Godswill Clement The Great Global Motivator!!!

Get The Break You Need... Quickly...

2011-02-21T15:02:00.000-08:00

That one break, that one opportunity, if you could only
get it would turn things around, get you back on track
and lead to success and better days.
Today I'm going to show you how to get that break
so that you begin to enjoy life again.
That break, that would help you turn things around
is really the right opportunity.
That opportunity could be a relationship, a promotion, a job offer,
a way to make more money, a business, an investment, anything
that you want... so today I'll show you how to attract and
discover that opportunity or that break quickly and easily.
Read on and enjoy.
http://www.creatingpower.com/course.htm
There's a simple way to attract any opportunity you want.
You only have to follow the process and the results will follow.
Here's a real life example and it comes from
someone who has been working with my material.
Last week I got an email from David Haskin who
wanted to start up a health care business
but didn't have the funding.
His goal was to get the money together.
David knew some well connected people but
wasn't getting anywhere with them.
I suggested he keep working with the material
and be open to new possibilities.
Then one day something happened that many
would say was just pure coincidence.
But we both knew it wasn't and that there
was more going on.
A friend of David's told him about an upcoming
event and invited David and his wife as his guests.
That night David met an old friend who had
been very successful in business and was looking
for new ventures.
To cut a long story short; the two partnered and David
opened his first store 10 months ago and is putting together his own
private label of health care products.
Coincidence?
I don't think so.
David had been training his mind and subconscious mind
on a daily basis; directing them to guide him to the
right opportunity.
He followed up with action, and continued doing
everything he could to get to meet the right people
and discover the right opportunity to generate
the money he needed for his new business.
Finally his subconscious responded and David
listened to his instincts and followed up on
an opportunity by simply going to an event with his friend.
When he met an old friend David didn't turn away,
he didn't ignore him - he treated him like a
friend and explained what he was doing and what
he wanted to do.
These simple acts helped him secure funding for his
business and launch what promises to be a lucrative career.
But this all happened only after he had laid the foundation
by instructing his subconscious mind to guide him to
the right people and opportunities - then he trusted
that it would happen.
You too can create the situations that will
catapult you to success.
When you feed your mind and subconscious mind the
positive messages to get what you want,
your subconscious goes out and creates the
situations, and attracts the people to help you
accomplish your goals.
But you have to follow up.
You have to see every situation that comes up as an opportunity.
You will be guided along the way, and if you focus on making
the right decisions - you will.
You also have to follow up by following your
instincts and taking action.
Then you create the right situations and
opportunities to help you accomplish your goals.
All you have to do is direct your subconscious mind
to help you achieve what you want by following
the simple steps outlined. Get started today - visit:
http://www.creatingpower.com/course.htm
How YOU Can Create The Right Opportunities
First let me clearly state that there is no such
thing as coincidence. Instead you orchestrate
everything that happens to you - even what you
think is a coincidence is created by you on some level.
You create these so called coincidences or
opportunities by working with the power of
your mind and subconscious mind which works
in harmony with the universe.
You can create good or bad things in your life
it's really your choice.
The negative things that occur, happen because you don't
properly instruct your subconscious mind to create
the kind of so called coincidences to help you.
Or you refused to obey the warning signs that
come up everyday.
These signs help you by trying to push you in a certain direction.
When you fail to follow these signs, things don't
work out and you end up creating exactly what you don't want.
Nothing happens by chance.
You orchestrate every coincidence that happens in your life.
When you accept this you empower yourself and you're able to
take back control and direct your subconscious mind
to attract what you want, when you want.
Here's how you orchestrate your own apparent coincidences,
situations and opportunities - including those that work
for you or against you.
When you're focused on something, when you think
about it regularly, when it's a priority in your
life then you'll begin to notice little
coincidences pop up.
When you're calm, relaxed and trust that you'll
find or get what you're looking for then the
coincidences become more apparent.
When your mind is quiet and not filled with
negative thoughts and doubts then you'll see
these coincidences happen sooner.
So if you constantly worry, live in fear, or your angry,
frustrated or just plain negative then you'll
create coincidences that are negative or lead to more misery.
You'll attract the people who support what you constantly
think about and believe.
You'll also create events that make you believe
that you need to worry or be angry about something.
To create your own positive coincidences, positive opportunities
or positive events focus on what you want.
Think about what you want to happen.
Then begin telling yourself that you're doing the right things
and making the right choices to succeed or get what you want.
Then trust and let go.
This may not seem easy but trusting and letting go is
actually the most important part.
So the sooner you get comfortable with the process
the sooner you'll get results.
Be patient and be alert.
Watch for little things that come up remember there
is no such thing as coincidence.
When you notice what looks like a coincidence
make a note of it and remember the process is
already at work and soon the right coincidence
will arrive to help you achieve your goal.
Remember you will be guided to what is best for you
all you have to do is follow the signs along the road.
Read them, pay attention to what appear to be coincidences.
You can create the life you want.
You can attract the people that will help you.
You can achieve your goals and be happy.
Start creating your positive coincidences today don't
waste another minute. Visit:
http://www.creatingpower.com/course.htm
"Karim, I just wanted to let you know how much
I enjoy your Creating Power program.
I listen to your cds and do the exercises everyday.
In recent weeks I have seen myself grow more confident
and my attitude and outlook on life has improved dramatically.
When I started your program I was looking for a new job.
I secured a great position with a really good company last month.
I have also been going out more and am making progress
in meeting the right person, that's all I'll say about
that area but I will keep you posted. I know
I'll make the right choices thanks to your Creating Power course.
I see things I never used to see before.
I believe in myself and no longer doubt my every step.
I know there are better days ahead. Thank you so much Karim."
-Anna Timmins, Texas USA
http://www.creatingpower.com/course.htm
You too can begin improving your life.
Yes you can create the coincidences to achieve success,
happiness and much more.
Take control of your thoughts and you change your life.
Start today - don't waste another moment creating the
life you don't want. Remember - this is it.
This is the only life you have. Use your incredible
powers to make the most of it. Visit:
http://www.creatingpower.com/mwainc.htm
Sincerely,
Karim Hajee
Creating Power
PS: Remember if you don't do anything, if you don't
change the way your mind works and direct your subconscious mind
to create the life you want everything stays the same
nothing changes. This is your life! Make the most of it.
Begin working with the power of your mind and subconscious mind
to create the life you want. Visit:
http://www.creatingpower.com/course.htm

**************************************************

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And Tap Into Your Endless Flow Of Spiritual
Abundance In Just Minutes.
Finally, there's a sure-fire way to achieve your goals,
overcome difficulties and start living the life you want.
It's based on a combination of established,
time tested results and the latest study of the mind.
Free 30-day trial: visit:
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****************************************************
Follow Me On Twitter.
I'm sending positive messages and positive vibes through
twitter to help you stay motivated, focused and attract
great things into your life - so follow me on twitter and
get your positive and motivating tweets
Click Here To Follow Me On Twitter

AGILE

2011-01-03T05:15:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year and let's make 2011 your best year ever.
In this special New Year's edition I'll show you how to
fulfill your resolutions, so you enjoy the success you want this year and every year.
I know a lot of people make resolutions at the start of every year.
Sadly, most never fulfill them.
They somehow convince themselves to give up or get distracted.
They push their goals to the sidelines and lose the desire to achieve them.
Why?
Because you focus on the wrong things.
And in the process you direct your mind and subconscious mind to create
exactly what you don't want.
Now I'm going to show you how to change that.
When you create your resolution or goal, think about why this goal or
resolution is important to you.
If you want to lose weight; think about why you want to lose weight.
The answer might be to look good or be healthier.
That answer is your motivating factor... its what you really want.
Losing weight merely helps you accomplish that goal.
Then start thinking of what else could you do to accomplish that goal
What else could you do to look great or be healthier?
Then start taking steps to accomplish that.
Now the important part
Regularly think about your goal and why you want to achieve it.
Feed your mind and subconscious mind positive messages about
achieving your goals.
When negative thoughts creep in, remove them.
When you have doubts, replace those doubts with positive
message and how you can achieve your goal.
When you're about to give up, think of why that goal is
important and tell yourself that you can achieve your goals.
When you have your mind and subconscious mind focused on
achieving your goal you will succeed.
The key is to regularly give them the direction and
proper instructions so that you do succeed. Start today - visit:
http://www.creatingpower.com/course.htm
Make this your best year ever.
Get your mind focused on achieving your goals.
Give yourself a fresh start and a new way to build the life you want.
If you experienced setbacks, now is the time to turn things around.
Don't let the negative voice tell you that you can't succeed.
You can accomplish anything you want.
You are a powerful human being and you have amazing abilities.
Your power is in your subconscious mind.
Give it the right instructions and you'll succeed. Visit:
http://www.creatingpower.com/course.htm
"Karim, I've been working with your course for
nearly a year and I have been really impressed with
the way things have turned out. By working with your
program I was able to shed all those negative thoughts and
I started to believe in myself. I accomplished the goals I set out to achieve
and it all happened very smoothly. You kept
telling me to trust the process and I did. I know this
system works and I continue to use it everyday. Yes, I get
some negative thoughts but I know how to deal with them and
I know how to get stronger. I thought I would write to wish you
and your family a wonderful holiday season and all the best for the new year.
You really changed my life and I am much happier today.
I haven't felt this excited about life for a long time.
Thank you Karim."
Marie Gibson, San Diego, USA
http://www.creatingpower.com/course.htm
Yes you can have the same success as Marie.
Yes you can achieve your goals.
Yes you can enjoy your life.
Yes you can have the best year ever.
Get rid of the doubts and negative chatter that says you can't.
You can achieve your goals.
Feed your mind and subconscious mind positive encouragement.
Direct your subconscious to create what you want.
Focus on your goals and think of how and why you can achieve them.
Don't push them to the sidelines... make this your best year ever.
You are a powerful human being with tremendous power.
Work with that power, direct your subconscious mind to
create the life you want. Start today.
Make this your best year ever - visit:
http://www.creatingpower.com/course.htm
Wishing you a happy and prosperous New Year...
Sincerely,
Karim Hajee
Creating Power
PS: Remember if you don't do anything - if you don't change the way your mind
works and direct your subconscious mind to create the
life you want - everything stays the same - nothing changes. This
is your life - make the most of it - begin working with the power
of your mind and subconscious mind to create the life you want. Visit:
http://www.creatingpower.com/course.htm

************************************
Get more done in less time...
Make this the year you put and end to procrastinating
Manifest Wealth and Abundance
Eliminate Fear and Anxiety
Increase your confidence.
Put an end to depression and no longer be stuck in a rut
Re-direct your mind and subconscious mind quickly and easily.
No homework.
No Exercises.
Just hit the play button and let the changes take place.
http://www.cpaffirmations.com

AGILE GLOBAL MEDIA OUTREACH

2011-01-03T05:01:00.000-08:00

Scripture
"...If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all - how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen?" Romans 8:31 - 34
The People
Please pray for the people of Nigeria. Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa, with over 150 million people. There are many Christians in Nigeria. Please pray that there will be a tremendous revival and the love of God will be poured out throughout Nigeria and the churches will grow stronger.
The Power of Internet Evangelism
At www.iChristianLife.com, you can start the new year right and learn more about Jesus and how you can live a victorious Christian life in the power of God's Holy Spirit.
Weekly Prayer Focus
Jesus Christ is King of Kings and Lord of Lords! As we start this new year, let us remember that we serve the one true living God and His Son Jesus Christ who is Himself God.

If God is for us, who can be against us? I know that our troubles - and your troubles - can seem enormous to each of us. But God is greater than our troubles. God knows the plans He has for us, and they are plans for good and not for harm, plans to give us a future and a hope.

As you look to this new year, ask God to give you His faith and His hope and His love. Faith in God - hope for the future - and love for God and for those around you. Ask God to fill you with His Holy Spirit and His joy, and you can have victory over discouragement and sin and even death. Jesus Christ is Lord! No power is greater than God. You can have great victory in your life in Jesus Christ in 2011.

So, this week, let us pray and ask God to
- Fill each of us with His faith and His joy and His hope and His love
- Save millions of people all around the world
- Help us all at Global Media Outreach to reach the world for Jesus Christ and to be safe in His love

THANK YOU; THANK YOU; THANK YOU for your prayers in 2010. May God bless you mightily in this new year of 2011.
Your friends at Global Media Outreach
Responses
"I am really glad to know God as my savior, the one who died for my sin. However, I want to know how will I grow more with God, now I recommit on Him. I am starting all over again to be more close with Him. I want to maintain my communication with Him. Tell me How.. :) Thanks Guys."

THE TOP 10 STEPS THAT WILL HELP GET YOU UNSTUCK

2010-09-11T09:57:00.000-07:00

It’s not unusual to feel stuck, trapped, and unable to move from a situation you feel is stifling. Actually, it’s part of life and growth. But, getting “stuck in” and “growing through” situations are different. Here are ten ways to shift from one to the other:
Step back and ask yourself what’s really going on. When you’re caught up in the stuff of everyday life, it’s easy to lose objectivity. It’s good to set aside a little time each day to challenge the obviousness of what seems to be going on. Is there a lesson to be learned that you are missing? Might that setback really be a step forward? Will things really turn out as badly as you think they will?
Consider whether what’s happening has happened before. Is this a unique situation or is it just another example, in different garb, of an issue you’ve failed to confront before? If it’s the latter, maybe now’s the time to solve it and move on.
Assume that present events and circumstances may be less of a “problem” than parts of a larger “process.” There’s a fair case to be made for the notion that, in this life, all is process rather than result. In other words, what this life is really about is growth and learning. Viewed in this light, where you’re heading is not as important as how you choose to get there. (For those who are strongly goal-oriented, this may be tough to swallow.)
Ask yourself what you can do next. It’s the small steps that lead to successful journeys. Don’t get sucked in by the suggestion that you’ve got to solve it all today.
Do something – anything! When you’re stuck, taking any step puts you in a different place and helps change your perspective, even if it’s a wrong move! And, doing something could be a conscious decision to do absolutely nothing!
Look for support nearby. Almost always, help is at hand, a phone call or a touch away. We tend to look out there or off into the future, thinking that the help we need is just not available to us in our present situation. If, instead, you begin with the assumption that the tools you need to solve the problem are close at hand, you’ll be amazed at how it sharpens your vision!
Take the negatives, one by one, and toss them out. Negatives can be just as powerful as positives, depending on how much energy you can give them. It’s your choice.
Take one positive, unselfish project and make it yours. Help someone else, even if you think that you’re the one who needs help. And don’t be surprised if, in your darkest moment, someone comes knocking at your door – asking for help.
If lack is a problem, try substituting the word “service” for profit or gain. You “get” from what you lack, but you “give” from what you are. When you begin to consider seriously how you can be of service, it can be absolutely amazing how much you discover you have to give.
Be grateful for every blessing. It’s not big jumps that lead to greatness – it’s the small steps. The “little” good things that happen to us (and sometimes they seem to be very little) are tests of our awareness. It pays off not to flunk these tests!

HOLIDAYS AND CASH

2010-08-28T08:09:00.000-07:00

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OWN YOUR LIFE - BE ON PERMANENT VACATION

FINALLY, YOU CAN HAVE THE LIFE YOU REALLY WANT…

2010-06-28T03:00:00.000-07:00

Finally, you can have the life you really want…
This Amazing Secret Reveals How to
Eliminate Stress From Your Life,
Skyrocket Your Self-Confidence, and
Program Yourself For Automatic Lifetime Success
Yes, You Can Expand Your Comfort Zone, Shatter the Beliefs that are
Limiting Your Life, and Instantly Boost Your Self-Esteem Forever.
In 5-Minutes A Day, You Can Easily Create
The Life You Want - Guaranteed!
If you have ever thought about why some people are successful in life and others live out their lives in failure. If you've ever wanted to be one of those people who lives their dreams, the answer is at hand.

Never Before Has It Been This Simple to
Achieve Your Every Dream.

As you think about your dreams and what's important to you about moving toward your ideal lifestyle, you might realize that we are all either moving toward or away from our dreams at all times.
If we procrastinate, we're putting our dreams off - maybe for a few years or maybe forever.

And when you delay your dreams, you miss out on life.

The ideal is to live our dreams now before it's too late. It's important to take some action each and every day, no matter how big or small in pursuit of our dreams. And the way that countless people who reached their dreams was with my Creating Power program.

You might be reading this website and think you'd like to make some changes in your life. But sometimes, even though you'd like a better job, to feel closer to your family, or even feel good about yourself, something inside stops you from taking action.

One of the traits of people who are confident in their use of power and who really go for it is that they immediately take action. If you want to make your dreams reality, like so many before you have done, I want you to focus your attention on what you really desire inside your heart.

GET RID OF THOSE NEGATIVE THOUGHTS...

2010-06-28T01:08:00.000-07:00

GET RID OF THOSE NEGATIVE THOUGHTS...
Positive thinkers have all the fun... they enjoy success,
the enjoy life, and even when things don't quite workout they
find a way to forge ahead.
Why?
Because their head isn't filled with negative thinking.
They don't have the doom and gloom mindset where every little mistake or error is magnified.
They focus on the small success and move past the little things that don't quite workout.
They don't get crippled by negative thinking.
You can eliminate negative thinking, quickly and easily, and today I'll show you how
to end the negative thinking so that you enjoy success in every are of your life.
Start by Eliminating Negative Thoughts
Negative thoughts really have no purpose.
They don't make you feel good and instead can often lead to anger,
frustration, procrastination and will destroy relationships and
make you miserable.
Now I know everybody has some negative thoughts from time to time
(myself included), especially when you're tired.
But meaningless and negative thoughts, the kind where you worry for no reason, serve
no purpose because they don't help you accomplish your goals and
they just take up space and energy.
A mind filled with optimism and positive thinking is a mind geared to
success and will guarantee that you enjoy life on your terms.
So let's change those negative thoughts.
Let's get rid of them and develop a positive and optimistic mindset.
You need to have thoughts that help you achieve your goals, make you feel
better, help you find solutions and allow you to enjoy the success you deserve.
The first step is to change those negative thoughts as soon as you notice them.
If you constantly focus on what could go wrong - you'll always
create and attract negative situations... the kind that don't work out.
If you regularly focus on how things can improve, and when you
constantly focus on positive things - you will attract situations
and events that work out for you and you will attract more positive
events and people.
Your subconscious mind will always create the situations and events
that you regularly think about.
So start replacing those negative and useless thoughts with positive
and constructive thoughts.
Begin directing your mind and subconscious mind to create the life
that you want - and you'll begin achieving your goals sooner than
you realize.
REPLACE THOSE THOUGHTS WITH POSITIVE THOUGHTS.
At any point during the day when ever you have a free moment -
catch yourself thinking. If you find you're having a negative thought,
if you're looking at the worst in a situation, if you're focused on what
could go wrong - then you need to change that pattern of thinking right away.
Pay attention to your thoughts.
Observe them and analyze them.
Ask yourself: "Does this thought or belief work for me? Does it
help me? Does it make me feel better?"
If the answer is no - then you have to change it. And you can
change the thought by simply thinking of the opposite or creating a
new thought that helps you create what you want.
For example: If you're constantly thinking about why you're not
good enough or why you can't achieve something - change those
thoughts. Think about why you are good enough and why you can
achieve something. At first you may have to push yourself to come
up with reasons - but the more you do this exercise the easier it gets.
And as you apply it regularly you'll find answers and solutions easily.
As you regularly think about why you can do something you'll start
to believe that you can achieve that goal. The minute you begin to
believe that you can do something your subconscious mind goes out
and creates the situations to help you achieve that goal.
It's that simple and extremely powerful.
Eliminating the negative thoughts has a powerful impact and will allow you
to spring out of bed, walk around with a hop in your step and a smile on your
face because you'll just be enjoying life.
Try it for a full week and see how you feel...
Your thoughts and beliefs are the fuels that drive your subconscious.
Feed your subconscious negative thoughts and negative beliefs and
you'll stall your engine.
That means you won't be able to achieve your goals.
Feed your subconscious positive thoughts and positive beliefs - and
you turbo charge yourself to success.
Start changing your thoughts today.
Begin directing your mind and subconscious mind to help you live
the life you want and achieve your goals.
You can eliminate the negative thoughts.
You can get rid of the junk in your head.
You can begin to improve your life and achieve your goals.
Start eliminating those negative thoughts today.
Start changing your attitude and begin creating the life you want today.
Make this your time to shine.
Become a positive thinker... start today and you'll begin
to enjoy the rest of your life...

MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENTIST

2010-05-17T11:41:00.000-07:00

Medical Laboratory is the Bed Rock for all Modern Medicine. Go For your Diagnose for the best result in PANACEA

LOVE YOU FOREVER

2010-04-23T12:14:00.000-07:00

Love is a friendship that has caught fire, it is quiet understanding, mutual confidence, sharing and forgiving. It is loyalty through good and bad times. It settles for less than perfection and makes allowances for human weaknesses.

Love is content with the present, it hopes for the future, and it doesn't brood over the past. It's the day in and day out chronicle of irritations, problems, compromises, small disappointments, big victories, and working toward common goals.

If you have love in your life, it can make up for a great many things you lack. If you don't have it, no matter what else there is, it's not enough.

Of all the people in this world, you're the one I run to. Your name has been inscribed in my heart before I knew your name. In the moment we met all those years ago, I knew you were the one. I whisper your name each morning when I wake, and each night to the stars.

I am who I am because of you, and there is no one else I want to be. You have taught me so much about this world, and even through the times when darkness covered my world, you were always the light.

I will love you for the rest of my life, no matter what.

CHRISTIAN MARRIAGE COUNCELLING

2010-04-17T08:29:00.000-07:00

Christian Marriage Counseling - The Purposes
Christian marriage counseling is a tool to help people in troubled relationships learn to understand one another and God better. We might think, "I don't need counseling. I can solve my own problems just fine." But if you are here, visiting this site, it's likely you are in a situation that would benefit from an outsider's perspective. Christian marriage counseling can help you see what God wants from your marriage.

Christian marriage counseling generally involves three main areas: 1) problems or issues in general, such as difficulty communicating, a loss of closeness, etc. 2) personal problems that develop or occur within marriage. 3) loss of a sense of God's principles for marriage.

The need for marital counseling cannot be emphasized enough, even for Christians, because we live in a world that often encourages the destruction of marriage. As Christians, we additionally recognize the presence of an enemy, on the prowl to devour (1 Peter 5:8) marriages. From the beginning, marriage has been part of God's plan for His creation, and Satan is vehemently against this precious tradition. If we need evidence that we are in trouble, just take a look at the divorce rate both in Christian and non-christian environments.
Christian Marriage Counseling - Problems or Issues
Christian marriage counseling seeks to address problems and issues. If problems are not dealt with in a timely manner, they can fester and bring further devastation to a marriage. While problems are common to every marriage, Christians have the means to solve them. Think of it as deflecting a virus before it takes hold of our bodies. An appropriate response may not prevent the virus, but it can help us weather the storm and rebound stronger as a result.

So in marriage, it is important to recognize and acknowledge problems early. Marriage counseling brings attention to these problems and helps resolve them. Prevalent problems include poor communication, a lack of closeness or intimacy, nagging, or anger.

At the root of many of these problems is pride. We often believe we can solve our own problems. This can be aggravating in a marriage, especially when one spouse recognizes a need for help and the other refuses. The Bible tells us to examine ourselves (2 Corinthians 13:5). This principle would also include marriages, so if there are issues that need resolution, counseling is a godly choice.

When spouses seek the Lord and are open to counsel and wisdom, they bring hope to their situation and show others that God can help them, too.

Problems may also be relational, a result of not knowing how to interact, whether emotionally, intellectually, or physically. Other serious problems that could develop might be lying, adultery, pornography, emotional wounds, mental conditions, etc. When these problems are not dealt with, they represent a potentially crushing threat to the marriage.
Christian Marriage Counseling - God's Principles of Marriage
Christian marriage counseling helps us refocus on our priorities. It's easy for us to get distracted and lose sight of what and who is important. In addition to helping us find solutions to problems and issues, Christian counseling can provide marital and relationship-building techniques. By offering precepts from God's Word, good Christian marriage counseling can help quench the "viruses" that affect and harm our relationships.

Christian marriage counseling can help us deal with the problems that threaten to tear apart our lives. Effective counseling reassures us that God cares and that He desires to be a central part in our marriage. We can learn principles from God's Word that will remind us in days to come of God's ideals for husbands and wives (Ephesians 5:21-33; 1 Peter 3:1-11). Christian marriage counselors share and encourage these precepts.

How is your marriage? Is there a virus threatening to take hold? Does your relationship need realignment? Are you and your spouse following a biblical precedent?

How to Keep Your Christian Marriage Strong and Healthy
Step 1 - Pray Together:
Set aside time each day to pray with your spouse.
My husband and I have found that first thing in the morning is the best time for us. We ask God to fill us with His Holy Spirit and give us strength for the day ahead. It brings us closer together as we care for each other every day. We think about what the day ahead holds for our partner. Our loving affection goes beyond the physical realm to the emotional and spiritual realm. This develops true intimacy with each other and with God.
Perhaps a better time for you as a couple might be just before you go to bed each night. It's impossible to fall asleep angry when you've just held hands together in God's presence.
Tips:
Pray these Christian prayers for couples.
Learn these basics to prayer.
Step 2 - Read Together:
Set aside time each day, or at least once a week, to read the Bible together.
This might also be described as a time of devotions. About five years ago my husband and I began setting aside time each weekday morning to read the Bible and pray together -- a couple's devotional time. We read to each other, either from the Bible or from a devotional book, and then we spend a few minutes in prayer together.
We've had to commit to rising from sleep about 30 minutes earlier in order to do this, but it's been a wonderful, intimate time of strengthening our marriage. It took 2 1/2 years, but what a sense of accomplishment we felt when we realized we had read through the entire Bible together!
Tip:
Find out how spending time with God can enrich your life.
Step 3 - Make Decisions Together:
Commit to making important decision together.
I'm not talking about deciding on what to eat for dinner. Major decisions, like financial ones, are best decided as a couple. One of the greatest areas of strain in a marriage is the sphere of finances. As a couple you should discuss your finances on a regular basis, even if one of you is better at handling the practical aspects, like paying the bills and balancing the check book. Keeping secrets about spending will drive a wedge between a couple faster than anything.
If you agree to come to mutual decisions on how the finances are handled, this will strengthen trust between you and your partner. Also, you won't be able to keep secrets from each other if you commit to making all important family decisions together. This is one of the best ways to develop trust as a couple.
Tip:
Check out these top Christian books about marriage.
Step 4 - Attend Church Together:
Get involved in a church together.
Find a place of worship where you and your spouse will not only attend together, but enjoy areas of mutual interest, such as serving in a ministry and making Christian friends together. The Bible says in Hebrews 10:24-25, that one of the best ways we can stir up love and encourage good deeds is by remaining faithful to the Body of Christ by meeting together regularly as believers.
Tips:
Discover practical advice on finding a church.
Learn what the Bible says about church attendance.
Step 5 - Continue Dating:
Set aside special, regular times to continue developing your romance.
Once married, couples often neglect the area of romance, especially after the kids come along. Continuing a dating life may take some strategic planning on your part as a couple, but it is vital to maintaining a secure and intimate marriage. Keeping the romance alive will also be a bold testimony to the strength of your Christian marriage.
Tips:
Consider these great ways to say "I love you."
Learn 4 simple ways to rekindle intimacy.
Read this tribute to my parent's love.
Conclusion:
These 5 steps require real, committed effort on your part. Falling in love may have seemed effortless, but keeping your Christian marriage strong will take ongoing work. The good news is—building a healthy marriage is not all that complicated or difficult if you're determined to follow a few basic principles.

Intensive Christian Marriage Counseling for Couples in Crisis
We are caring, accepting, non-judgmental Christian Marriage Counselors who specialize in crisis Christian Marriage Counseling. We help couples (both married and un-married) who need immediate and highly-skilled help. We help couples heal from deep hurts, loss of love, broken trust, and the pain
of unresolved issues and conflicts.

Is One Hour a Week Christian Marriage Counseling Best for Couples in Crisis?
If you were to need heart surgery, would you want your Cardiologist to do it "a little bit each week?"
Our Marriage Intensives are for couples who need to stop the pain now! Once this kind of "major surgery" has been accomplished, staying on a good path is
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Since most issues can't be resolved in an hour, couples can merely open up old wounds and walk away feeling even more hopeless than before the session. This leaves hurting couples discouraged and vulnerable. With local one hour a week Christian Marriage Counseling, often, by the time couples are just getting to the root of one of their issues--it's time to stop the session.
Results
To date, over 90% of couples who come to our Marriage Intensive leave totally committed to their marriage. This is true even when there has been infidelity or separation. By the end of an Intensive couples have resolved the issues that have caused them such deep pain. Couples are equipped to have the marriage of their dreams!

Small Group Intensives

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2010-04-03T04:50:00.002-07:00

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2010-03-25T10:46:00.000-07:00

BENEFITS OF RELIGION IN THE SOCIETY
News Articles,Public Affairs
An article written by Don Horrocks in response to the Charity Commission’s consultation on ‘Public Benefit and the Advancement of Religion’
08 July 2008
The Charity Commission’s consultation on ‘Public Benefit and the Advancement of Religion’[1] ended on 30th June. We can expect a period of serious reflection and critical questioning before the Commission finalises its guidance to the religious charitable sector in accordance with its monitoring of charities in the light of the Charities Act 2006.
Many religious groups, including the Evangelical Alliance, have generally welcomed the new Act and have broadly supported the new concept of charities in future having to demonstrate their contribution to public benefit rather than it being presumed as in the past. However, some serious concerns remain. The Church of England, for example, warned that Christian charities in particular are in danger of political interference from the new public benefit rules. It is worried that a charity existing exclusively to promote traditional Christian views in a particular area – such as marriage and sexual ethics – could have its charitable status threatened, and that the Commission’s intention to assess membership criteria, evangelism methods, doctrinal interpretation, and public opinion represents a serious exceeding of powers and competence. It also points out that religious groups who provide pastoral care are already under pressure in other areas to suppress their religious character and distinctives.[2]
Whilst the benefits of religion and belief do have to be assessed and articulated in satisfactory ways to be comprehensible to a largely secular legal world, because spiritual benefit, for example, may be less easy to quantify, it is important that its distinctive language should not become marginalized in favour of purely secular categories. Spiritual benefit is not a notional concept but its relevance and significance is often only appreciated by experience. The challenge of understanding and recognising the validity, nature and language of religion and belief in terms of its own particular character relating to public benefits needs to be respected and taken on board, not least as religion and belief now forms a major human rights strand of the Equality and Human Rights Commission. Attempts to reduce the language of religion and belief to purely secular/sociological terminology or the lowest common language denominator of ‘non-religious belief systems’ and so-called humanist ‘spiritualised principles’ should be resisted. Whilst it clearly needs to explain itself in understandable categories, in dealing with religion and belief its own terminology should not be discarded whilst attempting to force it into a ‘one size fits all’ secular mould that may be unsuited to its particular nature and characteristics. Requiring religion to speak only the language of the non-religious is a dangerous notion since secular organisations are frequently diametrically opposed to faith and share little in common, notwithstanding attempts by e.g., humanist groups to present themselves as a secular version of religion. It is therefore crucial that religious charitable organisations are asked the right and the most appropriate questions and are not merely required to check lowest common denominator tick boxes.
In other areas, the Charity Commission suggests that it is sufficient to demonstrate public benefit merely to ‘appreciate the arts’ or to ‘experience positive feelings when helping sick animals’. In which case self-evident spiritual benefits provided by religion and belief should be acknowledged for what they are on their own terms, traditionally expressed in the ‘edification and improvement’ of a religion’s followers. Measurement of public benefit should effectively depend on usage – i.e., the fact that people find religion helpful and evidence this by what they do – e.g., in attending church or by other forms of participation. If the felt benefit may be described, for example, in terms of the sense of forgiveness and assurance of salvation experienced through the cross of Jesus Christ, then that should represent a valid religion and belief public benefit descriptor. Though tangible social and community activities often accompany religious faith as inspiration for and manifestation of the outworking of that faith, religion and belief should not necessarily have to demonstrate such other tangible benefits but should be accepted as affording spiritual health and wellbeing in its own right – however indirect or intangible. The whole point is that faith generally equips individuals and groups with the mental and spiritual motivations necessary to be good citizens, a fact that is usually uncontested but that can relatively easily be demonstrated by reference to statistics relating to e.g., crime and social action. Religion does not claim exclusivity in positive contribution to society, but it does claim disproportionate contribution. Indeed, most major charitable institutions owe their origins to religious motivation.
The Evangelical Alliance, in its recent submission to the Charity Commission, took the opportunity to restate some of the features that make the Christian community a vital part of the charity sector:
The value contributed to society by the Christian community in particular and religion and belief in general has often been highlighted. Recent responses by Christian groups to the Charity Commission seek to highlight and articulate the case for charitable status to be retained for all forms of legitimate Christian religious activity, including proclamation of the Christian gospel. Government, Prime Minister,
Chancellor and Home Secretary have all expressed strong recent support for faith groups and the role they play in developing civic society and providing crucial social support community networks.
With regard to missionary or evangelistic Christian charities, questions are still asked as to whether activity solely aimed at presenting and seeking responses to the Gospel should be regarded as meeting the public benefit test. This question was addressed in Government consultations and it was clearly accepted in the consequent parliamentary debates on the Charities Act 2006 that such organisations unquestionably qualified for charitable status. It was recognised that religious organisations need to be able to sustain themselves into the future, something that has always been done through the medium of evangelism (the non-coercive communication of the Christian faith to those not yet committed to the gospel of Christ).

Does Religion Benefit Society?
In my travels I’ve come across the claim that the United States would be much better if everyone was a Christian (or sometimes it’s just some kind of theist) many times. I haven’t seen any polls done on that belief, but based on my experience I bet a good number of people hold it.

Which I why I found this study to be so interesting. It’s titled Cross-National Correlations of Quantifiable Societal Health with Popular Religiosity and Secularism in the Prosperous Democracies (say that ten times fast), from the Journal of Society and Religion. Gregory S. Paul analyzed a whole boatload of data on nearly every indicator for societal health, from violence to STDs, from nearly every first-world country, and compared that to the country’s religiosity. Lets see what he found.

For starters, almost everyone knows that the US is pretty religious. But just in case you didn’t: “[T]he United States is the only prosperous first world nation to retain rates of religiosity otherwise limited to the second and third worlds.” The polls I’ve read vary, but it’s usually between 80 and 90 percent of people believing in a god of some form, with over half taking the Bible literally (although this study says 30%), and a solid majority attending regular services (although this study says 40%). Like I said, polls vary, but the numbers are in that range.

One good indicator of societal health is murder rates. People in a healthy society don’t kill each other. Plus, the Bible says, “Thou shalt not kill”, so if people take the Bible seriously (as a large number of Americans do), we should have lower murder rates. This is not the case: “[T]he U.S. is the only prosperous democracy that retains high homicide rates, making it a strong outlier in this regard.” We’re not the only one, either: “Similarly, theistic Portugal also has rates of homicides well above the secular developed democracy norm.”

High religiosity doesn’t help our kids much either, we have far more school shootings and the same teen suicide rates as the other Western democracies. How about violent crime? The story is a little bit better here: “Other prosperous democracies do not significantly exceed the U.S. in rates of nonviolent and in non-lethal violent crime, and are often lower in this regard.” Well, that’s some good news. Kind of.

How do we fare with teenage pregnancy? After all, every religion I know of preaches abstinence until marriage, so shouldn’t religion decrease teenage pregnancy? Well, no: “Early adolescent pregnancy and birth have dropped in the developed democracies… but rates are two to dozens of times higher in the U.S. where the decline has been more modest.” As you would expect with this data, we also have poor STD rates: “[R]ates of adolescent gonorrhea infection remain six to three hundred times higher in the U.S. than in less theistic, pro-evolution secular developed democracies... The U.S. also suffers from uniquely high adolescent and adult syphilis infection rates.”

But surely we get less abortions. We have the largest percentage of people who believe in God, and quite a large number of (generally religious) pro-lifers, so we must kill less babies? Right? Again, no: “Increasing adolescent abortion rates show positive correlation with increasing belief and worship of a creator, and negative correlation with increasing non-theism and acceptance of evolution.”

It’s pretty clear that high religiosity doesn’t help out our society very much. But that’s not the end of it, we even tend to die sooner than other democracies: “Life spans tend to decrease as rates of religiosity rise, especially as a function of absolute belief.”

To sum up:

In general, higher rates of belief in and worship of a creator correlate with higher rates of homicide, juvenile and early adult mortality, STD infection rates, teen pregnancy, and abortion in the prosperous democracies... The United States is almost always the most dysfunctional of the developed democracies, sometimes spectacularly so, and almost always scores poorly. The view of the U.S. as a “shining city on the hill” to the rest of the world is falsified when it comes to basic measures of societal health.
[…]
Although they are by no means utopias, the populations of secular democracies are clearly able to govern themselves and maintain societal cohesion. Indeed, the data examined in this study demonstrates that only the more secular, pro-evolution democracies have, for the first time in history, come closest to achieving practical “cultures of life” that feature low rates of lethal crime, juvenile-adult mortality, sex related dysfunction, and even abortion. The least theistic secular developed democracies such as Japan, France, and Scandinavia have been most successful in these regards.

Because I’m pretty sure that some people will protest, I want to point out a few things. First, I don’t think religious people are bad, and this study does not make that claim. Second, I’m not saying that religion makes society bad. As I’ve said before, correlation does not mean causation. It could very well be that there is something else underlying this trend; the US is different enough from Europe where that’s entirely possible. However, it would be very, very difficult for the claim that religion makes societies better to be true. As Mr. Paul says:

The non-religious, pro-evolution democracies contradict the dictum that a society cannot enjoy good conditions unless most citizens ardently believe in a moral creator. The widely held fear that a Godless citizenry must experience societal disaster is therefore refuted. Contradicting these conclusions requires demonstrating a positive link between theism and societal conditions in the first world with a similarly large body of data - a doubtful possibility in view of the observable trends.

Also, don’t write this off as only one study, especially without looking through his references (which I deleted from the quotes, there were quite a few). Even dismissing this one, I’ve read others (such as one here, although it’s a bit buried), and I’ve seen a good portion of the data. It would be almost impossible for religion to make society as a whole better given the fact that secular Europe beats us in every measure of societal health. However, I doubt that anyone who has made this claim will be influenced by studies like this one. Which is unfortunate, because the sooner we move past the ridiculous claim that more religion is what we need, we might actually be able to work on improving our society. I’m not holding my breath.

2010-03-25T10:38:00.000-07:00

CEREBRAL MALARIA

What is cerebral malaria?
Cerebral malaria (CM) collectively involves the clinical manifestations of Plasmodium falciparum malaria that induce changes in mental status and coma. It is an acute, widespread disease of the brain which is accompanied by fever. The mortality ratio is between 25-50%. If a person is not treated, CM is fatal in 24-72 hours. The histopathological hallmark of this encephalopathy is the sequestration of cerebral capillaries and venules with parasitized red blood cells (PRBCs) and non-PRBCs (NPRBCs). Ring-like lesions in the brain are major characteristics. Disease risk factors include being a child under 10 years of age and living in malaria-endemic area.
There is a clear need for a strict definition of cerebral malaria in order to properly diagnose and assess the condition. A pragmatic definition based on the Glasgow Coma Score exists. Its key elements are: (1) unrousable coma--no localizing response to pain persisting for more than six hours if the patient has experienced a generalized convulsion; (2) asexual forms of P. falciparum found in blood; and (3) exclusion of other causes of encephalopathy, i.e. viral or bacterial. (Newton and Warrell)
The Blantyre Coma Scale, a related diagnostic tool, has been devised for young children.

What are the symptoms?
Clinical manifestations of cerebral malaria are numerous, but there are three primary symptoms generally common to both adults and children: (1) impaired consciousness with non-specific fever; (2) generalized convulsions and neurological sequelae; and (3) coma that persists for 24-72 hours, initially rousable and then unrousable.
What is the cause?

The cause of cerebral malaria is not well understood. Currently, there are two major hypotheses explaining its etiology. They are the mechanical and the humoral hypotheses.
The mechanical hypothesis asserts that a specific interaction between a P. falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein (PfEMP-1) and ligands on endothelial cells, such as ICAM-1 or E-selectin, reduces microvascular blood flow and induces hypoxia. This selective cytoadherence of PRBCs and non-PRBCs, also known as rosetting, can apparently better account for CM’s histopathological hallmark and its characteristic coma condition. However, this hypothesis is inadequate in explaining the relative absence of neurological deficit even after days of unconsciousness.
The humoral hypothesis suggests that a malarial toxin may be released that stimulates macrophages to release TNF- and other cytokines such as IL-1. The cytokines themselves are not harmful, but they may induce additional and uncontrolled production of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide would diffuse through the blood-brain barrier and impose similar changes on synaptic function as do general anesthetics and high concentrations of ethanol, leading to a state of reduced consciousness. The biochemical nature of this interaction would explain the reversibility of coma.
What are possible treatment options?

As cerebral malaria is the fatal within days of malaria infection if left untreated, immediate treatment is crucial. Because natural immunity to malaria is not fully understood (Immunity) and thus cannot yet be artificially imitated by drugs, control and prevention strategies are significant. Two of these are antimalarial chemotherapy and adjunctive measures. Public health interventions are also critical (Public Health).
P. falciparum parasites in brain capillary (J.S. Tatz)
• Chemotherapy for cerebral malaria now primarily involves the use of quinine, for a patient with severe CM must be assumed to have chloroquine resistance. It is one of the four main alkaloids found in the bark of the Cinchona tree and is the only drug which over a long period of time has remained largely effective for treating the disease. Quinine has similar activity to chloroquine in that it is likely to interfere with the parasite’s enzymatic digestion.
• Artemisinins have been shown in some clinical trials to clear parasitemia and fever faster than quinine or chloroquine, but they had no effect on mortality rates. Artemisinin has been used by the Chinese as a traditional treatment for fever and malaria. It is a sesquiterpene lactone derived from Artemisia annua. The two most widely used are artesunate and artemether. Because it is both cheap and effective, it is beginning to be included in treatment schedules. However, it is not yet licensed for use in Australia, North America or Europe. Its main value is in the treatment of multi-drug resistant falciparum malaria. As the possibility of quinine resistance looms, artemisinin and its derivatives may soon become the drugs of choice for CM treatment (Newton and Warrell).
• Adjunctive measures for CM treatment exist, but they are debatable in both use and efficacy:
Anti-pyretics Such as paracetamol to reduce fever. However, it is not clear if a reduction in core temperature benefits cerebral consequences.
Anti-convulsants Such as phenobarbital sodium for seizures. It is crucial to control or prevent seizures, as they can cause neuronal damage and are associated with a fatal outcome.
Reduce intracranial pressure Using agents such as osmotic diuretics.
Hypoglycemia correction Using hypertonic glucose. However, theoretically, correcting hypoclycemia in the presence of tissue hypoxia can worsen tissue acidosis.
Exchange transfusion Generally only been justified when peripheral parasitemia exceeds 10% of circulating erythrocytes. The role of these blood transfusions remains highly controversial, as they are both expensive and potentially dangerous in many malaria-endemic areas.
Anti-Inflammatories Such as corticosteroids. However, there have been few controlled studies demonstrating benefit.
Desferrioxamine An iron-chelating adjuvant agent with antimalarial properties. Reduces formation of reactive oxygen species by reducing amount of free iron.
Microcirculatory Flow
Such as pentoxifylline. Reduces red cell deformability and blood viscosity, decreases systemic vascular resistance, and impairs platelet aggregation, thus improving microcirculatory flow.

2010-03-25T10:27:00.000-07:00

Should ‘Polygamous’ marriages be abolished?
Published October 4, 2009
Having a wife and entertaining a concubine or a mistress elsewhere is the modern type of polygamy. What benefits does polygamy bring to a nation, a society or individual? Nothing. Eliminate it then, writes AMOR NAMUOTO.
In Kenya, marriage hitherto viewed as an achievement, or a form of social graduation, is currently changing into a necessity catapulted by hard economic times and changing lifestyles, especially in cities.
Having a wife and a concubine or a mistress, is the modern type of polygamy. Although many of these mistresses, or ‘other wives’ come to light when a man dies; they all perform the duties of a wife.
In the United States, citizens have the right to engage in any kind of sexual relationship, with any number of partners as long as it is consensual. Consent in this case is not well-defined (same sex individuals can also consent to be intimates). In addition, consensual can be momentary (a.k.a. booty call), or long lasting (a.k.a. cohabitation). With this kind of setup, it is possible for any person, American or not, to legally sire several children outside marriage with different partners.
Whereas many religious practices around the world die hard, the choice between being a polygamist (being legally married to many women), bigamist (criminal offence of marrying one person while still legally married to another), or polyandrous (being married to more than one husband at a time), is very flexible. One does not need to rely on his or her family ethics to make that choice.
We need to repackage our marriage laws to accommodate current social and cultural differences, so that we can put new definitions to the limits and morals in marriage. However, the choice in some African and Asian cultures leans on social status of the individual and the economic capability. That to me sounds like a lifestyle.
Polygamy in the US
I called my friend in California and asked if she thought polygamy in the US is a premeditated crime, or a legitimate religious or cultural practice. “Currently, as an American,” she explained, “I can have multiple husbands, so long as they are consecutive, not concurrent. If I were to legally marry two men right now, I would immediately become the matron of California state prison for at least five years.”
“Mmh” I sighed inaudibly. “Then come to Kenya…. When it comes to marriages, the society is very tolerant.” “I don’t mean that polygamy isn’t happening in the US, but many times it is viewed as a speck in our civilization,” she went on. “It is more complicated than it seems. Some decisions made by states across this nation, enforcing laws criminalizing lifestyles such as polygamy may make it look as if the practice is criminal in nature. Yet the constitution allows us the right to engage in various arrangements without government’s intervention,” she explained.
“But that’s good,” I interjected. “I mean, it is for the benefit of the society.” “Yeah, I agree,” she said. “I think that is why polygamy and polyandry are criminal offences.”
What does religion say about polygamy?
Polygamy is a hot issue among Christians, Jews, Muslims and Mormons. The book of Deuteronomy in the bible speaks about polygamy and division of property. Abraham, David and Solomon were polygamists. Solomon had 700 wives and 300 concubines, but he was still favored by God. Mohammed had 10 wives, though the Koran limits multiple wives to only four.
Polygamy is still practiced among the Jews. Again, in the US alone, we currently have more than 50,000 polygamists. In countries such as Tibet, like in some cultures around the world, polyandry is still accepted. It is hard to accept this, but such practices sometimes satisfy human weaknesses.
Is polygamy a crime?
In a discussion on Fox News on July 24, 2008, the panelists claimed that polygamy is “lawless” and “a form of organized crime,” which demands national attention and federal action. During the show, Senator Harry Reid claimed that some of the crimes polygamists commit are bigamy, child abuse, forced marriage of teens, and pre-teens to older men, welfare fraud, tax evasion and other “strong-arm tactics” such as witness intimidation.
So, why is polygamy a crime?
Because we struggle to keep our societies sane, by making laws that challenge man’s weaknesses. Both sexes are at fault because we allow these practices and assume they are cultural. Legalizing such marriages hurts our morality.
The fear of polygamy in marriages
Several women residing in Nairobi today prefer to remain single because they do not want to commit to relationships that will later turn abusive or polygamous. As you would imagine, women prefer undivided attention from their husbands. Kenyan women are no exception. Many of them dislike the idea of their husbands entertaining secret concubines across the city, which is the new form of polygamy in Kenya.
Men cite various reasons for engaging in such habits including the need for more sex (for lack of adequate sex in their relationships) and misplaced anger (being angry with the wife, and rather than deal with the problem, he engages in an affair to make her pay).
But the men can’t hide such clandestine affairs for long and at some point the legal woman finds out. Interestingly, very few of such revelations usually lead to separation or divorce.
In most cases, the other woman is usually someone who knows the family and understands the legal woman’s weaknesses. Therefore, she simply fills in the gap, and finds solace that she gets all she wants from the man, and remains away from the legal woman’s radar.
Many women are now privy to methods of identifying cheating husbands. For example, many of them have joined Facebook and other social networks web sites using unique names and tricked their husbands into a relationship, to determine whether they would cheat on them or not.
Men cheat left, right and center. It is almost a curse from creation. Few are able to deal with lust outside their marriages. Many are trapped by passion and dreams for new pastures. Women know about these and fear that if unchecked, their marriages could turn polygamous, and secretly pass unnoticed.
Why polygamy should be eliminated
Polygamous marriages shouldn’t be allowed in this century plagued by several problems. First, it negates the Biblical sense of marriage (between one man and one spouse). Whereas the Bible allows a young woman to remarry, it is very specific and only allows remarriage if the woman is widowed at a young age, and not when she needs a booty call.
Second, women are attention seekers, and love cannot be split equally between two or more wives. It creates jealousy, family feuds and separation, which increases the number of single parenthood cases.
Third, one lives a lie. A man knows where his love is, but simply sleeps with a concubine or mistress with a self-given title of wife. This could explain why my former desk mate still insists on allowing polygamy. I wish he were a woman!
Fourth, AIDS continues to claim the lives of many young men and women today and promiscuity is the main ingredient.
Fifth, many young people are now educated, and know that irresponsibility, leading to children out of wedlock has bred street children. What are women supposed to do when the law doesn’t protect them against unscrupulous men? What about the children?
Sixth, a society that tolerates forced marriages also tolerates emotional suffering among women. Such situations occur when a married rich old man eyes a very young lady; and with the parents eyeing the economic blessings that come from such, they are oblivious of the suffering they afflict. They marry their daughters off as second or third wives to some rich old men, and forget that she could be widowed and begin the vicious circle of problems.
So, what benefits does polygamy bring to a nation, a society or individual? Nothing! Eliminate it then.

CABLE NEWS NETWORK

2010-02-10T06:20:00.000-08:00

My Wish For You

2009-12-30T08:53:00.000-08:00

My Wish For You

As we take time off, to celebrate Christmas and the Holiday Season, I want to wish you peace, love and hope - now and throughout the New Year.

MERRY XMAS AND THOUGHTS FOR THE NEXT YEAR

2009-12-21T01:41:00.000-08:00

Do You Know That?

God wil giv u foresight to c al dat he has packaged for u in d comin year in order 4u to reach ur canaan. (Amen) Wat u cannot tolerate is as a result of wat u do not understan. Those who understand success tolerate hardship.if u dont c any reason to succeed, u may not c d need to persist. When you connot solve a problem, ask God for the wisdom to manage it. There is always a way of escape. U cannot solve problem u do not understan; neither can u master a woman u do not love. People who are tied to their past can never turn their scars to stars. Learn 4rm ur part and move on. Dont try to belive wat u dont understand but rather seek to understan everythin u believe. Pple perish 4lack of understanding. Dont look for pple who wil approv u but look 4 thos dat wil criticize u, for this brings out d best in u. Wat u have achieved so far is less than half of wat u can really accomplish. Until u launch out, u wil not kno how much u can do. Those who are not ready
to lose are obviously not ready to win. God gives a second chance. U wil neva c a good she of problem until u come out of it, neva stop until u overcomes. There is more to it than d pains u feel. It only a man who hates growth dat avoid problems and challenges.IT IS MORE RISKY NOT TO TAKE RISK AT ALL,SO TAKE RISKY 4 GOD WIL SURELY HELP. Bread and water is not wat u need to survive, wat u need is d secret to get wealth. GOD IS THE SECRET. Enjoy ur xmas with more years of fulfilment of Gods promises.

Do you Further Realize That?

There are people who can walk away from you.

And hear me when I tell you this! When people can walk away from you: let them walk. I don't want you to try to talk another person into staying with you, loving you, calling you, caring about you, coming to see you, staying attached to you. I mean hang up the phone.

When people can walk away from you let them walk. Your destiny is never tied to anybody that left.

The bible said that, they came out from us that it might be made manifest that they were not for us. For had they been of us, no doubt they would have continued with us. [1 John 2:19]

People leave you because they are not joined to you. And if they are not joined to you, you can't make them stay.

Let them go.

And it doesn't mean that they are a bad person it just means that their part in the story is over. And you've got to know when people's part in your story is over so that you don't keep trying to raise the dead. You've got to know when it's dead.

You've got to know when it's over. Let me tell you something. I've got the gift of good-bye. It's the tenth spiritual gift, I believe in good-bye.. It's not that I'm hateful, it's that I'm faithful, and I know whatever God means for me to have He'll give it to me. And if it takes too much sweat I don't need it. Stop begging people to stay.

Let them go!!

If you are holding on to something that doesn't belong to you and was never intended for your life, then you need to......

LET IT GO!!!

If you are holding on to past hurts and pains ......

LET IT GO!!!

If someone can't treat you right, love you back, and see your worth.....

LET IT GO!!!

If someone has angered you.

LET IT GO!!!

If you are holding on to some thoughts of evil and revenge.....

LET IT GO!!!

If you are involved in a wrong relationship or addiction... .

LET IT GO!!!

If you are holding on to a job that no longer meets your needs or talents

LET IT GO!!!

If you! u have a bad attitude.... ...

LET IT GO!!!

If you keep judging others to make yourself feel better......

LET IT GO!!!

If you're stuck in the past and God is trying to take you to a new level in Him........

LET IT GO!!!

If you are struggling with the healing of a broken relationship. ...

LET IT GO!!!

If you keep trying to help someone who won't even try to help themselves.. ..

LET IT GO!!!

If you're feeling depressed and stressed ...........

LET IT GO!!!

If there is a particular situation that you are so used to handling yourself and God is saying 'take your hands off of it,' then you need to......

LET IT GO!!!

'The Battle is the Lord's!'

During the next 60 seconds, Stop whatever you are doing, and take this opportunity.

(Literally it is only ONE minute!)

All you have to do is the following:

You simply say 'The Lords Prayer' for the person that sent you this message:

The Lords Prayer

Our Father, who are in Heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name, Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day, our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.

For Thine is the Kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory, forever.

Amen.

Next, send this message to everyone you know. In a while, more people will have prayed for you and you would have obtained a lot of people praying for others!

Next, stop and think and appreciate God's power in your life, for doing what you know is pleasing to Him.

If you are not ashamed to do this, follow the instructions!

Jesus said, If you are ashamed of me, I will be ashamed of you before My Father'

If you are not ashamed, send this message... only if you believe.

'Yes, I love my God. He is my fountain of Life and My Savior.

He Keeps me going day and night. Without Him, I am no one. But with Him, I can do everything, Christ is my strength.' This is a simple test.

If you love God and you are not ashamed of all the great things that He has done for you, send this to everyone you know, and the person that sent it to you!

God loves you and watches over you everyday

2009-11-24T01:14:00.000-08:00

" When you think of quitting, just think of why you started."

I think about dropping out of college every time things get hard, but I want to be a psychologist, which takes several years of challenges.

" Every time I fail, I always tell myself, ‘If I try it again, I will succeed’. Then, I take action."

Stand With Me: Build me up, don't tear me down. Support me and my efforts, don't trash me and my efforts. Guide me, don't mislead me. Be my friend, not my enemy. Love me, don't just like me. Hold me, don't just touch me. Receive me, don't reject me. Walk with me, don't walk away from me. Stand with me, STAND WITH ME!!!"
Copyright © 2009 Antonio Talbert
Either you're in or you’re out...Stand, Stand, Stand!!!!

2009-11-24T00:39:00.000-08:00

2009-11-23T05:13:00.000-08:00

2009-11-04T05:16:00.000-08:00

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH HAZARDS
What Your Environment Means to You and Your Health
You may be thinking “Eh, the environment ‘schmironment.’” You have bigger things to worry about, right? But the “environment,” which you may feel is all that is “outside” your house and your regular life, does, in fact, find its way back to you. Back to your kitchen. Back to your water. Into the air you breathe and the food you eat.
The Elements
There are many things that occur in nature that may be hazardous to health. The effects of lead are being examined everywhere, from schools to houses built during a time when lead was used in the paint. Then there is also mercury. This substance has been used in thermometers for quite a while, but with the threat of the thermometers bursting, the risk may out weight the benefits of having these thermometers. Mercury is also becoming increasingly present in fish, threatening those who eat it with many different health risks.

Pollution
There is also pollution that can make you and your family sick. There is air pollution that threatens the lungs of many individuals. This includes everything from smog and pollen and of course tobacco smoke. Water pollution affects the water you drink, the water you cook with and the water with which you brew your coffee. There is also noise pollution, which many people do not think about when they initially consider pollution. But this type of pollution is harmful, causing distractions in the classroom and insomnia in the bedroom.
Modern Marvels that May Make you Sick
Then there are those scientific phenomena that seem like great advances in technology that may seem to be good things that can have negative impacts on humans. Electricity is one such example. The radiation emitted from electromagnetic fields are purported by many to encourage cancer in individuals exposed to it. There are also hormones and antibiotics injected into plants and animals that are meant to make your food taste and travel better. These chemicals can have negative effects, however.

Conclusion
Environmental health hazards are everywhere, and even though you may think you are shutting out the environment when you close your front door, things that impact the environment do impact you.

Don’t be a Lead Head: Find out What You Need to Know
There are many dangerous things out in your environment. The environment is more than just the outside alone. It is also your home, your workplace, your car etc. Everything that comprises your surroundings makes up your environment, and like anything else, there are the good and the bad. Lead, while it has it strengths, can be a definite health hazard to you and your family.
What Makes Lead Dangerous?
Regardless of how lead enters your body the effects on the body are still the same. Lead poisoning can have many negative affects. Most of the time, these negative effects attack the nervous system. Exposure to lead may also cause a loss of strength in carpals, metacarpals and phalanges as well as the ankles. There may also be a blood pressure increase as a result of the lead poisoning. It can also cause a decreased number of blood cells, a condition known as anemia. High levels of lead poisoning obviously have serious health side effects.
Where is Lead Poisoning a Threat?
Lead is often found in the paint of older homes. Most paints are no longer lead-based paints, but if your home was built in the 1970s and prior, your family may be at risk. Paint chippings can find their way into the food.
Those that are especially at risk include those individuals who are on demolition teams or renovating teams of older homes. The sanding can stir lead particles up into the air where they are easily inhaled. Also, welding, the repair of radiators, and the manufacturing of lead based batteries also may put one at risk.
How do I Protect Myself from Lead Poisoning?
There are many ways to reduce the threat of lead poisoning in your home. If your home has walls that were painted with lead based paint, re-painting the surfaces will allow you to seal the lead-based paint. Also, the National Institute of Health offers that lead solder may have been used on pipes before 1986. If your home is older than this, you will want to let the water run for a moment or two before using it to drink or cook with.

Pesticides: What you can’t See May Harm You!
Everyday you eat the food that you have purchased from the store, use the water out of your well or the city water system to drink, make your coffee and cook your food and breath the air around you. You may not think that anything seems dangerous or out of place about your day-to-day routine, but there may be something on the surface that may be making you sick: pesticides. Pesticides cling to the surface of fruits and vegetables, find their way to water sources, and combine with dust, pollen and other pollutants in the air. How can pesticides harm you and how can you avoid contact with them?
The Negative Affects of Pesticides
Farmers know that you do not want worms in your apples, fungi on your corn or weevils in your potatoes, so they use pesticides. While the process of eliminating these bothersome creatures from your food is in many ways a good thing, the negative affects of pesticides may outweigh the benefits. Pesticides can cause everything from itchy eyes and skin burns to horrible stomach problems and, in some cases, even death.
How to Keep Pesticides from Affecting Your Family
There are several ways to keep pesticides from hurting your family. Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly even if the label says that they have been washed previously. If you handle a home garden or other areas in which you use pesticides, there are specific tips to learn to keep yourself safe. The first is to keep yourself informed. Read the label! Know what is in the pesticides that you are using on your own vegetables and fruits.
When you read the label, you will want to know the active ingredients. There should also be an EPA registration number on the label that will ensure that the product you are using is EPA reviewed. Keep track of the EPA’s signal words such as DANGER, CAUTION, or POISON. Be sure that you understand the first aid procedures should an accident such as a spill or ingestion occur, and be sure to understand how you should properly store all of your chemicals.

Air Pollution: What is in the Air You Breath?
Air pollution is a subtle, but ever-present threat to your health. Air pollution is created when “gases, droplets and particles” combine to make the air poorer in quality, according to Family Doctor. Neither the city nor the country is safe from the effects of air pollution.
The largest part of air pollution in cities is caused by ground-level ozone, which occurs when fuel and engine gases combine with sunlight in the air. Experts urge people to understand that ground-level ozone is not the beneficial ozone, which is the Earth’s protective layer that keeps out harmful sun radiation.
How Can Air Pollution Affect Me?
The symptomatic effects of air pollution are evident in the population. The first level of irritation can occur in the eyes, lungs and throat. There may be a tightening of the chest and coughing accompanying the air pollution. Most physicians claim that generally healthy people need not worry about the symptoms of air pollution as they will probably fade as the conditions improve.
Still, there are those who can have a more negative reaction to air pollution. Children are one example. Children who live in areas of high pollution may experience much more symptoms of illness, including earaches and bronchitis. Also, individuals with lung or heart disease may react more strongly to pollution than those who are healthy.
Protecting Yourself and Your Family
There are many ways to stay protected from air pollution. The best way to keep yourself and your family safe from air pollution is to be informed. Know what types of air pollution affect where you live. Is it the exhaust from cars or excessive pollen? Monitor the PSI or pollutant standard index so that you will be knowledgeable of when levels are higher than others.
Still, you can keep the affects of air pollution to a minimum. The first way, unfortunately, is to stay inside as much as possible when the conditions are less then favorable. Also, try to focus on your outdoor activities during the morning or after the sun sets. Physicians recommend keeping the exercise inside when pollution levels are high.

Water Pollution: Water, Water Everywhere and Not a Drop to Drink!
You wash your dishes with it. You wash your clothes with it. You may cook with it, make your coffee with it, you may even pour yourself a glass and drink. It is water and you think it is safe. The water you use in your daily life is clear, odorless and tasteless, which stands to reason that it must be harmless, right? Not necessarily. The threat of water pollution increases when natural water sources such as creeks, lakes, and even oceans are investigated. The truth is that water pollution is out there, and there are things that you can do to protect your family and steps you can take to prevent further water pollution.
What is Water pollution?
Water pollution is defined as large amounts of materials contaminating a body of water in an adverse way. Water pollution sources are lumped into two main types: a point source or a non-point source. Pollution that stems from a point source happens when a pollutant is directly entered into a waterway. An example is when sewage pipes burst and spill into a river. Non-point sources come from runoffs, such as from farm fertilizers.
Water Pollution Types
There are several different types of water pollutants, including toxins, organic substances, thermal pollution and ecological pollution. Toxic substances are elements that are not naturally occurring in the environment, such as pesticides. Organic substances are things that are natural but should not be in the water, such as manure or sewage. Thermal pollution might happen when factories and plants use water as a cooling agent. The heat can decrease the oxygen level which may kill the life within the water. Then, there is ecological pollution that occurs when natural causes pollute the water such as when a volcano erupts.
Specific Water Pollutants
There are several different toxins that can cause pollution in water. These include arsenic, cadmium, chlorine, chromium, cyanide, lead, nitrates and nitrites, sulphates, selenium, mercury and bacteria. Some of these can cause diseases among those who drink it or swim in it, while others can be fatal.
Conclusion
There are many ways that you can prevent water pollution. Try using natural solutions such as lemon juice, vinegar and salt. Refrain from pouring toxins down sinks. There are several other ways to prevent water pollution. Keeping the waters clean means keeping you and your family healthy.

Noise Pollution: More Harmful Than you May Think
When you think about pollution, your mind probably automatically turns to those types of pollution that you find more “threatening” such as air pollution and water pollution. But there is another type of pollution out there that may be negatively affecting your health-- noise pollution. Among other things, noise pollution can be a distraction for school children and can also cause insomnia.
How Noise Pollution is Measured
Noise and sound are measured in decibels. A decibel number of 65, for example, would cause distraction and is considered “intrusive.” This is about the level of your average, everyday traffic. Eighty decibels is considered annoying and is approximately the loudness of an alarm clock. Neither one of these is dangerous to your hearing, but can impair your ability to sleep. A decibel level of around 88 would occur in city traffic or in industrial work. Individuals exposed to this noise level for a lengthy period of time may experience actual hearing damage.
Once the decibel level goes above 80, prolonged exposure such as eight hours or more may cause increased tension, fatigue, changes in breathing, blood circulation and of course, loss of hearing. Sound at the level of 135 decibels is beyond annoying and intrusive, it becomes simply painful and can damage your hearing. A pneumatic drill would cause a sound like this.
Noise Pollution and Insomnia
Often people equate certain sounds with the promise of a good night’s sleep, such as rain and thunder, crickets, waves etc. For this reason, noise makers and fountains are often popular sleep aids. But these pleasant sounds are not the same as the “noise” that may be causing you to lose sleep. Noise can keep you from falling to sleep but it can also awake you if you are already asleep. Sleep-deprived individuals can feel lethargic and drowsy the entire day.
Lack of Concentration
Noise pollution can also inhibit the ability for school children and members of America’s work force to concentrate. Outside noise is especially troublesome for students who struggle with English as a second language. These students may have a hard enough time understanding what the teacher is saying much less being complicated by the affects of noise.

Mercury: Could You be at Risk of Becoming a Mad Hatter?
The disturbing effects that plagued hatters in times past may also affect you and your family today. What is mad hatters’ disease anyway? Hat creators often suffered from symptoms caused by the mercury that they used when processing their hats. Even though you may not work with mercury, you still may be exposed, as may your family members. How can mercury negatively affect you and how might you prevent mercury poison?
The Effects of Methylmercury
Methylmercury can cause many health problems for individuals, specifically for pregnant women. This chemical can cause neurological impairments including effects to memory, attention, motor skills, and much more. Often, this chemical is transmitted to an infant in the womb or in breast milk from a mother’s ingestion of fish. The EPA recommends not eating king mackerel, shark, swordfish and tilefish.
Elemental Mercury
Elemental mercury is also described by the EPA as metallic mercury. This type of mercury causes problems mainly when it is inhaled into the lungs. Elemental mercury is the physical, metallic liquid form of the metal. Inhalation may occur when mercury, such as the type in mercury thermometers, is spilled. The inhalation of elemental mercury can cause twitching, weakness, mood swings, tremors, headaches and many other health issues as examined by the EPA.
Other Types of Mercury
There are still other types of mercury in the environment. There are those compounds that the EPA considers “other mercury compounds”, which include both organic and inorganic types. These can be taken into the GI tract though ingestion. Inorganic mercury can cause skin rashes, a rise and fall in moods, muscle weakness and memory loss, according to the EPA. They may also affect the GI tract and kidneys.
Protecting Yourself
There are many ways to protect yourself from mercury poisoning. Eliminate the risk of coming in contact with elemental mercury by using thermometers that are not mercury based. Know the types of fish that may put you at risk for mercury poisoning and eat them sparingly. Still, the EPA argues that there are fish that you can eat without risk of mercury poisoning including tuna and salmon. Knowledge is key to keeping you and your family safe.

Radiation: What You Need to Know
Chances are you have already heard some of the buzz behind radiation concerns of many appliances and electronic gadgets such as microwaves and cell phones. Many people have become so accustomed to the convenience of the microwave and their mobile phones that radiation waves simply do not scare them. Still, there is evidence that radiation caused by many modern devices is a real threat and may pose serious health risks. One specific type of radiation accompanies EMFs or electromagnetic fields. Below are examples of what appliances and gadgets that human’s use which are shown to have definite electromagnetic fields.
Computers and Home Wiring
Computers and home wiring are sources of electromagnetic energy fields. Computers emit EMFs from each side of the computer, so sitting in front of the computer should not be an individual’s greatest concern. Screens that are placed over monitors will not block electromagnetic fields. The best way to determine how much electromagnetic radiation that is being beamed from your computer is to monitor it with a Gauss meter. Home wiring can also emit high electromagnetic field readings. This is especially the case in wiring that is improperly done.
Clocks and Telephones
Believe it or not, there are electromagnetic fields being emitted from your telephone and electric clocks. Telephones have relatively strong EMFs, made stronger by the fact that humans hold telephones so close to their head, which emits radiation to your brain. Electric clocks also have high emissions of electromagnetic radiation. Bedside clocks actual have EMFs that are equivalent to the EMFs that studies have shown may cause cancer.
Microwave
Microwaves are one of the most commonly discussed devices in the EMF radiation debates. Chances are that when you were little your mother would not let you stand close to the microwave when you were popping popcorn, and with good reason. According to Russian studies, all microwaves emit radiation that is well over the safety limit. The studies claim that microwaves turn certain food proteins into carcinogens, or cancer causers.
What to Do?
So what are people to do? Stop using phones, microwaves, alarm clocks and computers? That is highly unlikely to happen. Simple things like not sleeping with a clock right next to your head, but placing it six feet away will help you keep safer.

Hormones In Your Food: Do You Need Beefier Beef?
Americans are all about bigness, grandeur, and decadence. We buy in bulk and have our fries “Supersized.” But now, farmers are bulking up our chicken and beefing up our beef before it ever makes its way to your plate. Hormones are being added to the feed that is given to beef cattle, chickens and other livestock to make them more muscular and more pleasing to the slaughter houses. But are these hormones safe, and where do you and your family fit into the equation? Below are examples of hormones and antibiotics that are placed in your beef and some of the concerns that are arriving with this advance in technology.
rBGH: Recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone
One example of the hormones that are being placed in your meats is rBGH which stands for recombinant bovine growth hormone. But, believe it or not, this is not used for beefing up the bovine muscles for thicker, juicier meat. This hormone is used in the milk industry. rBGH is suggested to increase a cow’s production of milk by twenty-five percent. This hormone has been approved by the FDA as of 1994. Five to thirty percent of U.S. cows are injected with recombinant bovine growth hormone.
Experts are finding that rBGH is harmful in many different respects. On the one hand, the hormone can often make the cows themselves sick, say some experts. In addition, milk affected by rBGH is chemically different from natural milk. Critics of the practice claim that the milk has high levels of IGF-1, a natural growth hormone that in these crazy doses can increase chances of colon, breast, and prostate cancers.
Antibiotics in Chicken Feed
In addition to growth hormones, many types of food given to livestock contain antibiotics. The main concern that many experts have with using antibiotics in cattle, pigs or chickens is the threat of creating antibiotic resistant bacteria. According to the Organic Consumers Association, bacteria that has become antibiotic resistant can infect humans and create “fatal illnesses” if antibiotics will no longer work against them.
With all of these problems caused by hormones and antibiotics placed in meat and milk producing animals, it is no wonder organic food buying has become so popular.

Genetically Engineered Plants: You are what you Eat
Much research is being done on the effects that hormone injections and genetic engineering has on the food that you eat. One of the most studied is the effects that genetic engineering has on plants. In addition to causing health concerns, there are also many environmental hazards that are caused by genetic engineering. Friends of the Earth offers that there is biological pollution, chemical dependence, the growth of super weeds, use of pesticide plants and general threats to non-target organisms and organic agriculture.
Chemical Dependence: An Effect of Genetic Engineering
What in the world is chemical dependence and why should it matter to you? Chemical dependence refers to the need for farmers to use extreme amounts of herbicides and pesticides to kill weeds or pests that affect their crops. When plants are genetically engineered, they are often created to be highly resistant to pesticides and herbicides. Thus farmers can douse their crops with pesticides and herbicides with much more chemicals than they would actually need, creating lethal runoff that can harm you and your family.
Super Weeds and Pesticide Plants
The current trend of herbicide and pesticide resistance can be spread to “related plants’ by the wind or by the pollination of bees. This can create what Friends of the Earth calls super weeds. Plants propagated in this uncontrolled manner can grow out of control, like the Kudzu vines that infest much of the Southern United States. The new plant spin-offs can be hard, to near impossible to control, and can lead to very harmful effects on the environment.
There are also pesticide plants that are genetically created to produce toxin in the tissues, all tissues that make up the plant. This means that the toxins migrate into the edible parts of grain, potatoes, corn, and others, which can be harmful to humans and the rest of the ecosystem. These can lead to negative impacts on non-target organisms. For example, genetically engineered corn, according to Cornell University studies, can kill Monarch butterflies.
Conclusion
Science strives to make things better, and often they succeed. Still, there are those times when science can produce positives and negatives for the human health and for nature. Genetic engineering is one such example.

Antibiotics: The Good and the Bad
Before antibiotics, what did doctors use to treat infections, such as strep throat? There is no question about the fact that there are wonderful aspects to antibiotics. These drugs are used to treat many bacterial infections, from pneumonia to impetigo. But there are negatives to these drugs, and as a consumer and a patient you need to know the difference.
The Good Side of Antibiotics
Antibiotics are in many ways great in that they can cure many illnesses. These days when “flesh-eating bacteria” are terrorizing schools, the ability for antibiotics to cure such infections does bring comfort to American society. Illnesses that can be cured by antibiotics include sinus infections, kidney infections, bladder infections, and many other types of infections. In addition to the variety of infections antibiotics can fight, there is also a wide variety of antibiotics. There are tetracyclines, streptomycins and many other varieties.
The Bad Side of Antibiotics
Still, there are negatives when it comes to antibiotics. The first group of negatives is the side effects that accompany many of these antibiotics. Antibiotics often act without regard for the type of bacteria they are designed to attack. In other words, they do not know the difference between the good and the bad. This can often lead to an intense lowering of the natural flora in a person’s body the result of which can lead to everything from diarrhea to yeast infections.
Then, there is also the risk of creating antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria. When antibiotics are given and not taken completely, this can lead to stronger strains of the bacteria. Also, when doctors prescribe antibiotics for viral infections, such as the common cold and the flu, they are also adding to this danger.
What can You Do?
Most physicians suggest that there are several ways you can use antibiotics so that they work effectively and are not harmful to you or your child. The first way is to take the full prescribed amount. Also, do not use antibiotics that are old, even a few weeks old. Refrain from using a family member’s antibiotics and do not hoard extra antibiotics for the next time you may become sick.

Tobacco Smoke Pollution: What You Need to Know
Tobacco smoke pollution is more serious than many smokers would like to admit and most non-smokers would want to know about. According to experts, there are over 4,000 chemicals in tobacco smoke and thirteen of these the FDA will not even allow in any American food source. These include acetate, which is found in nail polish remover and paint stripper.
There is also arsenic, which is a poison that can lead to death. In addition, cigarette smoke contains methanol, benzene, carbon monoxide, DDT, formaldehyde, nickel, naphthalene and many other chemicals that are put into the air with cigarette smoke. Everyone who comes in contact with cigarette smoke can be negatively effected, especially children and even your pets.
Children and Tobacco Smoke
Children are often those who suffer the most from second hand smoke and smoke pollution. According to most health officials, smoke pollution increases the chances of many respiratory problems in children. These include asthma attacks, bronchitis and pneumonia. The EPA claims that 300,000 cases of respiratory infections a year are in response to second hand smoke. Over two hundred children per year die from illnesses brought about by cigarette smoke.
Your Pets and Tobacco Smoke
If you do not have children, but you have cats or dogs, your cigarette smoking will affect those that you love. One study indicates that environmental tobacco smoke can cause malignant lymphoma. The study, which was published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, monitored 80 cats with malignant lymphoma and 114 controls with renal disease. The study found that the risk increased with duration of exposure to the smoke and the amount of smoke in the house.
Conclusion
Many people who smoke know the risks that they present their own bodies with each time they take a puff. They may not fully understand, however, the danger in which they are putting their loved ones, including their animal friends, when they smoke. Air is something that humans must share with other humans and the environment around them. Environmental cigarette smoke is beyond harmful for both smokers and those around them.

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HOMEOSTASIS AND COAGULATION

2009-10-14T16:02:00.000-07:00

The principle function of blood is to keep the internal environment of the body tissues constant and in this way to maintain homeostasis. Homeostasis is a term used to describe normal body functions, which include blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature, respiration and blood composition. In order to perform the processes involved in homeostasis, blood must be fluid. A mechanism known as hemostasis keeps the body fluid within the confines of the circulatory system.

Table of Contents
Hemostasis
Abnormal Hemostasis
Mechanisms Involved in hemostasis
Clotting Factors
Plasmatic Coagulation
Inhibitors
Extrinsic Pathway
Intrinsic Pathway
Intrinsic and Extrinsic Pathway
Antithrombin III

Normal Hemostasis
Blood normally is a fluid tissue as it circulates through out the body via the blood vessels. When vessels are injured, blood escapes and bleeding continues for a period of time but then slowly subsides. Several biologic systems play a role in stopping the flow of blood from an injured vessel. In addition to the vessels themselves, platelets and clotting factors interact to form a haemostatic clot. The formation of a haemostatic clot is a temporary measure and as the wound heals the clot slowly dissolves

Abnormal Hemostasis
There are two forms of abnormal hemostasis, which are described as follows:
a. Prolonged Bleeding: Following an injury bleeding may not stop in the same length of time it normally should. This may be the result of an abnormality involving the blood vessels, the platelets, clotting factors or increased activity of the fibrinolytic system. Hemophilia A is an example of prolonged bleeding directly related to an abnormal form of factor VIII, where the coagulant portion of the factor VIII molecule is deficient.
b. Thrombosis:
A thrombus or a clot in a blood vessel is formed by the coagulation of the blood. The formation of this clot is abnormal because its presence in a blood vessel obstructs the flow of blood to the tissues in that area, resulting in cellular changes. A heart attack can be one of the consequence of abnormal clot formation.

Mechanism Involved In Hemostasis
In the case of healthy subjects there exists a equilibrium between the coagulation potential on the one side and fibrinolytic potential + coagulation inhibitors on the other. In the fibrinolytic potential outweighs the coagulation potential or the coagulation factors are diminished then there is a risk of hemorrhage. If the coagulation potential outweighs the fibrinolytic potential or the inhibitors are diminished, there is a risk of thrombosis.
A delicate balance of components on both sides of the scale is required to maintain hemostasis.
1. Blood vessels:
The vascular system is composed of arteries, veins and the microcirculatory system. The blood vessels provide a non-thrombogenic surface allowing the blood to circulate in a closed vascular system. The nonthrombogenic surface is attributed to properties of the vessel walls and activities of platelets.
2. Platelets:
Platelets or thrombocytes are produced in the bone marrow by large cells called megakarycocytes. The normal numbers of platelets circulating are 150,000 to 450,ooo per cubic millimeter blood. To aid in hemostasis, platelets must be present in adequate number and must be functioning normally.
Platelets have Three major Functions:
a. Support Vascular integrity
Platelets support vascular integrity in two ways,
i. They help the blood vessels to maintain vascular integrity by donating membrane materials to the endothelial cells lining the vessel walls.
ii. Platelets also fill gaps that may occur between endothelial cells because of minimal damage or vasodilatation. By filling the gap a non trombogenic surface is maintained.
If a gap were allowed to remain and became larger, sub endothelial structures which are foreign to platelets and clotting factors would initiate fibrin formation.
b. Adhesion/Aggregation:
Platelets are considered to be first kind of defense in a haemostatic response to an injury. Following injury to a vessel wall, platelets adhere to the injured surface and quickly form a platelet plug. This activity keeps the blood within a closed vascular system. In the formation of the plug, platelets change as they aggregate irreversibly.
Irreversible aggregation causes platelet constituent to be released. Many of the constituent have an immediate effect upon the haemostatic response. One platelet constituent, known as platelet factor 3, becomes available on the surface of the platelets. Platelet factor 3 is a phospholipid and participates with certain clotting factors to produce thrombin with the ultimate formation of fibrin.

Clotting Factors
The clotting factors designations with some of the commonly used synonyms are as follows:
Factor I Fibrinogen
Factor II Prothrombin
Factor III Tissue thromboplastin
Factor IV Calcium
Factor V Plasma AcGLOB, Proaccelerin Labile factor
Factor VI Not assigned
Factor VII Proconvertin, Stable factor
Factor VIII Anti-hemophilic Globulin Hemophilia-A
Factor IX Christmas factor, Plasma Thromboplastin component
Factor X Stuart prower factor
Factor XI Plasma thromboplastin Antecendant (PTA)
Factor XII Hageman factor
Factor XIII Fibrin stabilizing factor, Prekallikrein, Fletcher factor, HMWK, Fitzgerald.
The clotting factors with the exception of factor III and factor IV are plasma proteins. Factor III is found in all tissues and is released when cells are damaged. factor IV is needed fro several interactions between clotting factors to occur in the production of fibrin.
Each clotting factor is designated by a Roman numeral and its most common synonym. Roman numerals are used most often referring to the clotting factors.
Notice that factor VI is missing. A plasma protein was given a Roman numeral but later studies showed it did not fulfill all the criteria established by the international nomenclature committee to qualify as a factor.
Prekallikrein, also known as Fletcher factor, and kininogen are plasma proteins. Although they are members of the kinin system, they are required for the complete activation of factor XII.
T simplify and for easy remembrance of clotting factors, they are separated into three major groups and each group shares certain characteristics. These three groups are:
a. Fibrinogen Group:
Factor I, V and XIII are produced in the liver. A portion of factor VIII molecule is produced in the liver and another portion by the endothelial cells. These factors are present in fresh normal plasma and adsorbed plasma.
They are not present in serum because they are consumed during the clotting process.
Coumarin, which is an oral anti-coagulant, has no effect upon their production, therefore, these factors are present in plasma obtained from individuals taking oral anticoagulants.
Factors VI and VIII are labile and their activity is rapidly lost in stored plasma. this is an important consideration in coagulation testing and in therapy.
b. Prothrombin Group:
Members in this group includes Factor II, VII, IX and X.
These clotting factors are produced in the Liver and Vitamin K is required for their synthesis.
These clotting factors are present in stored plasma. With the exception of Factor II, they are not totally consumed during the clotting process, therefore they are present in serum.
Because of the antogonistic action on Vitamin K by Coumarin medication, the concentration of these factors is reduced in plasma obtained from individuals taking oral anticoagulants.
c. Contact Group:
Members in this group include Factors XII, XI Prekallikrein and kininogen.
Factor XII, XI prekallikrein and Kininogen are synthesized in the liver.
Factor XII and XI are fairly stable and may be found in stored plasma and adsorbed plasma. they are not consumed during the clotting process, therefore, they are also present in serum.

Plasmatic Coagulation
About 20 factors (proteins) are involved which circulate in blood as inactive precursors (A substance that precedes the formation of another substance).
Activation signifies conversion to an enzyme which in its turn activates the subsequent factor.
Distinction is to be made between two activation pathways Namely:
a. Intrinsic pathway: in which only intravascular plasmatic factors and those released by platelets are involved.
b. Extrinsic Pathway: in which what are known as tissue thromboplastine are released from the surrounding tissue by injury and initiate the coagulation process.
Both pathways lead to the conversion of prothrombin to thrombin, which converts ion of fibrin webs provides the basis for measurements of coagulation times.
Activation Process:
Coagulation factors are present in the blood as inactive precursors awaiting activation together with calcium and phospholipids by their activated antecedent factor. Activation means consumption, and hence a transitory fall in concentrating.

Inhibitors
The achievable coagulation system conceals potential risk for the individual. Hyper and hypo function disturb the equilibrium. It must be adaptable enough to maintain the theological (flow) properties of the blood the one hand, and on the other hand to prevent the passage of blood into the tissue by sealing the capillaries. Activation of the system has therefore to remain limited to the extent and location of the need. This task is performed by inhibitors which block the enzymatic activity. The most important inhibitor is antithrombin III. Others include alpha-macro-globulin and alpha-antitrypsin.
Fibrinolysis:
After the fibrin has fulfilled its function, it must be catabolised in a process known as fibrinolysis. Two possible activation pathways lead finally to conversion of the protein plasminogen into the enzyme plasmin, which in its turn cleaves fibrin into even smaller, and hence soluble, degradation products.
Extrinsic Pathway
In the case of injury, tissue thromboplastin passes into the blood and activates Factor VII to Factor VII a, which in turn activates Factor X. Here begins the section of the cascade common to both activation pathways. Namely, Factor X a- with Factor V as accelerator- activates the prothrombin (Factor II) to thrombin (Factor II a). Thrombin cleaves fibrinogen, thereby initiating the formation of fibrin.
The extrinsic pathway is monitored with the aid of the prothrombin time test. In the test, we create the same conditions as in vitro in order to launch this part of the cascade. The time required for the formation of first fibrin web is the prothrombin time which is measured in terms of seconds. This test measures the collective activity of clotting factors I, II, VII and X.
Use of Prothrombine Time Test:
1. The test is most often used to monitor oral anticoagulation therapy.
2. It is also used as a sensitive indicator for dysfunction of the liver.
Intrinsic Pathway
Contact with a foreign surface effects the activation of Factor XII. This triggers a regular cascade of activity namely via Factor XI, IX and VII to the common end pathway and hence the formation of fibrin. The intrinsic pathway is monitored with the aid of a Partial thromboplastin time.
Uses of activated partial thromboplastin time:
1. It is used as screening procedure to detect clotting factors.
2. It is used to monitor heparin therapy.
3. It is used to monitor replacement therapy in individuals with a clotting factor deficiency.
Extrinsic and Intrinsic Pathway
The inactive coagulation factors present in the plasma are to some extent assigned to two different activation pathways. From factor X onwards the cascade then proceeds jointly upto fibrin. This fibrin clot is initially of a loose structure. In the presence of activated factor XII it is stabilized to a mechanically firm clot which makes the haemostasis permanent. Since Factor XII does not act on the fibrin until the latter is formed, determination of this factor requires a separate test system.
Screening for Coagulation Disorders:
The activated partial thromboplastin time in conjunction with prothrombin time frequently permits a crude localization of a coagulation defect is probably to be found in Factor XII, is prolonged, the defect is probably it could well be matter of a factor VII deficiency. If, however, both screening tests are pathological, then the deficiency is more likely to have arisen in the joint end pathway of factors X, V, II and I.
Thrombin Time:
The end point of plasmatic coagulation is the activation of Prothrombin (factor II) to Thrombin(II a). Thrombin rapidly converts fibrinogen into fibrin. Antithrombins as the name implies are counteractive.
Thrombin normally converts fibrinogen into fibrin. This reaction is inhibited by fibrin, FDP and by antithrombins. If such products are present in the plasma to an increased extent, then the TT is prolonged.
The same occurs when the fibrinogen level is lowered, as in the case of augmented fibrinolysis or during a fibrinolytic therapy. One of the uses of this test is therefore in the monitoring of fibrinolytic (Strepto Kinase) or thrombolytic (Heparin) therapy.

Antithrombin III
Antithrombin III is a plasma protein. It is a naturally occurring inhibitor to the coagulation system. It is also the cofactor for heparin. Adequate levels of Antithrombin III must be present in plasma for heparin to exert its anticoagulant effect. Antithrombin III slowly inhibits the activity of activated clotting factors XII a, XI a, IX a and X a. It also neutralizes the active enzyme thrombin.
In order for heparin to exert the its anticoagulant effect, it must form a complex with antithrombin III. Once heparin is given, it complexes with antithrombin III and immediately the AT III heparin complex increases the speed of inhibitory activity.

Urgent and Massive Transfusion

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Urgent Transfusion
Urgent transfusion refers to administration of Red Blood Cells (RBCs) before the completion of standard pretransfusion testing, when a delay in transfusion may imperil the patient. Implicit is the understanding that it is necessary to reestablish both oxygen-carrying capacity and intravascular volume. In hypovolemic shock, most authorities recommend immediate volume restoration with crystalloid or colloid solutions, however a warning has recently been issued regarding possible adverse effects of albumin so-
lutions in critically ill patients.1"3 If volume replacement leads to clinical stabilization, transfusion is less urgent and should await the completion of compatibility testing.
If transfusion is necessary before completion of compatibility testing, group O RBCs should be used. Whenever possible, D-negative RBCs should be used in females of childbearing potential and children to avoid the possibility of sensitization to the D antigen. The patient's physician must sign a statement indicating the nature of the emergency either before or after the uncross-matched blood is issued. If the patient's screen for unexpected red cell antibodies is negative, the transfusion of uncrossmatched but type-specific Whole Blood or of type-compatible RBCs carries a very low risk of being incompatible.3This safety margin is dependent, however, on correct identification of the patient, the pretransfusion blood sample, and the blood components to be infused. Guidelines for conditions under which it is safe to switch the patient to type-specific blood are available.7 In the near future, administration of artificial oxygen carriers may provide a therapeutic bridge to the use of fully compatible blood when emergency transfusion is required.
Massive Transfusion
Massive transfusion is defined as the replacement of one or more blood volumes within 24 hours. A blood volume is estimated as 75 mL/kg or about 5000 mL (10 or more units of Whole Blood) in a 70-kg adult Patients requiring massive transfusion frequently develop multiple complications related to hypovolemia, tissue ischemia, and acid-base disturbances. Many of these metabolic, coagulation, respiratory, and other complications have been ascribed solely to the transfusion of stored blood, but are caused principally by tissue damage or hypoperfusion secondary to trauma or hemor-rhage.l2>14 Hypothermia may impair hemostasis and should be avoided by warming the patient, the crystalloid solutions administered, and if indicated, the blood.
Massive transfusion may be an indication for the use of Whole Blood. However, Whole Blood may not be available, and RBCs administered with crystalloid or colloid solutions are
equally effective in restoring blood volume and oxygen-carrying capacity.15 The patient's history, vital signs, clinical situation, and hematocrit determine the urgency of red cell support. Plasma and platelet support should be based on the presence or absence of microvascular (not surgical) bleeding and on the results of screening tests of hemostasis [prothrombin time (PT), partial thromboplastin time (PTT), fibrinogen, and platelet count].
Many patients with major hemorrhage who require massive transfusion develop a coagulopathy, but not all develop diffuse microvascular bleeding as a result. This coagulopathy may be characterized by thrombocytopenia, hypofibrinogenemia, and prolongation of the PT and the PTT. The etiology of this coagulopathy can be multifactorial, and may be caused by consumption of coagulation factors or hemodilution. Patients with severe tissue injury and prolonged hypotension are more likely to develop diffuse microvascular bleeding and require greater hemostatic support." Preestablished formulas to guide component replacement, such as giving 2 units of Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP) or 6 units of Platelets with every 5 units of RBCs, are not efficacious." Strict reliance on these formulas may provide insufficient support to patients with consumptive coagu-lopathies and unnecessary transfusion of components to those who do not develop disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIG). Through careful monitoring of laboratory tests of hemostasis, the timely and judicious transfusion of Platelets, FFP, or Cryoprecipitated AHF can be reserved for patients with documented deficiencies.
Mild-to-moderate prolongation of the PT or the PTT does not accurately predict subhemostatic clotting factor levels. Marked prolongations of these tests Often reflect factor levels below 20-30% (see Overview of Hemostasis), however, and supplemental FFP or Cryoprecipitated AHF may then be indicated." In bleeding patients with thrombocytopenia, platelets should be administered to maintain a platelet count of 50,000/pL. Patients who continue to bleed despite adequate levels of platelets or coagulation factors should be thoroughly re-evaluated and considered for surgical exploration. Close communication between
clinicians and the transfusion service director is essential in these cases.

CARDIAC MUSCLE CELLS

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In order to understand how the heart regulates itself, there are some characteristic features of cardiac muscle cells to consider more closely.
All resting muscle cells, including cardiac muscle cells, are polarized, i.e. the interior of the cells are negative with respect to the exterior. Each cell is surrounded by a membrane being permeable to particular ions, especially Na*, K*.
In the resting cell, there is an equilibrium between the concentration of these ions within the cell and outside of the cell, but the distribution of the ions is unequal, there being a high extracellular concentration of Na* and a high intracel-lular concentration of K*. Since there are more extracellular Na+ ions than intracellular K* ions, the interior of the cell will be negative with respect to the exterior, creating the membrane potential.
If a microelectrode is inserted into the cell, this resting membrane potential can be measured as negative, approx. -90 mV.
When the cell receives a stimulus, e.g. if an electrical current is applied to to its surface, the membrane potential changes and becomes less negative, triggering an influx of Na* ions into the cell.
If only a very weak current is applied, it will result merely in a transient, moderate reduction of the membrane potential. A stronger stimulus, however, will cause the number of Na+ ions pouring into the cell to become so great that the resting membrane potential breaks down: the cell is activated and contracts. The formerly negative membrane potential rises abruptly to zero and beyound to an overshoot of approximately +30 mV. For cardiac cells this depolarisation occurs at approx. -50 mV, called the threshhold potential.
After the rapid cell depolarization and contraction, Na* ions are pumped out of the cell again, causing at first a rapid phase of repolarisation towards zero potential, then a plateau phase with the potential maintained at or near zero, and finally a rapid repolarisation phase to restore the resting membrane potential.
Tiie entire process of potential changes from the beginning of depolarization to the end of repolarisation is called the action potential of the cell.
Depolarization in cardiac muscle cells is a rather short process that lasts only a few milliseconds, whereas repolarisation lasts for about 500-600 ms.
The cardiac muscle cell can only depolarize when the membrane potential is more negative than the threshold potential, i.e. it is not possible to depolarize the cell in the repolarization period, the cell is said to be in the refractory period. This indicates that impulses can only spread to non-excited cells.
In ordinary muscle, the cells lie parallel and the depolarization of one cell does not influence its neighbouring cells. Myocardial cells, however, are joined end-to-end by structures to form an interrelated network. Therefore, they are able not only to contract but also to initiate a depolarisation of their neigbour cells and propagate the contraction to each other. In this way all cells are stimulated, providing coordinated contraction of the heart and effective pumping.

IS SEX NECESSARY?

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The best that modern science can say for sexual abstinence is that it's harmless when practiced in moderation. Having regular and enthusiastic sex, by contrast, confers a host of measurable physiological advantages, be you male or female. (This assumes that you are engaging in sex without contracting a sexually transmitted disease.)
In one of the most credible studies correlating overall health with sexual frequency, Queens University in Belfast tracked the mortality of about 1,000 middle-aged men over the course of a decade. The study was designed to compare persons of comparable circumstances, age and health. Its findings, published in 1997 in the British Medical Journal, were that men who reported the highest frequency of orgasm enjoyed a death rate half that of the laggards. Other studies (some rigorous, some less so) purport to show that having sex even a few times a week has an associative or causal relationship with the following:
- Improved sense of smell: After sex, production of the hormone prolactin surges. This in turn causes stem cells in the brain to develop new neurons in the brain's olfactory bulb, its smell center.
- Reduced risk of heart disease: In a 2001 follow-on to the Queens University study mentioned above, researchers focused on cardiovascular health. Their finding? That by having sex three or more times a week, men reduced their risk of heart attack or stroke by half. In reporting these results, the co-author of the study, Shah Ebrahim, Ph.D., displayed the well-loved British gift for understatement: "The relationship found between frequency of sexual intercourse and mortality is of considerable public interest."
- Weight loss, overall fitness: Sex, if nothing else, is exercise. A vigorous bout burns some 200 calories--about the same as running 15 minutes on a treadmill or playing a spirited game of squash. The pulse rate, in a person aroused, rises from about 70 beats per minute to 150, the same as that of an athlete putting forth maximum effort. British researchers have determined that the equivalent of six Big Macs can be worked off by having sex three times a week for a year. Muscular contractions during intercourse work the pelvis, thighs, buttocks, arms, neck and thorax. Sex also boosts production of testosterone, which leads to stronger bones and muscles. Men's Health magazine has gone so far as to call the bed the single greatest piece of exercise equipment ever invented.
- Reduced depression: Such was the implication of a 2002 study of 293 women. American psychologist Gordon Gallup reported that sexually active participants whose male partners did not use condoms were less subject to depression than those whose partners did. One theory of causality: Prostoglandin, a hormone found only in semen, may be absorbed in the female genital tract, thus modulating female hormones.
- Pain-relief: Immediately before orgasm, levels of the hormone oxytocin surge to five times their normal level. This in turn releases endorphins, which alleviate the pain of everything from headache to arthritis to even migraine. In women, sex also prompts production of estrogen, which can reduce the pain of PMS.
- Less-frequent colds and flu: Wilkes University in Pennsylvania says individuals who have sex once or twice a week show 30% higher levels of an antibody called immunoglobulin A, which is known to boost the immune system.
- Better bladder control: Heard of Kegel exercises? You do them, whether you know it or not, every time you stem your flow of urine. The same set of muscles is worked during sex.
- Better teeth: Seminal plasma contains zinc, calcium and other minerals shown to retard tooth decay. Since this is a family Web site, we will omit discussion of the mineral delivery system. Suffice it to say that it could be a far richer, more complex and more satisfying experience than squeezing a tube of Crest--even Tartar Control Crest. Researchers have noted, parenthetically, that sexual etiquette usually demands the brushing of one's teeth before and/or after intimacy, which, by itself, would help promote better oral hygiene.
- A happier prostate? Some urologists believe they see a relationship between infrequency of ejaculation and cancer of the prostate. The causal argument goes like this: To produce seminal fluid, the prostate and the seminal vesicles take such substances from the blood as zinc, citric acid and potassium, then concentrate them up to 600 times. Any carcinogens present in the blood likewise would be concentrated. Rather than have concentrated carcinogens hanging around causing trouble, it's better to evict them. Regular old sex could do the job. But if the flushing of the prostate were your only objective, masturbation might be a better way to go, especially for the non-monogamous male. Having sex with multiple partners can, all by itself, raise a man's risk of cancer by up to 40%. That's because he runs an increased risk of contracting sexual infections. So, if you want the all the purported benefits of flushing with none of the attendant risk, go digital. A study recently published by the British Journal of Urology International asserts that men in their 20s can reduce by a third their chance of getting prostate cancer by ejaculating more than five times a week.
While possession of a robust appetite for sex--and the physical ability to gratify it--may not always be the cynosure of perfect health, a reluctance to engage can be a sign that something is seriously on the fritz, especially where the culprit is an infirm erection.
Dr. J. Francois Eid, a urologist with Weill Medical College of Cornell University and New York Presbyterian Hospital, observes that erectile dysfunction is extension of vascular system. A lethargic member may be telling you that you have diseased blood vessels elsewhere in your body. "It could be a first sign of hypertension or diabetes or increased cholesterol levels. It's a red flag that you should see your doctor." Treatment and exercise, says Dr. Eid, can have things looking up again: "Men who exercise and have a good heart and low heart rate, and who are cardio-fit, have firmer erections. There very definitely is a relationship."
But is there such a thing as too much sex?
The answer, in purely physiological terms, is this: If you're female, probably not. If you're male? You betcha.
Dr. Claire Bailey of the University of Bristol says there is little or no risk of a woman's overdosing on sex. In fact, she says, regular sessions can not only firm a woman's tummy and buttocks but also improve her posture.
Dr. George Winch Jr., an obstetrician/gynecologist in Elko, Nev., concurs. If a woman is pre-menopausal and otherwise healthy, says Dr. Winch, her having an extraordinary amount of intercourse ought not to pose a problem. "I don't think women can have too much intercourse," he says, "so long as no sexually transmitted disease is introduced and there's not an inadvertent pregnancy. Sometimes you can have a lubrication problem. If you have that, there can be vaginal excoriation--vaginal scrape."
Women who abstain from sex run some risks. In postmenopausal women, these include vaginal atrophy. Dr. Winch has a middle-aged patient of whom he says: "She hasn't had intercourse in three years. Just isn't interested. The opening of her vagina is narrowing from disuse. It's a condition that can lead to dysparenia, or pain associated with intercourse. I told her, 'Look, you'd better buy a vibrator or you're going to lose function there.'"
As for men, urologist Eid says it's definitely possible to get too much of a good thing, now that drugs such as Viagra and Levitra have given men far more staying power than may actually be good for them.
The penis, says Eid, is wonderfully resilient. But everything has its limits. Penile tissues, if given too roistering or prolonged a pummeling, can sustain damage. In cases you'd just as soon not hear about, permanent damage.
"Yes," says Dr. Eid, "It is possible for a young man who is very forceful and who likes rough sex, to damage his erectile tissue." The drugs increase rigidity; moreover, they make it possible for a man to have second and third orgasms without having to wait out intermission.
"I see it in pro football players," says Eid. "They use Viagra because they're so sexually active. What they demand of their body is unreasonable. It's part of playing football: you play through the pain." This type of guy doesn't listen to his body. He takes a shot of cortisone, and keeps on going. And they have sex in similar fashion."
There's a reason the penis, in its natural state, undergoes a period of flaccidity: That's when it takes a breather. The blood within it is replenished with oxygen. "During an erection," explains Eid, "very little blood flows to the penis. During thrusting, pressure can go as high as 200 mil of water. Zero blood flows into penis at that time." To absorb oxygen, the tissue must become relaxed. "If you do not allow the penis to rest, then the muscle tissue does not get enough oxygen. The individual gets prolonged erections, gets decreased oxygen to tissue, and could potentially suffer priapism." (We recommend you get a medical encyclopedia and look it up.) "The muscle becomes so engorged, it's painful. Pressure inside starts to increase. Cells start dying. More pressure and less blood flow. Eventually the muscle dies. Then there's scarring. That's why it's considered an emergency."