Beware Of Sexually Transmitted Disease

Whether we admit or not, we are living in a sexually permissive society. We see it everyday. Take a look at the music videos of popular artists with provocative suggestions of sex, as well as films touted to be artistically produced and directed. Even advertising makes use of subliminal messages of seduction to promote their products. There is really nothing wrong with sex if it's done safely and responsibly.

Boys and girls will normally get curious and interested about sex as they go through physical and emotional changes during puberty. And due to media and internet access, our youth are easily exposed to a lot of possibilities about sex. The risks of acquiring Sexually Transmitted Diseases or STD are high in this age group. It is the responsibility of the parents to strike a balance between teaching their teens about responsible sexual health while, at the same time, making them understand that the knowledge about safe sex does not give them a license to engage in sex with every willing party and at every available opportunity.

What is Sexually Transmitted Disease?

Sexually Transmitted Diseases or STD are diseases caused by viral or bacterial infections that can be transmitted through sexual contact. STD can affect sexually active men and women of all ages and backgrounds. People who are aware of STD may experience social, emotional and psychological stress due to guilt or embarrassment. But there is more to STD than stress and shame. These diseases are serious sexual health problems that may cause permanent damage such as infertility. If not given proper attention, STDs may even lead to serious complications and even death, as morbidly shown in the thousands of AIDS cases around the world.

But the good news is, STD can be treated. The spread of STD is due to the common misconception that only people who engage in sexual intercourse get the infection. STD, like herpes or genital warts, can be acquired through skin-to-skin contact with an infected area or sore. The myth that one cannot get infected through oral and anal sex is what it is --- a myth. Viruses or bacteria that cause STD can enter the body through tiny cuts or tears in the mouth and anus, as well as the genitals.

The fact that it is difficult to tell whether a person is infected or not makes STD spread easily. People who are infected may not even know that they have STD, thus, endangering their partners with the infection without even realizing it. Sometimes, it takes a long time before any signs or symptoms of STD appear.

The following are some of the most common STDs that affect sexually active individuals:

Chlamydia – is a sexually transmitted disease caused by bacterial infection. Chlamydia often infects the cervix in women while the urethra, rectum and eyes can be infected in both sexes.

Gonorrhea - is a bacterial infection that is sexually transmitted and can infect the cervix, urethra, rectum, anus and throat. It is possible to be infected with gonorrhea and have no obvious symptoms.

Crabs or Pubic Lice - are small, crab shaped blood-sucking parasites that live on pubic hair but can also be found wherever there is hair such as in the armpits, on the body, and even in facial hair such as the eyebrows. Crabs or pubic lice can also survive away from the body and may be found in clothes, bedding and towels.

Genital Herpes - is caused by the virus called herpes simplex and can affect the mouth, genital area, the skin around the anus, and the fingers.

Genital Warts – are small fleshy growths found anywhere on a man or woman's genital area, or on different parts of the body, such as the hands and anus. If a woman has warts on her cervix, this may cause slight bleeding or, very rarely, an unusual and colored vaginal discharge.

Syphilis - is a bacterial infection that is sexually transmitted and may also be passed from an infected mother to her unborn child. Syphilis has several stages. The primary and secondary stages are very infectious.

STD Risk Factors

After knowing the types of STDs that commonly infect sexually active individuals, it is best to be informed about the following risk factors associated with sex-related illnesses:

* Curiosity about sex among young people almost always lead them to sexual experimentation. The younger people start to have sex, the greater their risk becoming infected with an STD.

* Promiscuity or having lots of different sex partners increases the risk of getting STD infections than those who stay with the same partner.

* Lack of sexual responsibility or being unprotected during sex exposes individuals to possible risks of getting STD infections.

Prevention and Treatment

Just like with other medical conditions, preventing Sexually Transmitted Diseases is much easier than treating them. Abstinence from all types of sexual contact may be the only way to prevent STD. But people do not have to deprive themselves of sex as long as they remain faithful to their partners or at least, try to use condoms and other birth control methods that also serve as sexual safety aids. Other birth control methods may help prevent pregnancy but only latex condoms can lessen the risk of getting an STD.

People who are sexually active should consider getting regular gynecological or male genital examinations to give doctors not just the opportunity to check for STD while they are still in their earliest and most treatable stage. Sexually active people should be well-formed about STDs and the various ways to protect themselves.

People should always be honest about their sexual history especially during consultations with doctors. The more you hold back, the more chances you allow STD to develop and cause more serious damage.

There is a delicate harmony that balances guilt-free sexual health awareness, self-worth, and social responsibility. Parents need to be more willing to hold open discussions with their children. It is the duty of the parents to prepare their children in the matters of physical, emotional and social dimensions of sexual health and its consequences. STD is a serious sexual disease. Remember: It could happen to you.

Look Good By Spending Less

Why do television shows like the Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, Ambush Makeover, and Style Her Famous become big hits among viewers worldwide? One possible reason for this is that these shows amaze people with the remarkable transformation that happens to people who receive makeovers. These makeovers actually change people's lives, creating a positive impact on their relationships, career, and self-esteem. Loyal viewers of these shows also secretly dream about making dramatic changes in their own lives. Vicariously, they relish in the joys of transformation as they watch ordinary people like them step out to make changes in their physical appearance, emotions, and mindsets.

Still, viewers of these shows cannot help but notice how expensive a makeover can be. A change in hairstyle or wardrobe can cost thousands of dollars. An enormous amount of money is also needed to undergo extensive skin care treatment.

Self-transformation is a somewhat risky proposition. It is not east to get a new hairstyle or shop for a whole new set of wardrobe. But as far as skin care is concerned, most people (especially women) can go no-hold barred. Still, the cost of buying famous and expensive brands, spa treatments, and high-tech skin care treatement solutions can easily run into a couple of hundred, even thousands of dollars. People wishing for skin beauty treatments, however, should not feel hopeless. This is because skin care treatments can already be had in the comforts of one's home, even without spending too much.

Effective skin treatments for less money? Yes, it is possible. Below are some of the common and effective homemade skin care treatment recipes that are very useful for those with limited budgets:

Pimples are usually caused by excess oil and clogged pores. One way to prevent having pimples and getting rid of excess dead skin cells is through a fruit facial. Fruits such as grapes, strawberry and pineapple contain substances that work much like commercial salicylic acid formulas minus the side effects. Make a mixture of these fruits using a blender and apply on the face like a mask. Leave the mixture for 10 to 15 minutes and wash off using lukewarm water right after. In case pimples have already appeared, dabbing a small amount of pure white toothpaste will make it dry faster. Also, eye drops applied on pimples can remove its redness for some time.

Smoother and tighter looking facial skin with smaller pores can result from using toners or astringents. At home, one can use a mixture of two tablespoon pureed berries (strawberries, cherries, cranberries), one tablespoon honey and one tablespoon oatmeal combined in a bowl. Before putting the mixture on the face, wet it first with water then spread the paste evenly allover the forehead, cheeks, jaw and neck. Leave it on for approximately five minutes before rubbing it gently on the areas mentioned earlier. After these steps, wash the mixture off using tepid or lukewarm water. Another instant toner that can be used is ice cubes. Rub it all over the face to tighten pores and increase blood circulation.

Wrinkles are among the most common skin problem among older women. One good home-made skin care treatment for wrinkles is mashed banana. Simply mash or mix bananas in a bowl and apply it on the face. Leave the substance for 15 minutes before washing it off with lukewarm water. Other components that can be used to remove wrinkles are green Thompson seedless grapes and pineapples. Cut the Thompson grapes in half and gently squeeze it at wrinkle lines of the face. Leave the juice for 20 minutes and wash with lukewarm water right after. Also, the core of pineapples can be rubbed on the face as wrinkle treatment. Leave the pineapple fluid for 10 to 15 minutes before washing it off.

Aside from skin care solutions that can be applied directly on the skin, it is also important to have the right substances inside the body that will help keep our skin healthy. We need to eat nutritious food, especially those that are rich in vitamins that have been proven to be good for the skin. Vitamin A helps stimulate skin repair and can be found in eggs, milk, carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach. Vitamin E which helps in the maintenance of body tissues are usually found in whole grains such as wheat, oats, and oily fish such as sardines and mackerel. Leafy green vegetables and nuts are also rich in Vitamin E. Finally, Vitamin C which helps in making the skin firm and wrinkle-free can be obtained from eating citrus fruits such as oranges, strawberries, tomatoes, broccoli and cabbage. Increasing the intake of foods rich in these vitamins will surely help protect and beautify the skin.

As cited earlier, effective skin care can be down even at a low cost. Resourcefulness is the key to have a n inexpensive yet real skin transformation. Aside from these fruit-based skin care recipes, it is also important to keep a positive attitude and practice stress relief techniques. For a lasting beautiful skin, a person should not only transform from the outside but also from the inside where real beauty is found.

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Communication Tips For A Healthy Married Life

Aside from financial trouble, infidelity, and problems with the in-laws, many marriages suffer from the simple lack of communication. Many couples fail to resolve their problems early on. As a result, couples grow further apart and are left to struggle with their respective anger and frustration. Instead of speaking with each other as adults, many couples resort to withdrawal or the “silent treatment.” In many cases, couples have already formed the way they communicate based on how their own parents communicated with each other. A person who grew up with parents who constantly fight has the tendency to be argumentative too. A person who was raised by parents who ignored each other whenever they had problems may have the tendency to ignore his partner and his own problems in marriage.

It is said that it takes two to tango and it takes two to argue. But many marriages end up in separation or divorce precisely because the couple even evades quarrels and just chooses to ignore their problem. With mutual “silent treatment,” a couple denies their own opportunity to discuss and hopefully resolve their problem. And when they do talk, the couples would often just exchange accusations and even hurl invectives at one another.

Many women complain that men are so cold, indifferent, and insensitive to their needs and to the issues that affect their relationship. They say that men spend too much time at the office and neglect their duties as husband and father. Women feel angry when men go home only to spend time in front of the t.v. or go out to have drinking sprees with their friends. Men, on the other hand, complain that women are so boisterous, jealous, and nag all the time.

So, how can men and women in marriage deal with their marital problems? The first step that couples should take is to improve the way how they communicate with each other. Shown below are some of the ways how couples can improve their communication:

1. No name calling and don't make any threats.
2. Don't interrupt when your spouse is still speaking.
3. Don't dominate the discussion and stay on the same topic or issue at hand.
4. Listen and pay attention to what the other is saying.
5. Respect each other and be prepared to make changes in the way you think, feel, and behave.
6. Avoid mentioning or bringing up past mistakes and old resentments.
7. Don't assume too much that you know what your spouse is thinking or feeling.
8. Don't presume that you're always “right” in any argument.
9. Try to meet half-way or compromise.
10. Be honest and acknowledge the validity and importance of each other feelings.

Many couples forget that simple affirmation or small acts of love and kindness can do wonders for their marriage. A warm hug or attentively listening to your spouse can bring back a semblance of peace, love, and respect in your relationship. Indeed, one of the keys to a lasting marriage is effective communication. Given enough time and lots of patience, any couple on the rocks can revive their marriage. It just takes a lot of listening and kind words to make your marriage a real match made in heaven.

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The Benefits of Frequent Sex In Achieving Good Health

Individuals engaged in active lifestyles like exercising, eating right foods, and taking vitamins should also involve frequent sex in their health regimen. While the degree of sexual activity in one's health is not a principal topic of research, many studies suggest that safe sex can do wonders for one's overall health. Safe sex practiced in a loving, intimate relationship has numerous health benefits like improved cholesterol levels and increased blood circulation. It also encourages the flow of testosterone, a hormone that plays an important role in the immune system.

Sexual intercourse burns about 200 calories, the same number of calories can be achieved by spending 15 minutes in a treadmill. In addition, sex encourages the production of endorphins, the body natural painkiller. These substances, enables a state of bliss and frees people from stress and anxiety. These factors can lead to feelings of happiness, greater health and may slowdown the aging process. An active sex life may lead to improved health and enable people to live longer and happier lives.

For Him

A medical study published by Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), found out that frequent ejaculation resulting from sexual activity may help protect the prostate from cancer. This finding supports a smaller study in Australia from 2003 that found out that men in 20's who ejaculated more than five times a week were less likely to developing prostate cancer than their counterparts who ejaculated four to seven times a month. Specialists add that ejaculating regularly might lower the risk of cancer because cancer-causing substances are flushed out of the body in the seminal fluid instead of being trapped in the prostate. In addition, researchers in Queens University concluded that by having sex three or more times a week, men may cut heart attack or stroke rates by almost half. However, having sex with multiple partners may raise a man's risk of prostate cancer to up to 40% because his the risk of contracting sexual infection increases.

For Her

Sexual activity may also help prevent endometriosis, a common gynecological condition that affects about 89 million women around the world. This condition occurs when the tissue lining inside a woman's uterus grown in other places like the ovaries or the fallopian tube. This growth can cause pelvic pain and may lead to infertility. A study by the journal of Gynecologic and Obstetric Investigation, concluded that women who were sexually active during their menstruation were 15 times less likely to develop endometriosis than women who abstained from sex during periods. The contractions of the uterus during orgasm may help flush away menstrual debris out of the uterus. Sexual activity among women also prompts the production of estrogen which can act as a painkiller and reduce the pain of Pre Menstrual Syndrome (PMS).

Sexual intercourse is not just the insertion of a man's erect penis into a woman's vagina. It is a process of physical intimacy that strengthens the bond among lovers. Understanding safe sex and sex within marriage may lead to improved health and fruitful marriages.

Meningococcemia - The Lethal Infections of Community

One of the most fatal of all meningococcal diseases is called Meningococcemia, a bacterial infection in the bloodstream. It is so deadly that patients who do not get prompt treatment may die from respiratory or heart failure within 6 to 24 hours. However, according to the National Istitutes of Health, meningococcemia is considered a rare disease, which means it only affects less than 200,000 people in the US population. A consortium of European partners called Ophanet defines a condition rare when if affects 1 person per 2,000.

Meningococcemia is just one of the two major meningococcal infections, the other one being meningitis, an ailment that is caused by the bacteria known as Neisseria meningitidis. This is the same strain which also causes primary pneumonia, purulent conjunctivitis, endocarditis, sinusitis, and genital infection.

Meningococcemia can cause severe illness in children and young adults and may produce death within hours. This condition is contagious since the bacteria can be spread from person to person through colonization of the upper airway without producing any sign or symptom. The bacteria then penetrate into the bloodstream to the central nervous system and cause meningitis, or may develop into a full-blown bloodstream infection which is Meningococcemia.

Symptoms may develop within 24 hours to two weeks after colonization. At first, patients will start to complain of fever and muscle pain. In just a few hours, more severe symptoms may develop. During this early stage, a doctor may not be able to distinguish the condition from any other illness, such as a viral infection like influenza. Unless the person is known to have been exposed to or in the midst of an epidemic of meningococcal disease, there may be no specific symptoms or signs found that can help the doctor diagnose the problem.

As the bacteria continues to multiply and cause more damage, the patient will continue to complain of fever, chills and overwhelming weakness. The first sign occurs when there's severe inflammation of the small blood vessels walls called vasculitis. The damage causes the small vessels to leak which may appear as small bleeding spots on the skin, called petechiae. Acutely ill patients with fever, chills, and petechiae should always be suspected of having Meningococcemia.

Within a few hours after infection, large bleeding areas on the skin known as purpura become more visible as the damage to the blood vessels increases. The blood pressure is often low and symptoms of bleeding from other organs occur like coughing up blood, nose bleeds, and blood in the urine become evident. While the damaged blood vessels continue to leak, clotting also occurs inside the vessels which may result in major tissue damage in the large arteries. This results to loss of blood and oxygen and may cause large areas of skin, muscle, and internal organs to die, putting the patient in high risk of dying.

Meningococcemia can be diagnosed through blood cultures by obtaining fluid from a petechial spot and staining it in the laboratory. However, as soon as diagnosis is suspected, treatment should not be delayed waiting for positive cultures. Antibiotics that work against the organism should be administered immediately. Patients diagnosed in a doctor's clinic should be given antibiotics even before hospital transfer. The speed of initial treatment will greatly affect the progress of the disease.

About 15-20% of patients with Meningococcemia may die due to acute infection while a notable percentage of the survivors will have tissue damage that requires surgical treatment such as skin grafts, or even partial or full amputations of an arm or leg.

Although a vaccine for meningococcus is now being made available, it is recommended that people who have had contact with anyone who has meningococcal infection should take antibiotics immediately to minimize the risk of infection. The most common antibiotics given are rifampin (Rifadin) or ciprofloxacin (Cipro). which are usually taken by mouth twice a day for two days. Discuss this with your health care provider before taking any form of antibacterial or antiviral medication.

The Pain of Menstrual Cramps

A monthly period is not the only event a woman anticipates in her everyday life. Along with the regular monthly cycle comes other occurrences such as menstrual pains or cramps that can be severe or intolerable. It is no wonder that women with severe cramps regard their monthly period with so much dread.

Menstrual cramps, or dysmenorrhea, are one of the most common health care problems that women suffer during their reproductive years. It has been estimated that as many as 30 to 50 percent of all women suffer from pain during their menstrual period, with the incidence being highest in younger women, from teenagers to women in their thirties. At least 10 percent of younger women have severe symptoms that some can not do their normal activities anymore. Some have to miss work, school, or other important functions because they can not handle the pain.

A substance called prostagladins are the cause of most symptoms with dysmenorrhea. These are produced by the body and found in the uterine lining. When the lining starts to shed with menstruation, they are released, which will then cause the uterus to contract forcefully, which is the reason for much of the cramping itself.

Menstrual cramps start a day or more before the actual menstruation. This can usually last from one to three days. They are usually felt in the lower or middle abdomen. The pain can spread to the hips, thighs and back. The pain rises to a peak and falls, then starts all over again. This is due to the contractions of the uterus that underlie the cramps. Though cramps are experienced by women, the severity of it varies from woman to woman. Some women have cramps that are barely noticeable, others may feel excruciating pain. They may also experience dizziness, weakness or chills. Abdominal muscles and leg spasms also occur with severe cramps.


Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs are the main treatment for menstrual cramps. There are different medications and brands to choose from but Ibuprofen (Motrin) or Naproxen (Aleve) are some of the most popular NSAIDs in the market today. They work by stopping the body from making prostagladins and prevents blood clotting. Different formulations work well on different women, this is because production of prostagladins is a series of events. Different drugs in the NSAID category work on different stages of the process. Generic Ibuprofen is a good one to take for starters and it is also the cheapest. For severe cramping, your physician might recommend low-dose oral contraceptives to prevent ovulation. This may reduce that production of prostaglandins and the severity of the cramps. There is no way to predict which drug will work best on a particular woman that is why it is still best to consult a physician if menstrual cramps are becoming a regular thing and hinders a woman's day-to-day activities.

However, there are a few self-care tips to help you reduce the pain from menstrual cramps. Once you feel the pain, use a heating pad in your abdomen and take a hot bath to ease your cramps. Exercising regularly has also been shown to help alleviate menstrual cramps. Exercise increases the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers. Getting adequate rest will help one's body to be less vulnerable to pain.

Although menstrual cramps are generally related to pain, it is also closely tied to ovulatory cycles. So, women should not be always fearful about having menstrual cramps during and before their monthly period. It is an important sign of a woman's potential for fertility.

The Importance of Body's "Core"

The body's core --- which includes the abdominal, lower back, pelvis, and hip area --- is considered the most vital part of the body. The core is where the body's center of gravity is located and this is where force production and movement begins. The muscles in this area work in harmony to provide stability to the body to bring force, power, and stability from the legs to the upper and vice versa. Many of the body's core muscles cannot be seen because they are hidden underneath the other muscles. According to health experts, a strong core makes it easier to do physical activities, even the most strenuous routines. They add that the core is very complicated and serves many important tasks that may lead to improved overall health and sexual health.

A developed core is essential to stability and sports performance. Martial artists need developed cores to execute difficult kicks and attacks properly. Basketball players need core strength to perform acrobatic dunks and layups. Golfers need core stability to swing properly. More importantly, core training is important because training the muscles in this area corrects postural imbalance that may lead to injuries. By strengthening the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that support the spine, core training may help reduce the risk of lower back pain. In addition, a developed and stable core may help prevent injuries because stronger muscles support the spine, pelvis, and shoulder joints. A well-developed core is essential to attain full range of body motion --- an ability needed for both work and leisure. For these reasons, health and fitness experts recommend people to undergo core training.

Core Training, also called core muscle training, core stability, and core strengthening provides a protective defense to the spinal cord and several organs of the human body. This kind of training may involve proper hydration, nutrition, core exercises, and body relaxation. Many fitness experts believe that core training can be used as an alternative solution to stress and anxiety, bad posture, and weight control. Other activities that involve core training are yoga, Pilates, and martial arts. These types of training help practitioners develop a healthy body, increase lifespan, achieve a state of bliss, and have a better sex life. Studies show that performing these exercise routines help promote more body energy, self-esteem, and increased testosterone levels. Stretching exercises in yoga, Pilates, and martial arts act serve as “massage” for the internal organs of the body, enabling the body's internal systems to function properly. Both Western and Chinese medicine support claims regarding the health benefits of having a well-developed core.

According to eastern medicine, the core is the center of all human energy. These principles believe that the core is the source of the 'chi,' the power within. The 'chi' is responsible for self-healing, self-recovery, and self-realization. Chinese beliefs add that the this power is a life force and is present in every living thing. The 'chi' flows in the body thorough channels called meridians and give the body life nourishment and energy. The chi can be developed by meditation, visualization, and breathing. Activities that are done in yoga, Pilates, and the martial arts. The health benefits of having a developed core has been approved by science and eastern beliefs. Core strength is important to ordinary people and athletes alike. Incorporating them in a workout may reduce strength, avoid muscle injury, and improve posture and strength.

A Healthy New Year's Resolution

Every New Year, you make it a point to make resolutions and the very first on your list is to go on a diet. But only after a few weeks, you realize that you again failed to do make good on your resolution, just like last year. Once again, you failed to follow your diet. You now realize that you have gained more weight and that you are now losing your battle to fight the bulge.

You were dying to wear that long black sexy dress that was displayed on a famous women's boutique, even if you had the money to buy it. Deep down, you know that you'll never get to wear it. If you want to impress your family, friends and that gorgeous boyfriend of yours --- you have got to shape up...not next month or next year --- but now!

If you want to feel good, you must be sure to get proper nutrition. But if you want to achieve complete fitness, you must invest time in exercise. Being fit gives you more energy, lessens your risk for heart disease and diabetes, while improving your self-esteem. Getting fit is really about you. It is something that you owe to yourself.

Fitness is not just about looking good but also feeling good. Fitness makes you strong enough to meet your hectic schedule. It makes you wake up in the morning and feel rejuvenated. Losing weight through fitness routines is good especially if one also takes weight loss pills prescribed by a doctor. If you had enough energy and you don't feel sluggish then you will be ready for anything.

Fitness is not is not about being thin or trying to be skinny. A woman's weight should also correspond to her height. Everything is about measurement and balance. Being fit is not only about the size you wear rather, fitness is a lifetime investment and it is a way to cope with emergencies. It means eating right, getting adequate sleep, relaxation and exercise. You don't have to look like the next supermodel in the making. It's just about being strong and beautiful at the same time.

Staying fit is a combination of diet and exercise. It shouldn't be painful. It should be fun. Each fitness program is different. What is good for you might not be good for others. When you decide to change your lifestyle for the sake of good health then start with a good diet. Eating small meals a day throughout the day helps the body work more efficiently. Along with diet, any simple exercise for an hour or so will help you lose pounds. Get up and be on the move. Don't be a cough potato. Aerobic exercise is an excellent way to have more energy. If you want to speed up the results the results, then go for a more extensive exercise program.

You are unique. Listen to your body. Know what fitness program give you enormous benefits. Fitness should give you more strength, flexibility, speed, and endurance. Don't copy someone else's fitness program. Explore what's best for you. Don't give up if it doesn't work the first time. Don't make unrealistic goals and stop worrying how other people regard you. So what! If you don't meet society's standards. You're doing this, first and foremost, for yourself and for your wellbeing.