifications. When selecting a massage therapist please check to see if they are licensed and insured in the state where you will be seeing them. You should also ask the massage therapist if they have training in one of the following areas: Orthopedic massage, Medical massage, St. Johns technique and/or has a comprehensive knowledge of muscle imbalances relating to back pain. With that said the benefits are as follows. The root cause will be identified, your discomfort will be addressed and you root cause will be corrected all in an attempt to make you pain free and give you the tools you need to keep you that way. What to expect when you see a massage therapist.

All massage sessions are one on one allowing you the opportunity to converse with the therapist as well as get the attention you need to get results. You can ask questions about how you compare to other people. Feel free to ask the therapist what approach they will be taking so that you know what to expect. The massage therapist has many different techniques they can use when to dealing with you back pain and some are better than others. On the down side sometimes a therapist can get distracted with other problem areas, it is in your best interest to keep them focused on you back and associated problem areas. Like anything else you may need to try several different therapists before finding the one that works best for you and with you.

Post-rehabilitation Fitness Training

Another overlooked form of treatment that is very effective is post-rehabilitation fitness training. This includes targeted strength and flexibility work to correct / improve the individuals muscle imbalances. This service can only be performed by certified post-rehab fitness trainers and there are limitations to what they can do for you. For example, they can not diagnose a condition, prescribe any medications take x-rays, etc. however, if they are well trained they can pinpoint your muscle imbalances quickly and get you started on a fitness program that will restore balance to your body and likely eliminate your back pain.

Often times this can be combined with massage therapy and/or manual physical therapy for a total solution. If you decide to go this route, which I recommend you do, be sure to thoroughly check out the fitness trainer and ask to see their certification, insurance, references, etc.

Manual Physical (muscle) Therapy

Manual Physical Therapy is NOT the same as regular physical therapy. there are some major differences and here are just a few:

1. Manual therapy consists of hands on muscle work primarily whereas traditional physical therapy consists of heat, ice, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, etc 2. Manual therapist will typically perform a much more thorough physical evaluation 3. Manual therapists will usually be able to spend more time with each patient 4. Manual therapy is more holistic in it’s approach and focuses the body as a whole unit. something lacking from nearly all traditional treatments for back pain.

So before you say, “I’ve already tried physical therapy”. did you try manual physical therapy? They are two very different treatment approaches and I highly recommend you consider manual physical therapy.

Conclusion

As you can see traditional treatments are the main stay of modern medicine. not necessarily for the patients benefit, but it’s just how the system works best for itself. The system will not change until the system is confronted with a very powerful competitive force. That force may well be complementary or alternative care from the likes of Personal Trainers, Acupuncturists, Massage Therapists, Manual Physical Therapists, and the like.

So that’s what we’ve tried to do. force change. The traditional treatments that people have been receiving for decades just doesn’t work, and we have found a combination approach that not only works the best, but it’s safe, natural, and inexpensive. Check out our “Lose the Back Pain” video now. it will show you how to identify the cause of your back pain and the show you the exact combination of steps to take to eliminate it.

If you have tried other treatments with little or no relief/improvement, you owe it to yourself to try this approach. so take charge of your health and get started now working towards not only a pain free back, but a healthy and balanced body! Only you can fix your back. all you need is the right approach!

Warning: This article is not intended to be medical advice however its intent is to make you a better, smatter and more informed client. The more you know and understand about your medical condition the better off you will be when it comes time to make the hard choices. As well as communicating with medical professionals…. believe me it will make a world of difference.

Article by Jesse Cannone of http://www.losethebackpain.com. Jesse is a certified personal fitness trainer and post-rehab specialist and he has helped hundreds of individuals to eliminate their back pain. Visit his site now and be sure to sign up for his free email course on eliminating back pain.

Diabetes

2010-12-10T12:39:00.000-08:00

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a disease in which blood glucose levels are above normal. People with diabetes have problems converting food to energy. After a meal, food is broken down into a sugar called glucose, which is carried by the blood to cells throughout the body. Cells use insulin, a hormone made in the pancreas, to help them convert blood glucose into energy.

People develop diabetes because the pancreas does not make enough insulin or because the cells in the muscles, liver, and fat do not use insulin properly, or both. As a result, the amount of glucose in the blood increases while the cells are starved of energy. Over the years, high blood glucose, also called hyperglycemia, damages nerves and blood vessels, which can lead to complications such as heart disease and stroke, kidney disease, blindness, nerve problems, gum infections, and amputation.

Types of Diabetes

The three main types of diabetes are type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes, formerly called juvenile diabetes, is usually first diagnosed in children, teenagers, or young adults. In this form of diabetes, the beta cells of the pancreas no longer make insulin because the body’s immune system has attacked and destroyed them.

Type 2 diabetes, formerly called adult-onset diabetes, is the most common form. People can develop it at any age, even during childhood. This form of diabetes usually begins with insulin resistance, a condition in which muscle, liver, and fat cells do not use insulin properly. At first, the pancreas keeps up with the added demand by producing more insulin. In time, however, it loses the ability to secrete enough insulin in response to meals.

Gestational diabetes develops in some women during the late stages of pregnancy. Although this form of diabetes usually goes away after the baby is born, a woman who has had it is more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life. Gestational diabetes is caused by the hormones of pregnancy or by a shortage of insulin.

Type 1 Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes

To move away from basing the names of the two main types of diabetes on treatment or age at onset, an American Diabetes Association expert committee recommended in 1997 universal adoption of simplified terminology. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) agrees.

Former Names Preferred Names
Type I juvenile diabetes insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus IDDM type 1 diabetes
Type II adult-onset diabetes noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus NIDDM type 2 diabetes

What is pre-diabetes?

In pre-diabetes, blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be characterized as diabetes. However, many people with pre-diabetes develop type 2 diabetes within 10 years. Pre-diabetes also increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. With modest weight loss and moderate physical activity, people with pre-diabetes can delay or prevent type 2 diabetes.

How are diabetes and pre-diabetes diagnosed?

The following tests are used for diagnosis:

A fasting plasma glucose test measures your blood glucose after you have gone at least 8 hours without eating. This test is used to detect diabetes or pre-diabetes.

An oral glucose tolerance test measures your blood glucose after you have gone at least 8 hours without eating and 2 hours after you drink a glucose-containing beverage. This test can be used to diagnose diabetes or pre-diabetes.

In a random plasma glucose test, your doctor checks your blood glucose without regard to when you ate your last meal. This test, along with an assessment of symptoms, is used to diagnose diabetes but not pre-diabetes.
Positive test results should be confirmed by repeating the fasting plasma glucose test or the oral glucose tolerance test on a different day.

Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) Test

The FPG is the preferred test for diagnosing diabetes and is most reliable when done in the morning. Results and their meaning are shown in table 1. If your fasting glucose level is 100 to 125 mg/dL, you have a form of pre-diabetes called impaired fasting glucose (IFG), meaning that you are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes but do not have it yet. A level of 126 mg/dL or above, confirmed by repeating the test on another day, means that you have diabetes.

Table 1. Fasting Plasma Glucose Test Plasma Glucose Result (mg/dL) Diagnosis
99 and below Normal
100 to 125 Pre-diabetes (impaired fasting glucose)
126 and above Diabetes*

*Confirmed by repeating the test on a different day.

Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)

Research has shown that the OGTT is more sensitive than the FPG test for diagnosing pre-diabetes, but it is less convenient to administer. The OGTT requires you to fast for at least 8 hours before the test. Your plasma glucose is measured immediately before and 2 hours after you drink a liquid containing 75 grams of glucose dissolved in water. Results and what they mean are shown in table 2. If your blood glucose level is between 140 and 199 mg/dL 2 hours after drinking the liquid, you have a form of pre-diabetes called impaired glucose tolerance or IGT, meaning that you are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes but do not have it yet. A 2-hour glucose level of 200 mg/dL or above, confirmed by repeating the test on another day, means that you have diabetes.

Table 2. Oral Glucose Tolerance Test 2-Hour Plasma Glucose Result (mg/dL) Diagnosis
139 and below Normal
140 to 199 Pre-diabetes (impaired glucose tolerance)
200 and above Diabetes*

*Confirmed by repeating the test on a different day.

Gestational diabetes is also diagnosed based on plasma glucose values measured during the OGTT. Blood glucose levels are checked four times during the test. If your blood glucose levels are above normal at least twice during the test, you have gestational diabetes. Table 3 shows the above-normal results for the OGTT for gestational diabetes.

Table 3. Gestational Diabetes: Above-Normal Results for the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test When Plasma Glucose Result (mg/dL)
Fasting 95 or higher
At 1 hour 180 or higher
At 2 hours 155 or higher
At 3 hours 140 or higher

Note: Some laboratories use other numbers for this test.

For additional information about the diagnosis and treatment of gestational diabetes, What I Need to Know About Gestational Diabetes or->call the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NDIC) at 1-800-860-8747.

Random Plasma Glucose Test

A random blood glucose level of 200 mg/dL or more, plus presence of the following symptoms, can mean that you have diabetes:

increased urination
increased thirst
unexplained weight loss
Other symptoms include fatigue, blurred vision, increased hunger, and sores that do not heal. Your doctor will check your blood glucose level on another day using the FPG or the OGTT to confirm the diagnosis.

What factors increase my risk for type 2 diabetes?

To find out your risk, check each item that applies to you.

I am 45 or older.

I am overweight or obese (see the body mass index [BMI] in table 4).

I have a parent, brother, or sister with diabetes.

My family background is African American, American Indian, Asian American, Pacific Islander, or Hispanic American/Latino.

I have had gestational diabetes, or I gave birth to at least one baby weighing more than 9 pounds.

My blood pressure is 140/90 or higher, or I have been told that I have high blood pressure.

My cholesterol levels are not normal. My HDL cholesterol (“good” cholesterol) is 35 or lower, or my triglyceride level is 250 or higher.

I am fairly inactive. I exercise fewer than three times a week.
Checking My Weight

BMI is a measure used to evaluate body weight relative to height. You can use BMI to find out whether you are underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese. Use table 4 to find your BMI.

Find your height in the left-hand column.
Move across in the same row to the number closest to your weight.
The number at the top of that column is your BMI. Check the word above your BMI to see whether you are normal weight, overweight, or obese. If you are overweight or obese, talk with your doctor about ways to lose weight to reduce your risk of diabetes or pre-diabetes

Porn Not Warm

2010-12-09T22:31:00.000-08:00

Men Who Prefer the Internet to Their Wives

Published on June 27, 2010

I'm a psychotherapist, not a global exploitation expert, and I don't have a huge political agenda (at least not at this time). I simply work really hard with couples to help them learn to love each other better�€"especially sexually. I know I will disappoint many of you for not outright condemning porn. Others of you will think I'm a stick in the mud for some of what I'm about to say. So be it. But some people use erotic images and books to effectively bridge into the lovemaking experience with their partner. And not every man who uses it prefers it to a warm and real woman; in fact, most don't. One couple I know rents sexy movies on weekends to spice things up and neither complains that they feel less connected.

Visual eroticism has its place. Yet I'm starting to worry about a growing trend�€"men who use porn in place of their partners.

These are men who a generation ago might not have felt comfortable sneaking down to the corner mart to buy the latest skin magazine. They wouldn't dream of having a Playboy subscription lest their daughters feel uncomfortable. They are neither fiends nor sex addicts, and they don't wear raincoats and go around exposing themselves to children. They aren't viewing naked pubescent girls or sexual mutilation or violence (it's scary out there in cyberspace!). They're just normal Joes who would rather look at a pouting picture to drain off their sexual tension than negotiate sexual relations with their wives.

Let's face it: Porn is easy sex if you're a male. And variety is stimulating. Men, whose bodies can ejaculate in about two minutes with a bit of hand lotion and the right imagery, currently have endless access to fast sex every day�€"several times a day if they choose. But I worry because of this very ease. Male bodies are often such efficient sexual machines that porn, I believe, can cut a groove in a man's brain�€"a track, a rut. I am concerned that variants on a favorite image: Asian small-breasted women, red-haired large-breasted women, hairless or bushy gals�€"whatever turns someone on�€"can create a visual route to orgasmthat becomes unmatchable by actual sensual experience.

Their wives mostly don't fit the image (never fit the air-brushed, day-after-their-eighteenth-birthday-image). Their wives are not ever-ready for sex. Their wives have prerequisites that might include a little talk and connection first. Not to mention, their wives might not have been content with everything in bed and even dared to have directed their sexual technique. As feminist and societal commentator Naomi Wolf writes in The Porn Myth - Why Porn Turns Men Off to the Real Thing, "How can a real woman-with pores and her own breasts and even sexual needs of her own (let alone with speech that goes beyond �€˜More, more, you big stud!') �€" possibly compete with a cybervision of perfection, downloadable and extinguishable at will, who comes, so to speak, utterly submissive and tailored to the consumer's least specification?"

Porn promises rapture. It may look wilder than anything the couple has been able to create in their bedroom. Marriage combines ecstasy and the mundane. Bill-paying, diaper-changing, and chore hassles muddy the waters of desire. Being on the same page at the same time is a difficult negotiation.

Men, if your spouse will only have sex with you once a month and you supplement with porn - you have my sympathies. But if you've ditched the fight with her about having a vibrant sex life and just gone the easy route, well, you don't have my sympathies anymore. I think it's wrong - for you, for her and for the marriage. But even more, not sharing your sexual energies with your partner is detrimental to the goal of marital love, which in my spiritual tradition includes the pledge "With my body, I thee worship."

More and more women who do want sex with their husbands, who are feeling abandoned and displaced by screen images, tell me in therapy, "He never initiates anymore. He will even turn me down." Testosteronetests show he's healthy. Then, rounding the corner, she hears the scurrying of mouse clicks as her husband tries to clear the screen of pornography and appear busy at work. At first, she doesn't want to appear a scolding mother, so she laughs it off. She doesn't want toshame him, so she doesn't say anything, until one day she's on his computer and there are so many redirects to porn that she can no longer ignore what's going on.

It's only pictures, he swears. Real contact (of any sort - chat rooms, emails, meetings, Skype sessions - are over the monogamy line and will be the focus of another post) isn't happening. But one thing is for sure, he is draining off what she wants. It's avoidance -- of intimacy, closeness and sexuality. Maybe these men hoard their bodies because sex is too much work. Maybe they're afraid of the loss of power if they give her what she's demanding. Maybe they can't merge sexually with another and come out whole so they stay away from it altogether with the handy-dandy help of porn. Maybe it's complicatedl

Does looking at porn cause addiction? Vulnerability to any substance (booze, drugs, sugar) or behavior (compulsive porn use, gambling) begins with early childhood failures at having our relational needs met. Long before the first peek, puff, bet or drink, people grow up with holes in their souls. Alcohol doesn't make alcoholics. Porn doesn't make sex addicts. But for some people with susceptibility, addiction rushes in to fill the vacuum left where love should have been.

Easy access, affordability and anonymity fuel the addiction to pornography, says Patrick Carnes, Ph.D., noted sexual addiction expert and author of (among others) Out of the Shadows�€"Understanding Sexual Addiction and In the Shadows of the Net. "Sexual addicts make sex a priority more important than family, friends, and work. Sex becomes the organizing principle of addicts' lives. They are willing to sacrifice what they cherish most in order to preserve and continue their unhealthy behavior," summarizes Carnes, whose website SexHelp.com offers a screening test for potential sex addicts as well as resources for help.

Unfortunately, I know men who are ruining their lives, marriages, and finances�€"paying for sex viewing and prostitution, looking at porn at work, getting caught and fired, spending money needed for bills on porn, needing riskier behavior to produce the initial high and being unable to stop. And for those suffering addiction, the thrill of orgasm has long since faded against the oppressive reality that their lives are sinking and unmanageable.

If you just discovered your husband is looking at porn�€"even a lot�€"I'd hold off on the hysteria and not accuse him of being a sick addict. On the other hand, time to stop closing your eyes. A big talk about what sex means in your relationship should be brewing. If you've ignored your intimate life thinking you'd get to it sometime after the laundry was done and the children were grown�€"time to rethink that. But if you've wanted sex, been lonely in bed, initiated frequently and been rejected�€"time to have a HUGE discussion. Get to the bottom of these problems.

Making love to women is hard. Agreed. Sexuality is complex and complicated, relational and physical for us. Our minds wander easily and we don't have the biochemistry that makes arousal simple and fast. It takes a lot of energy to keep us interested under the sheets. And, absolutely, we are equally responsible to make it interesting! Eroticism takes personal courage, on the part of both spouses. But, as I've said before, sex is glue in a marriage; in fact, it's cement. There's unparalleled joy in feeling connected to another real person in deep physical intimacy. And sex is the pinnacle of this connection. It's I got you, babe! And it requires a man�€"a real man�€"to negotiate the rigorous landscape of making love to a real woman.

Healing Unwanted Sexual Fantasies

2010-12-09T02:28:00.000-08:00

Sexual fantasies are universal

Like dreaming, sexual fantasizing is a natural and normal part of being human. Approximately 95 percent of men and women report having sexual fantasies. Sexual fantasies occur during day dreaming, masturbation, and sexual activity with a partner. For most people, sexual fantasizing is a healthy aspect of being sexually alive. Fantasies reduce anxiety, while increasing sexual interest and enjoyment. They can function in many positive ways, such as by stimulating sex drive, improving self-esteem, and enhancing intimacy with a partner. People report that their most satisfying sexual fantasies are arousing, fun, and within their conscious control.

When fantasies are disturbing

Many people are bothered by fantasies that intrude on sexual experiences like unwanted guests at a party. These fantasies are upsetting because they do not feel optional and within one’s control. They often contain erotic thoughts and images that are disturbing to the person having the fantasy. For example, a person may be upset by a fantasy that involves hurtful sexual activities or sex with a person they dislike. Unwanted sexual fantasies are also disturbing in that people may become dependent on them for arousal and sexual release. Being stuck with a troubling fantasy is definitely not fun. These unwelcome and unwanted erotic thoughts are the nightmares of sexual fantasies.

If left untreated, unwanted sexual fantasies can cause many problems. They can lower self-esteem, lead to risky sexual behavior, cause sexual functioning problems, and harm intimacy with a partner.

Where fantasies come from and what they mean

Unwanted sexual fantasies often result from upsetting relationships and disturbing sexual experiences one had in the past. Similar to nightmares, unwanted sexual fantasies often represent unconscious attempts to resolve feelings that resulted from experiences of human aggression, betrayal, abandonment, and exploitation. They temporarily help people escape from emotions that inhibit sexual functioning, such as such as fear, anger, shame, and powerlessness.

Not surprisingly, a large number of people who were sexually victimized in the past report being troubled by unwanted sexual fantasies. (See The Sexual Healing Journey) One research study found that females who have been molested tend to have more fantasies of being forced or dominated, than their non-abused peers. And the more extreme and violent the abuse, the more likely a survivor of sexual abuse will have sexual fantasies of being forced in sex or forcing someone else in sex.

How to get rid of unwanted sexual fantasies

A number of effective techniques now exist for helping men and women get rid of sexual fantasies they find disturbing. These techniques are described in Wendy’s book, Private Thoughts: Exploring the Power of Women’s Sexual Fantasies. They include:

• Analyzing the fantasy. This strategy involves looking closely at the contents of an unwanted sexual fantasy from many angles until a person finds what core confusion or unresolved emotional issue it represents. Specific techniques may include drawing or diagramming the fantasy, and exploring the characters, plot, themes, and relationships it contains.

• Reducing the need for the fantasy.This strategy involves identifying and practicing those things that make a person less susceptible to a fantasy’s intrusion. One way to accomplish this is to reduce stress by setting aside more time for sexual experiences. Another is to remove the pressure to climax in a sexual encounter and focus instead on sensual pleasuring and emotional closeness. Increasing sexual stimulation through other means such as deep breathing, erotic movement and unpressured foreplay can also help.

• Disrupting the function. In this strategy a person seriously interferes with the ability of the unwanted sexual fantasy to arouse. Usually this involves stopping sexual activity whenever the fantasy is present and only resuming activity when one feels relaxed and able to be present in sex without it. Rendered ineffectual, the fantasy eventually becomes extinct.

• Transforming the fantasy. This strategy involves bending the contents of the fantasy to reflect healthy dynamics in sexual relating. Details in the fantasy changed. Negative elements are slowly replaced by more positive images and ideas. Bondage with ropes becomes bondage with big spaghetti noodles. Sex between a minor and an older adult becomes sex between two adults of differing ages, and so forth. The key to transforming an unwanted sexual fantasy is to maintain erotic sensory elements while shifting towards the healthier conditions for sexuality (see the CERTS conditions for Healthy Sex).

Healing unwanted sexual fantasies allows a person to free their sexuality from burdensome emotional conflicts related to the past. When sexual fantasies are fun and optional people are able to enjoy them in new ways – ways that enhance self-esteem, intimacy, and sensual pleasure.

Condom

2010-12-07T23:00:00.000-08:00

Sex without a condom is similar to free falling

Agency Advantage (Luxembourg) has compared sex without a condom to free falling.

Sexual flight

In an advertising campaign for Ministry of Health, the agency has shown falling people who thus make love.

AIDS

2010-12-07T22:58:00.000-08:00

What is AIDS?

AIDS stands for: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome

AIDS is a medical condition. A person is diagnosed with AIDS when their immune system is too weak to fight off infections.

Since AIDS was first identified in the early 1980s, an unprecedented number of people have been affected by the global AIDS epidemic. Today, there are an estimated 33.3 million people living with HIV and AIDS worldwide.

What causes AIDS?

AIDS is caused by HIV.

HIV is a virus that gradually attacks immune system cells. As HIV progressively damages these cells, the body becomes more vulnerable to infections, which it will have difficulty in fighting off. It is at the point of very advanced HIV infection that a person is said to have AIDS. It can be years before HIV has damaged the immune system enough for AIDS to develop.

What are the symptoms of AIDS?

A person is diagnosed with AIDS when they have developed an AIDS related condition or symptom, called an opportunistic infection, or an AIDS related cancer. The infections are called ‘opportunistic’ because they take advantage of the opportunity offered by a weakened immune system.

It is possible for someone to be diagnosed with AIDS even if they have not developed an opportunistic infection. AIDS can be diagnosed when the number of immune system cells (CD4 cells) in the blood of an HIV positive person drops below a certain level.

Is there a cure for AIDS?

Worryingly, many people think there is a 'cure' for AIDS - which makes them feel safer, and perhaps take risks that they otherwise wouldn’t. However, there is still no cure for AIDS. The only way to stay safe is to be aware of how HIV is transmitted and how toprevent HIV infection.

How many people have died from AIDS?

Since the first cases of AIDS were identified in 1981, more than 25 million people have died from AIDS. An estimated 1.8 million people died as a result of AIDS in 2009 alone.

Although there is no cure for AIDS, HIV infection can be prevented, and those living with HIV can take antiretroviral drugs to delay the onset of AIDS. However, in many countries across the world access to prevention and treatment services is limited. Global leaders have pledged to work towards universal access to HIV prevention and care, so that millions of deaths can be averted.

How is AIDS treated?

A community health worker gives an HIV positive patient antiretroviral drugs, Kenya

Antiretroviral treatment can prolong the time between HIV infection and the onset of AIDS. Modern combination therapy is highly effective and someone with HIV who is taking treatment could live for the rest of their life without developing AIDS.

An AIDS diagnosis does not necessarily equate to a death sentence. Many people can still benefit from starting antiretroviral therapy even once they have developed an AIDS defining illness. Better treatment and prevention for opportunistic infections have also helped to improve the quality and length of life for those diagnosed with AIDS.

Treating some opportunistic infections is easier than others. Infections such as herpes zoster and candidiasis of the mouth, throat or vagina, can be managed effectively in most environments. On the other hand, more complex infections such as toxoplasmosis, need advanced medical equipment and infrastructure, which are lacking in many resource-poor areas.

It is also important that treatment is provided for AIDS related pain, which is experienced by almost all people in the very advanced stages of HIV infection.

Why do people still develop AIDS today?

Even though antiretroviral treatment can prevent the onset of AIDS in a person living with HIV, many people are still diagnosed with AIDS today. There are four main reasons for this:

In many resource-poor countries antiretroviral treatment is not widely available. Even in wealthier countries, such as America, many individuals are not covered by health insurance and cannot afford treatment.
Some people who became infected with HIV in the early years of the epidemic before combination therapy was available, have subsequently developed drug resistance and therefore have limited treatment options.
Many people are never tested for HIV and only become aware they are infected with the virus once they have developed an AIDS related illness. These people are at a higher risk of mortality, as they tend to respond less well to treatment at this stage.
Sometimes people taking treatment are unable to adhere to, or tolerate the side effects of drugs.

Caring for a person with AIDS

In the later stages of AIDS, a person will need palliative care and emotional support. In many parts of the world, friends, family and AIDS organisations provide home based care. This is particularly the case in countries with high HIV prevalence and overstretched healthcare systems.

End of life care becomes necessary when a person has reached the very final stages of AIDS. At this stage, preparing for death and open discussion about whether a person is going to die often helps in addressing concerns and ensuring final wishes are followed.

The global AIDS epidemic

Around 2.6 million people became infected with HIV in 2009. Sub-Saharan Africa has been hardest hit by the epidemic; in 2009 over two-thirds of AIDS deaths were in this region.

Parc de l'espoir - AIDS Memorial Park in Montreal, Canada

The epidemic has had a devastating impact on societies, economies and infrastructures. In countries most severely affected, life expectancy has been reduced by as much as 20 years. Young adults in their productive years are the most at-risk population, so many countries have faced a slow-down in economic growth and an increase in household poverty. In Asia, HIV and AIDS causes a greater loss of productivity than any other disease. An adult’s most productive years are also their most reproductive and so many of the age group who have died from AIDS have left children behind. In sub-Saharan Africa the AIDS epidemic has orphaned nearly 15 million children.

In recent years, the response to the epidemic has been intensified; in the past ten years in low- and middle-income countries there has been a 6-fold increase in spending for HIV and AIDS. The number of people on antiretroviral treatment has increased, the annual number of AIDS deaths has declined, and the global percentage of people infected with HIV has stabilised.

However, recent achievements should not lead to complacent attitudes. In all parts of the world, people living with HIV still face AIDS related stigma and discrimination, and many people still cannot access sufficient HIV treatment and care. In America and some countries of Western and Central and Eastern Europe, infection rates are rising, indicating that HIV prevention is just as important now as it ever has been. Prevention efforts that have proved to be effective need to be scaled-up and treatment targets reached. Commitments from national governments right down to the community level need to be intensified and subsequently met, so that one day the world might see an end to the global AIDS epidemic.

Learn more about HIV and AIDS

In addition to the hundreds of informative pages about HIV and AIDS, the AVERT website has interactive ways to learn more about HIV and AIDS.

The AVERT AIDS Game is a great way to see how much you know about HIV and AIDS.
You can test your knowledge of HIV and AIDS by trying one of our online quizzes.
Our photo gallery has hundreds of HIV and AIDS related photos from around the world.
The AVERT video gallery has a number of short videos related to HIV and AIDS.
Finally, you can read stories that have been sent to us from people who are either living with HIV or who have been affected by HIV and AIDS.

2010-12-07T22:44:00.000-08:00

What is HIV?

HIV stands for: Human Immunodeficiency Virus

HIV is a virus. Viruses such as HIV cannot grow or reproduce on their own, they need to infect the cells of a living organism in order to replicate (make new copies of themselves). The human immune system usually finds and kills viruses fairly quickly, but HIV attacks the immune system itself – the very thing that would normally get rid of a virus.

With around 2.6 million people becoming infected with HIV in 2009, there are now an estimated 33.3 million people around the world who are living with HIV, including millions who have developed AIDS.

What is the connection between HIV and AIDS?

HIV causes AIDS by damaging the immune system cells until the immune system can no longer fight off other infections that it would usually be able to prevent.

It takes around ten years on average for someone with HIV to develop AIDS. However, this average is based on the person with HIV having a reasonable diet, and someone who is malnourished may well progress from HIV to AIDS more rapidly.

How is HIV treated?

An HIV positive South African woman holding her antiretroviral drugs

Antiretroviral drugs keep the levels of HIV in the body at a low level, so that the immune system is able to recover and work effectively. Antiretroviral drugs enable many HIV positive people to live long and healthy lives.

Starting antiretroviral treatment for HIV infection involves commitment – drugs have to be taken every day, and for the rest of a person’s life. Adhering to HIV treatment is important, particularly because not doing so increases the risk of drug resistance. Side effects to the HIV drugs can make adherence difficult, and are sometimes very severe. There are ways of reducing the impact of these side effects, but sometimes it is necessary to change to an alternative HIV treatment regime.

There are more than 20 antiretroviral drugs approved for the treatment of HIV infection in the US and Europe, as well as many new HIV drugscurrently undergoing trials. Although treatment for HIV has become more widely available in recent years, access to antiretroviral treatment is limited in some parts of the world due to a lack of funding.

How is HIV passed on?

HIV is found in the blood and the sexual fluids of an infected person, and in the breast milk of an infected woman. HIV transmission occurs when a sufficient quantity of these fluids get into someone else's bloodstream.

There are various ways a person can become infected with HIV:

Unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected person: Sexual intercourse without a condom carries the risk of HIV infection.
Contact with an infected person's blood: If sufficient blood from somebody who has HIV enters someone else's body, then HIV can be passed on in the blood.
Use of infected blood products: Many people in the past have been infected with HIV by the use of blood transfusions and blood products which were contaminated with the virus. In much of the world this is no longer a significant risk, as blood donations are routinely tested for HIV.
Injecting drugs: HIV can be passed on when injecting equipment that has been used by an infected person is then used by someone else. In many parts of the world, often because it is illegal to possess them, injecting equipment or works are shared.
From mother to child: HIV can be transmitted from an infected woman to her baby during pregnancy, delivery andbreastfeeding.

Certain groups of people, such as injecting drug users, sex workers, prisoners, and men who have sex with men have been particularly affected by HIV. However, HIV can infect anybody, and everyone needs to know how they can and can’t become infected with HIV.

Does HIV have symptoms?

Some people experience a flu-like illness, develop a rash, or get swollen glands for a brief period soon after they become infected with HIV. However, these are also common symptoms of other less serious illnesses, and do not necessarily mean that a person has HIV.

Often people who are infected with HIV don’t have any symptoms at all. It is important to remember that a person who has HIV can pass on the virus immediately after becoming infected, even if they feel healthy. It’s not possible to tell just by looking if someone has been infected with HIV.

The only way to know for certain if someone is infected with HIV is for them to be tested.

Testing for HIV

A sign promoting HIV testing in Livingstone, Zambia

It is important for a person to get an HIV test if they think they may have been at risk of HIV infection.

There are various types of HIV test, but the most commonly used - the antibody or ELISA test - detects HIV antibodies in a person’s blood. It is necessary to wait at least 3 months after the last possible exposure before having an HIV antibody test, to be certain of an accurate result.

The prospect of receiving a positive test result (meaning that a person is infected with HIV) may be daunting, but learning that you are HIV positive is the first step to getting support and staying healthy. HIV testing is also very important for stopping the spread of HIV, as somebody who is aware of their HIV status can take steps to ensure they do not pass on the virus.

How can HIV be prevented?

Despite considerable investment and research, there is currently no vaccine for HIV, and microbicides (designed to prevent HIV being passed on during sex) are still undergoing trials. However, there are other ways that people can protect themselves from HIV infection, which are the basis of HIV prevention efforts around the world.

Education about HIV and how it is spread is an essential part of HIV prevention. HIV education needs to be culturally appropriate and can take place in various settings, for example lessons at school, media campaigns, or peer education.

Preventing sexual transmission of HIV

HIV and AIDS education for Scouts in the Central African Republic

If a person has sexual intercourse with someone who has HIV they can become infected. ‘Safer sex’ refers to things that a person can do to minimise their risk of HIV infection during sexual intercourse; most importantly, using condoms consistently and correctly.

A person can be certain that they are protected against HIV infection by choosing not to have sex at all, or by only doing things that do not involve any blood or sexual fluid from one person getting into another person's body. This kind of sexual activity is the only thing that can be considered ‘safe sex’.

Effective sex education is important for providing young people with the knowledge and skills to protect themselves from sexual transmission of HIV. Comprehensive sex education should develop skills and attitudes that encourage healthy sexual relationships, as well as provide detailed information about how to practise ‘safer sex’.

Preventing transmission of HIV through blood

A person can protect him or herself against HIV infection by ensuring that HIV infected blood does not enter their body.

Injecting drug users who share injecting equipment or works are at risk of HIV infection.Needle exchange programmes can help to prevent HIV transmission among drug users by providing clean needles and disposing of used ones.

Health care workers can be exposed to HIV infected blood while at work. The most effective way to limit their risk of HIV infection is to use universal precautions with every patient, for example washing hands and wearing protective barriers (gloves, aprons, goggles). In the event that a healthcare worker is exposed to potentially HIV infected blood at work, PEP (post exposure prophylaxis) is recommended as an HIV prevention measure.

Preventing mother to child transmission of HIV

Mother-to-child transmission of HIV can be prevented by using antiretroviral drugs, which reduce the chances of a child becoming infected with HIV from around 25% to less than 2%. Once a child is born, safer infant feeding practices can also greatly reduce the risk of HIV being passed on from mother to child.

For these precautions to be taken, an HIV positive mother must firstly be aware of her status. This is why HIV testing in pregnancyis a crucial prevention measure.

The full story of HIV and AIDS

HIV is only half the story…

What happens when HIV develops into AIDS? Why are approximately 1.8 million people dying from AIDS each year? What are the effects of the global AIDS epidemic?

Learn about AIDS and get the full story.

Avert.org has hundreds of informative pages about HIV and AIDS, as well as lots of interesting photos and videos, personalstories from people affected by HIV and AIDS, and an AIDS game and quizzes to test your knowledge.

Vitamin E and Lung Cancer Prevention

2010-12-07T22:30:00.000-08:00

(NC)-Lung cancer, the most preventative of all human cancers, remains the leading cause of cancer death for both men and women. Several studies have shown that vitamin E supplementation is associated with a lower risk of developing lung cancer in non-smokers. Unfortunately, the same benefit was not seen in smokers. The most effective health action for smokers is still to stop smoking.

It is believed that the beneficial effect of vitamin E is a consequence of its antioxidant role, which may be enhanced when taken in combination with
other antioxidants such as vitamin C, beta-carotene and selenium. All of these nutrients are available in a quality multivitamin such as Centrum? available in your local pharmacy. For more information on supplementation, visit www.centrumvitamins.ca.
- News Canada
About The Author
News Canada provides a wide selection of current, ready-to-use copyright free news stories and ideas for Television, Print, Radio, and the Web.
News Canada is a niche service in public relations, offering access to print, radio, television, and now the Internet media, with ready-to-use, editorial “fill” items. Monitoring and analysis are two more of our primary services. The service supplies access to the national media for marketers in the private, the public, and the not-for-profit sectors. Your corporate and product news, consumer tips and information are packaged in a variety of ready-to-use formats and are made available to every Canadian media organization including weekly and daily newspapers, cable and commercial television stations, radio stations, as well as the Web sites Canadians visit most often. Visit News Canada and learn more about the NC services.

Six Steps to Reduce Your Risk of Breast Cancer

2010-12-07T04:33:00.000-08:00

We hear it all the time卨ose weight for your health. Few people however, realize the extent to which this is critical to their physical well-being and ultimately their life expectancy.

In January 2003, the Journal of the American Medical Association featured a study finding that obesity appears to lessen life expectancy, especially among young adults. The researchers compared Body-Mass Index (BMI) to longevity and found a correlation between premature death and higher BMIs. For example, a 20-year-old white male, 5?0?weighing 288 pounds with a BMI of greater than 40 was estimated to lose 13 years of his life as a result of obesity.Jamie McManus, M.D., F.A.A.F.P. and author of 揧our Personal Guide to Wellness?notes that while this study referenced extreme levels of obesity, there are still millions of overweight people in developed countries with a life expectancy rate that is three to five years less than their healthy-weight counterparts. She also estimates that there are 600,000 obesity related deaths each year in America.

Just how does obesity shorten our lifespan? The answer to this question is complex, yet there is a clear link between obesity and the development of cancer. An extensive study conducted by the American Cancer Institute involving 750,000 people showed that obesity significantly increased the risk of cancer developing in the following organs: breast, colon, ovaries, uterus, pancreas, kidneys and gallbladder.

Michael Thun, MD, vice-president of epidemiology and surveillance research for the American Cancer Society (ACS) says one reason obesity may raise cancer risk is because fat cells produce a form of estrogen called estradiol that promotes rapid division of cells, increasing chances of a random genetic error while cells are replicating, which can lead to cancer. In addition, fat centered around the abdomen may increase insulin and insulin-like growth factors in the blood, which may increase cancer risk.

“Women who are obese after menopause have a 50% higher relative risk of breast cancer,” notes Thun, “and obese men have a 40% higher relative risk of colon cancer? Gallbladder and endometrial cancer risks are five times higher for obese individuals?There is evidence that cancer rates in developed countries are increasing at 5 to 15 times faster than developing countries. A major contributor to this alarming reality has proven to be diet. In populations where the diet consists mostly of fresh fruit and vegetables and whole grains ?in contrast to the typical Western diet of fatty meats, refined flours, oils and sugars ?the risk of cancer is much lower.

The interaction of diet and the development of cancer is an active field of research and Dr David Heber, M.D., Ph.D. and author of 揥hat Color is Your Diet? says 揑t appears that diet has its most significant effects after the cancer has already formed, acting to inhibit or stimulate the growth of that cancer? At the risk of oversimplifying a complex set of interactions, the typical Western diet that leads to obesity may actually act to stimulate the growth of cancer cells.It is never too late to improve your health through healthful eating and adopting a more health-giving lifestyle. Here are simple steps to follow which can make an immediate improvement to your health and vitality.

Check your Body Mass Index (BMI) to determine if weight has become health risk. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 60% of Americans are overweight, defined as having a BMI (a ratio of height to weight) over 25. Of those, nearly half (27%) qualify as obese, with a body mass index of 30 or more. In 1980, just 15% of Americans were considered obese. You can check your BMI at the website below.

Match your diet to your body抯 requirements. If you eat and drink more calories than your body requires you will put on weight. Learn to control calories and portion sizes, make recipes leaner, and eat infrequently from fast food restaurants. Also learn how to snack with healthful choices.

Color your diet with a large variety of colorful, cancer-fighting fruit and vegetables. There are seven different color ranges of both fruit and vegetables and by choosing between 5 to 9 daily serves from a wide range of fruit and vegetables, we are extending our consumption of cancer (and other disease) fighting nutrients.

Eat lean protein with every meal. Protein provides a powerful signal to the brain providing a longer sense of fullness. The right source of protein is essential to controlling your hunger with fewer calories and necessary to maintain your lean muscle mass. Choices of protein should be flavored soy shakes with fruit; the white meat of chicken and turkey, seafood such as shrimps, prawns scallops and lobster and ocean fish or vegetarians may prefer soy based meat substitutes.

Rev up your metabolism with activity. If you want to enjoy a lifetime of well-being, exercise is a key ingredient. Colleen Doyle, MS, RD, director of nutrition and physical activity for the American Cancer Society (ACS), says adults should do something for 30 minutes each day that takes as much effort as a brisk walk. Children should be active for an hour each day. We are more likely to develop habits around things we enjoy, so seek activities which you enjoy doing. It is also helpful to build physical activity into your daily routine: use the stairs instead of the escalator or lift at work, park your car in the parking bay furthest from the super marketing and don抰 use the remote control to change TV channels.

Get support to ensure you develop a healthful eating plan and reach your goal weight. Whilst a small percentage of people possess the discipline to lose weight, many obese people have developed strong thoughts and habits concerning the food they eat. In order to establish new habits, most people respond well to some form of consistent encouragement and coaching. A study, 揈ffects of Internet Behavioral Counseling on Weight Loss in Adults at Risk of Type 2 Diabetes?shows that participants who had the support of weight loss coaching lost more weight than those who didn抰. The study concluded that the support of a weight loss coach can significantly improve weight loss results.

Being overweight or obese has been identified next to smoking, as the most preventable major risk to developing cancer. Even small weight losses have been shown to have beneficial health effects. So it抯 never to late to start and you can never be too young or too old to be concerned about your health and do something about achieving a more healthy weight.

Women Health Questions and answer

2010-12-06T21:24:00.000-08:00

BIRTHCONTROL timing?
alright, unsurprisingly im on the pill but sometimes i cant give somebody a lift it at duplicate exact time everday, ya know? conceivably 2 or 3 times a month i clutch it an hour or 2 after that, is this bleak or rationale the pills to work ineffectively, i dont hold unprotected sex, the…

Is it regular to start your time of year twice contained by one month?
I’m not taking birth control, I’m not sexually alive (a virgin) the first length last 7 days and be hugely restrained (I be spotting most of the time, it come down red for roughly speaking 2 days merely but not indigestible similar…

WOMEN ONLY adjectives women PLEASE read and answer?
What are ALL the symptoms of getting youre first period? i a short time ago had somewhat cramping.

I am 7 weeks pregnant and i am have loose motions?
I am thinking this is because i drink lot of fruit juices.Please support mewhat to eat and what to drink Eat a nice in proportion diet and everything will be fine. Try to avoid processed foods, your guts will struggle top process them…

My friend lately lost her virginity and a week after that she started her term but it individual last in the future…?
You wouldn’t bleed a week after losing your virginity from the hymen breaking. It might merely especially ably be a short interval. Was that the right time for it to start? It might…

My friend keep bleeding through her pill?
she is one and only slim and im worried something like her she be ok on the pill untill roughly speaking 4 weeks ago when she started to bleed immense consequently it slowed down and very soon its simply slightly she take her pill as a rule so why…

Menstruation query =D?
Why is it that when I was younger, I used to discern lots of pain and cramps during my length, but as I get elder, I don’t feel anymore misery? Nowadays, I don’t even know when my period’s coming because I don’t feel any cramps (unless I see “spottings” I’ll know that…

Mom/ no period/ too young-looking for menopause?

My mother has not gotten her time of year for two months or more she cant be pregante because she got her tubes tied shes 37 so to youthful to be going threw menopause. anything gets her agrevated. Please relieve if you know what this can be i…

Pain inmy right armpit that go to my nipple anyone ever have this?
i go to the dr yesterday and she wishes to transport me to a surgen. she give me no clue as to what might be wrong or what she is looking for can anyone lend a hand me out? You could enjoy a…

Period troubles!?
i havent started all the same but i hold a sense i will soon. thats not the problem thought, the problem is that i enjoy 4 minute endorsement periouds ratification periouds at institution and its sort of unyielding to even move about to the bathroom during that time cuz im rushing from class to…

RECENTLY DELIVERED… Pregnant AGAIN??
I just this minute have a toddler on June 30th. I enjoy be have unprotected sex beside my husband… I have my first extent since after..But my second be suppse to be on a week ago.My end spell started Aug 10. What do I do?? I havent taken a a pregnancy trial…

Ladies who use birth-control. Do you gain consignment while on birth control? does your acne travel away?
I’m thinking about using birth control as a method to control my acne cuz it’s really bad. will the acne come subsidise IF i stop using birth control? yes u gain weight but u find healthier looking…

Please answer I really involve comfort beside this, I am extremely frustrated!?
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;… Thank you so much! I think that my cross-question just wasn’t man added to the list of question. Your so young, it make me sad. I get the need though. Getting a vibrator at your age isnt practical…and I suppose…

My gf have be have problems next to her stomach for awhile. She get sharp pains and it comes near ingestion…?
No she is not pregnant because this have be up for awhile. She’s gone to a doctor earlier and he give her these pills that relax the stomach muscles, they work because i’ve used them….

My sister hasnt get her spell im worried counsel please?
Hi i enjoy a 15 year prehistoric sister she will be 16 surrounded by january nxt yr and she hasnt started her time closing one she have be june 06 im really worried as all the women surrounded by my ancestral hold started within period until…

Which hormones are related to the spike?
Can anyone explain to me exactly WHICH hormones are related to the hair androgen

Gastric bypass??
I am looking into having gastric bypass done I am really interested and confident within it- I am just panicky about the extra skin- any accurate advice please permit me know- besides I cant afford tumy tucks or anything- and I am a 46 DD and I dont want to lose that many…

What’s this brown stuff within my underwear?
There’s brown stuff in my underwear, and I woke up in the morning next to it yesterday, and after I woke up again beside it today. What’s up next to that? It’s a moment ago plentifully of brown stuff. Is it an infection or something? If you haven’t gotten…

Why did the Dr. put me on progesterone?
Copper IUD insertion two months ago and own not stopped bleeding. I am to filch 10mg of progesterone a light of day for 10 days. Why will this stop the bleeding and will this own any long possession effects on my hormones? You be put on…

How do u girls masturbate?
i i want to but i dont know how to “properly” do it HELP There is no “proper” process. Things that quality fitting to others may not perceive apposite to you, so play around until you find something that feel angelic.

I u d? are they locked? do they really work? what just about the impants underneath the skin?
was at the dr today have anual checkup, she told me that when i turn 35 in two yrs i will most possible have to jump off the pill because of a too large risk of blood…

How can I stop my boobs from growing?
Okay so I’m a 34D and I love my boobs and their size. However, they’ve grown two sizes over the past year and are covered contained by stretch marks and hurt almost adjectives the time. So if I went on birth control would it cause them stop…

Do the home pregnancy test other work?
I am three days unpunctually on my time of year and enjoy taken two pregnancy test (which enjoy showed up negative). My ex and I be together just about two and a partly weeks ago and he didn’t “verbs out”. The alarming piece is that I wasn’t on my…

A length interrogate? girls merely plz!?
ok so i hold be have gooey clear discharge since august 1, and it is annoying me so much! my underwear is alwayz drizzling…occasionally i enjoy small cramps and tht’s it. give a hand?? The discharge is an indicator that your period should start off inwardly the subsequent six months,…

Breast Cancer? (Please Woman Only unless strength professional)?
I have not long been experiencing a slight discomfort in my vanished breast. The pain comes and go at random times. I enjoy a rather large-ish lump that’s be there since my breasts started growing. There’s a slightly smaller lump contained by my right breast but no…

Does it hurt when have sex next to a virgin girl?
I mean to right to be heard my partner is a virgin, so is it going hurt or may be a lot harder hold sex with her first time especially minus a condom coz I want to feel pure. And is it safe? …

How soon will I bring the results pay for on a blood question paper for pregnancy?
For the register: I’m 23, contained by a committed relationship, on birth control but not trying to conceive (at the moment). By my calculation, my length is between 7 and 10 days slow. I grain really chance altogether. I…

Should progesterone own made me stop bleeding already?
I enjoy have this copper IUD for two months immediately and enjoy bled every afternoon since. Finally my Dr. have put me on progesterone to be paid me stop bleeding and I am on daytime 3, still bleeding lots. Should it enjoy stopped my bleeding by in a…

Whats wrong next to me?
I’ve be peeing blood lately and it hurts when I pee. Also I’ve be vastly tired and I own main cramps. I dont suggest its my time of year raison d`être that will gross me 2 weeks rash. My hindmost hurts and I hold be drinking Cranberry Juice…

Side effects of IVF?
We are planning for IVF and I read about the side effects of ivf injections may be cancer within ovary, uterus and breast. We fear plentifully of this. Please ..pls advise on this.. I want to talk to someone who is well-read on the harmone injection that stimulates eggs. We…

2010-12-05T22:00:00.000-08:00

Your Best Exercise

People often ask, “What is the best exercise program for me?” The answer is simple. The best exercise program for you is the one that you will do and that you LOVE! Books and magazines often tout walking as a good way to work your body but if you (GASP) find walking a bore, it’s not going to be. Anytime you have to force yourself to do something you don’t want to on a consistent basis – it’s going to be a rough road.

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10 Tips For Better Sleep

We all need some help now and then in getting to sleep. Rather than just popping a pill which can be habit forming and lead to more sleep problems in the long term, try these sleeping tips. One or more of them will surely help.
Have a hot bath.....

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Everything for a healthy life

2010-11-29T03:35:00.000-08:00

The general well being of you and your family is probably the most important issue in your life.

There are so many issues that contribute towards our general state of well being (in either a positive or negative state). Our Standard of Living is deemed to play an important role here i.e.Â the amount of money we have and our access to goods and services. Also things like
freedom, happiness andÂ health are significant.

But the key thing to note here is that pretty much anything can affect our state of well being.

This site is designed to bring together articles about ways to improve and promote healthy lifestyles.