HEALTH MATTERS

World Mosquito Day August 20,

2016-08-08T04:14:00.002-07:00

World Mosquito Day takes place on August 20, 2016.
World Mosquito Day is a commemoration of British doctor Sir Ronald Ross's discovery in 1897 that female mosquitoes transmit malaria between humans. Ross is responsible for the annual observance, having declared shortly after his discovery that the day should be known as World Mosquito Day in the future. The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine holds Mosquito Day celebrations every year, including events such as parties and exhibitions, a tradition dating back to as early as the 1930s.

Although a few species are harmless or even useful to humanity, most mosquitos are a nuisance because they consume blood from living vertebrates, including humans. The females of many species of mosquitoes are blood-eating pests. In feeding on blood, some of them transmit extremely harmful human and livestock diseases, such as malaria, yellow fever and filariasis. Some authorities argue accordingly that mosquitoes are the most dangerous animals on Earth.

Various species of mosquitoes are estimated to transmit various types of disease to more than 700 million people annually in Africa, South America, Central America, Mexico, Russia, and much of Asia, with millions of resultant deaths. At least two million people annually die of these diseases, and the morbidity rates are many times higher still.

Methods used to prevent the spread of disease, or to protect individuals in areas where disease is endemic, include: Vector control aimed at mosquito control or eradication;
Disease prevention, using prophylactic drugs and developing vaccines; Prevention of mosquito bites, with insecticides, nets, and repellents. Since most such diseases are carried by "elderly" female mosquitoes, some scientists have suggested focusing on these to avoid the evolution of resistance. (With material from: http://www.Wikipedia.com & http://www.cute-calendar.com/)

Where is the event?
Worldwide
World

When is the event?
Saturday, the 20th of August 2016

Baby Skin Care

2014-09-26T03:07:00.001-07:00

Baby skincare is primarily focused on preventing diaper rash, but it is still a crucial aspect to consider. People often overlook the need to care for a baby's skin, possibly because it appears flawless. There are few things as soft and supple as baby skin. However, proper baby skincare can make a significant difference in the happiness of the baby.

In addition to diaper rash and heat rash, babies can experience a condition known as "cradle cap." Baby skin is prone to dryness and can even get sunburned easily due to low melanin production. Moreover, due to hormonal changes after birth, babies may develop acne, although their skin is much less oily compared to adults.

Here are some general guidelines and tips for baby skincare:

Shield your baby from ultraviolet (UV) exposure right from the start. Keep infants out of direct sunlight during the first few months. If you do go outside, ensure that the baby's skin is covered with protective clothing, a hat, and baby sunglasses. Make this a habit and teach your child the importance of sun protection as they grow older. Sunscreen should not be applied until the baby is 6 months old, but after that, it becomes essential. Be cautious when traveling in cars or going for a walk.
When it comes to baby skincare, you can easily find products specifically formulated for babies. Purchase these products and use them as directed. Adult skincare products are not suitable for babies as they can be too harsh. If you notice that your current laundry detergent is irritating your baby's skin, consider switching to a gentler option.
Always change diapers as soon as possible. Urine and feces contain bacteria that must be washed away with warm water or baby wipes to prevent infections. Make sure the wipes you use do not contain alcohol, which can dry out a baby's skin. Remember to clean in the folds and ensure the area is dried gently but thoroughly. Diaper rash is highly uncomfortable, so apply an ointment or cream specifically formulated for this common baby skin problem.
Regularly moisturize your baby's skin with lotions and creams designed for infants to help retain moisture. Excessive bathing is unnecessary and can actually strip the baby's skin of its natural moisture. Use warm water for bathing, as babies, like adults, prefer it to hot water. If your baby has cradle cap, which appears as scaly and dirty-looking skin on the scalp, gently scrub the area with a soft brush. If the condition persists, consult the baby's physician. Protect your baby from wind and cold, as they can also cause dry skin. If the air in your home is dry, consider using a humidifier to add moisture.
Due to a baby's underdeveloped ability to perspire, they struggle to regulate their body temperature efficiently. This can lead to heat rashes. Dress your baby in comfortable, loose-fitting clothing appropriate for the temperature to avoid these rashes, which appear as red patches or pinkish-red bumps.

Establishing good habits early on is crucial, and it's never too soon to develop a proper baby skincare routine!

Type Two Diabetes Symptoms

2014-09-25T12:00:00.000-07:00

SYMPTOMS

Type II diabetes previously known as adult onset diabetes or non-insulin depended diabetes is really a metabolic dysfunction identified by insulin resistance by cells and reduced creation of insulin. This disorder lessens the body?s capacity to control blood sugar levels effectively resulting in an unusually high blood sugar level. Long-term health risks resulting from high blood sugar consist of: high risk of heart attacks, kidney failure, and amputation. Medical diagnosis of diabetes is generally executed by examining blood samples for elevated amounts of blood sugar. Both fasting as well as random glucose readings are reviewed for concussive analysis. There are 2 major examination that are conducted to determine which kind of Diabetes you may be suffering from. Usually the patient has to be in fast for a certain amount of time before the test being conducted.

Type II diabetes is at first managed by life-style adjustments such as increasing physical activity and dietary modification however as the ailment advances medication and in certain cases a combination of anti-diabetic medication are usually necesary. The reason why a lot of people opt for the first two is because of the effectiveness of consuming a good diet. Patients that have recently developed the symptoms can feel significantly better by avoiding particular foods and increasing their physical exercise.

Type II diabetes is usually attributable to life-style factors and inherited genes. Life-style factors associated with type II diabetes include things like lack of physical activity, unhealthy diet regime, smoking, unhealthy weight and alcohol dependency. Type II diabetes is also genetically transmissible. Having family members with type II diabetes increases the chance of acquiring type II diabetes very substantially. Though we can't control the second reason, we can certainly take care of the first. This simply means that in case you?ve had family members or close relatives who have suffered from the ailment, you may minimize your odds of being a victim by taking proper care of what you eat, maintaining a healthy diet, avoiding smoking cigarettes and alcohol and most critical working out regularly.

The signs of type II diabetes are polyuria (a condition characterized by frequent urination), polydipsia (elevated thirst) and polyphagia (increased hunger). In type II diabetes symptoms tend to be subtle and take weeks or perhaps months to develop. High blood sugar levels over a long period of time causes glucose absorption which results in changes in the shape of eye lenses therefore patients encounter blurry eyesight. Blurry vision is one of the most common symptoms of type II diabetes. Other symptoms of diabetes include skin infections or rashes called diabetic dermadromes. A rare possibility more common in type II diabetes is hyperosmolar nonketotic state; it is a diabetic coma with a high fatality rate primarily caused by dehydration and abnormally high blood sugar level.

Contributor:
Author: Lucio Conley

Steps To Lasting Weight Loss

2014-09-24T10:21:00.003-07:00

Many individuals who struggle with weight loss often make the mistake of starving themselves by skipping meals. However, it is important to understand that skipping meals is not necessary for losing weight. In fact, depriving your body of proper nutrition can negatively impact your energy levels and hinder your ability to engage in physical activities. A better approach is to consume healthy, nutritious foods that are low in calories. These types of foods provide essential nutrients to your body without causing weight gain. On average, an adult requires around 2,500 calories to sustain themselves. By consuming calories moderately, there is no need to meticulously count them. This article will provide you with the fundamentals of a nutritious diet plan.

Avoid emotional eating: Emotional eating is a common cause of weight gain. When individuals experience intense emotions such as anger, depression, stress, boredom, or loneliness, they often turn to food for comfort. It is important to recognize that food cannot be the solution to every problem. Learning to manage emotions without relying on food is crucial, as emotional eating can hinder weight loss progress.
Join a reputable weight loss program: It is recommended to enroll in an effective weight loss program that emphasizes a nutritious diet and exercise regimen. A reliable program focuses on consuming fruits, vegetables, lean meats (such as chicken and fish), low-fat dairy products, whole grain cereals, and skinless poultry. It is important to avoid high-fat products like pies, candies, and pastries.
Incorporate regular exercise: In addition to following a healthy diet, regular exercise is essential for sustainable weight loss. Starting with light aerobic exercises and gradually progressing to resistance training and cardio is recommended. Even engaging in aerobic exercises alone can contribute to weight loss, as they boost your metabolism, burn fat, increase energy levels, and aid in shedding excess pounds.

Determining the effectiveness of a weight loss program without spending a fortune can be challenging. One approach is to seek feedback from individuals who have participated in the program you are considering. Alternatively, you can consult with your physician or a weight loss expert for their unbiased opinions.

A guide to fertility treatments

2014-09-23T10:09:00.002-07:00

Are you seeking natural fertility treatments? In today's fast-paced society, quick fixes are often sought after. However, many individuals prefer to focus on achieving pregnancy through natural means, without relying on medications and pills. Medical treatments can sometimes come with unwanted side effects, which is why turning to natural therapies should be your primary option. Natural fertility treatments are widely accepted and have shown great results globally.

The two most popular natural fertility treatments are changes in diet patterns and fertility cleansing. Fertility diets can be categorized into two main types. For overweight women, losing weight can significantly improve fertility in a natural way. However, there are certain dietary changes that most women, including doctors, believe can enhance fertility regardless of weight.

Natural fertility treatments should include a balanced diet. Consuming natural foods high in complex carbohydrates such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, cereals, and legumes can be beneficial for addressing infertility issues. These diets promote the consumption of specific food items that can work in your favor. Popular fertility diets often advocate for the elimination of unhealthy trans fats while increasing the intake of whole grains. These diets help improve hormonal balance in women and create a healthy body environment that supports natural conception. Carbohydrates, in particular, can impact insulin levels, which in turn affect the hormones necessary for reproduction.

Caffeine is considered one of the most detrimental ingredients in one's diet. It can restrict blood vessels in the uterus, hindering egg fertilization. Milk is a suitable alternative to coffee. There is a common association between caffeine and miscarriage. Caffeine can be found in coffee, energy drinks, chocolates, herbal products, soft drinks, and tea, so it is advisable to avoid these products when trying to conceive. Therefore, a balanced diet can be one of the best fertility treatments.

Fertility cleansing focuses specifically on addressing fertility issues. It helps eliminate toxins and other harmful substances from the body. Another type of natural fertility treatment is self-fertility massage, an advanced therapy that combines massages to support fertility.

Furthermore, there are medical fertility treatments available that have yielded fascinating results. Intrauterine insemination involves placing sperm directly into the uterus during ovulation. In vitro fertilization is another assisted reproductive technology that aims to stimulate the ovaries to produce a larger number of eggs, thereby increasing the chances of successful conception for women.

It's important to explore various options and consult with medical professionals to determine the most suitable approach for your specific fertility needs. Contributors
Image Source:http://www.mothersday2014.co/

A Woman’s Lifetime Guide to Eating Well

2014-09-22T07:22:00.001-07:00

Understanding and meeting the nutritional needs of women at different stages of life is essential for their overall health. While the general principles of good nutrition, such as consuming fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein while avoiding excessive fats and sugars, apply to everyone, women undergo hormonal and body changes throughout their lifetimes that require specific attention. We consulted nutrition experts to provide guidance on optimal eating habits for women at each age.

Pre-Conception:

Aim for a healthy weight: Maintaining a healthy weight enhances ovulation and increases the chances of getting pregnant. Being underweight or overweight can disrupt hormonal balance and normal bodily functions.
Get sufficient folate: Adequate folate levels before pregnancy are vital for fetal development. Leafy greens, citrus fruits, whole grains, and fortified cereals are good sources of folate. Multivitamins designed for women often contain folic acid.
Increase omega-3 intake: Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA found in cold-water fish like salmon, tuna, and sardines, are believed to improve fertility and contribute to proper brain and eye development in fetuses.
Ensure iron intake: Sufficient iron is crucial during the pre-menopausal phase to compensate for monthly menstrual losses. Adequate iron stores are necessary for overall health.
Strengthen bones: Calcium intake should not be delayed until later in life. Starting in the 20s and 30s, women should prioritize calcium consumption to slow down bone loss over time.

Pregnancy:

Avoid "eating for two": Contrary to popular belief, doubling the calorie intake is not necessary during pregnancy. A slight increase in calories is sufficient, but the focus should be on a well-balanced diet encompassing all food groups.
Consult a doctor for vegetarian/vegan diets: Vegetarians and vegans can have healthy pregnancies but should consult with healthcare providers to ensure they meet all nutritional requirements.
Obtain necessary vitamins: Iron remains a concern during pregnancy due to increased blood volume. Sufficient vitamin C intake helps improve iron absorption.

Menopause:

Recognize symptoms: Menopausal symptoms may appear up to 10 years before menopause itself. Dietary changes can help alleviate symptoms such as weight gain, fatigue, and sleep disturbances.
Include phytoestrogens: Foods rich in phytoestrogens, plant-based substances similar to estrogen, can provide relief from menopausal symptoms. Examples include tofu, soy-based dairy alternatives, and flax seeds.
Limit hot flash triggers: Certain substances like caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, and large meals can trigger hot flashes. Reducing their consumption may help manage symptoms.
Increase vitamin B intake: Vitamin B acts as a natural mood stabilizer. Dark leafy greens and lean poultry are excellent sources of vitamin B. Turkey, containing tryptophan, can also aid in easing insomnia.

Post-Menopause:

Monitor weight gain: Weight control becomes vital in the post-childbearing years, as menopause often leads to weight gain even with healthy eating and exercise habits. Minimizing sugar intake can help manage belly fat. Mindful eating is worth considering.
Protect bone health: Adequate intake of vitamin D and calcium is crucial. Many women have low vitamin D levels, which affects mood, muscle strength, and may be associated with conditions like breast cancer and heart disease.

While sun exposure contributes to vitamin D synthesis, supplements and fortified foods can assist in meeting requirements.

Is it Depression, or is it Perimenopause?

2014-09-21T06:50:00.001-07:00

Are you currently experiencing depression and emotional instability between the ages of 39 and 53? Are you feeling unlike yourself, perhaps less energetic or more serious, as noted by your family and friends? Well, it might not be depression you're facing but rather perimenopause.

Perimenopause refers to the 2 to 10 years leading up to the cessation of menstruation and presents 40- to 50-year-old women with significant hormonal changes akin to those experienced during puberty. These hormonal fluctuations not only affect a woman's physical well-being but also have a profound impact on her emotional state.

Many women mistakenly believe that menopause-related concerns only arise in their late 40s or early 50s. Even those who are aware of "perimenopause" often associate it solely with symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, menstrual irregularities, and occasional mood swings. However, the hormonal changes during perimenopause can also lead to depression, anxiety, and a decrease in overall life satisfaction. Additionally, these challenges and hormonal events can cause distress not just for women but also for their loved ones.

How can women determine if their depressive symptoms are a result of perimenopause or other causes? During Stage I of perimenopause, known as Perimenopausal Initiation, and Stage II, referred to as Emotional Disruption, hormonal changes are likely to be the cause or a contributing factor if the following signs are observed:

Depressive symptoms intensify in the two weeks prior to menstruation and improve once the period starts.
The woman's tolerance for difficult situations decreases compared to her past experiences.
Slight changes occur in her menstrual cycle, such as it becoming slightly shorter or longer by a day or two, or the flow being slightly heavier or lighter.
The woman is within the age range of late 30s to early-mid 50s.

Another indication of depression related to hormonal changes is the presence of accompanying anxiety. Hormonally precipitated depression often involves both depression and anxiety, whereas non-hormonal depression typically lacks the anxiety component.

In Stage III of perimenopause, known as Turbulence, it becomes easier to establish a connection between hormonal changes and depression. During this stage, there are noticeable fluctuations between depressive and anxious moods. These mood swings have a more intense and "acute" quality compared to non-hormonal depression. Additionally, sleep disturbances, insomnia, and distressing dreams are more likely to accompany depressive symptoms. While non-hormonal depression can cause insomnia, it typically results in excessive sleepiness.

When treating moderate to severe depression, regardless of its cause, the most effective and safest approach involves the use of antidepressant medications. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are considered safer than synthetic or animal hormone replacement therapies and can help alleviate other perimenopausal symptoms like insomnia and vasomotor events (hot flashes and night sweats).

Another option is the use of bioidentical hormones, which are natural, plant-based hormones that assist in balancing shifting hormones. These hormones are highly regarded for their safety and have been shown in studies to reduce various perimenopausal symptoms, including depression.

Additionally, incorporating soy isoflavones into one's diet or taking them as supplements can be beneficial. Soy contains "phytoestrogens," compounds that possess mild estrogenic and anti-estrogenic properties. This means that they can bind to estrogen receptors to regulate estrogen levels, either blocking excess estrogen or providing support when levels are low. This helps to alleviate symptoms, including depression, associated with the perimenopausal transition.

When depressive symptoms are mild or transient, individual women can decide whether they require any of these treatment strategies.

New Apple Ingredient Discovery Keeps Muscles Strong

2014-09-20T13:30:00.004-07:00

Researchers have discovered a natural compound in apple peels called Ursolic Acid that shows promise in preventing muscle weakening associated with illness and aging. The findings, published in the June issue of Cell Metabolism, present Ursolic Acid as a potential nutritional therapy for this prevalent and debilitating condition.

Muscle wasting is a common occurrence during illness and aging, leading to prolonged hospital stays, delayed recoveries, and sometimes preventing individuals from returning home. Currently, there is limited understanding of muscle wasting, and no specific medicine exists to address it.

The research team investigated the gene activity in muscles under conditions that promote muscle weakening. They identified 63 genes that change during fasting in both humans and mice, as well as an additional 29 genes that show altered expression in the muscles of fasting individuals and those with spinal cord injuries. By comparing the gene expression signatures to cells treated with over 1300 bio-active small molecules, Ursolic Acid emerged as a compound with potential effects to counteract muscle atrophy.

Ursolic Acid is a fascinating natural compound and a component of apple peels, commonly found in the everyday diet. As the saying goes, "an apple a day keeps the doctor away." In experiments conducted on fasted laboratory subjects, Ursolic Acid demonstrated its ability to protect against muscle weakening, as predicted. When added to the diet of normal subjects over several weeks, it resulted in muscle growth. These effects were attributed to improved insulin signaling in the muscles and corrections in the gene signatures associated with muscle atrophy.

Furthermore, the subjects receiving Ursolic Acid became leaner and showed lower levels of glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides in their blood. These findings suggest that Ursolic Acid may contribute to the overall benefits of a healthy diet.

The researchers emphasized the importance of a balanced diet, noting that individuals who consume junk food may not obtain sufficient amounts of Ursolic Acid. While it remains unclear whether these findings will apply directly to human patients, the next step is to determine if Ursolic Acid can provide benefits in a clinical setting. Additionally, it is yet to be determined whether the levels of Ursolic Acid typically consumed through a normal diet would be sufficient for the desired effects.

Calf Exercises for Men

2014-09-19T02:51:00.000-07:00

The first portion of a complete body sculpting routine for men is the upper body routine. Because many men are already comfortable with exercise for this area of the body, it's generally the part of the body that's well-defined and toned.

The calf is made of two main muscles, the gastrocnemius and the soleus, nicknamed in some languages "the twins". They manipulate the Achilles tendon - that's the big tendon just above your heel, behind the ankle - to produce the movements of the foot and toes.

One of the problems with bodyweight training programs is that your weight can sometimes be too heavy or too light. Take squats for instance. For most people their body weight won't provide enough resistance to get a good workout within a 'normal' repetition range.
Toning is something that both men and women strive to accomplish with their workouts. Women want to tone their trouble areas to create a leaner look that gives them a strong feminine shape, while men strive to tone their larger muscle groups to make them appear more cut and ripped. The best exercises for toning target individual areas of the body, and provide exceptional results at a fast rate.

These exercises for skinny guys emphasize working on the whole body, using compound exercises to build up several muscle groups at the same time. Compound exercises are more efficient in building muscle mass since no muscle group is left behind in the work out.

Another way to tone up and bulk up your lower body muscles is to do dead lifts. The concept is simple. Just lift the weight with both your arms. Dead lifts are a great way to tone your arms, shoulders, chest, back, hips, butts, abs, thighs, calf muscles and everything in between.

One of the best leg exercise that you can do with your bodyweight. This will make you become more stable and challenge your leg strength, endurance, balance and agility. In a standing position, raise one leg out as straight as possible in front of you, and squat down on one leg until your thigh touches your calf.

Not everybody has a jump rope on them right now, but a jump rope can be one of the best weight loss exercises because you use your arms, your calfs, legs, and explosive movements. People who jump rope tend to break a sweat rather quickly, so why not start today and start jumping rope!

Movements that involve deep concentration and create lots of burn are the best leg exercises for women. These include: leg extensions, leg curls, abductors, lunges (side and front), calf raises. Squats and leg presses are popular leg movements, but if you get too over-zealous you might be looking at a larger set of legs or bigger butt.

Studies done at the Baylor University Exercise and Sports Nutrition Laboratory showed that 30-minute workouts raised the heart rate of women and men to about 65 percent of their maximum. Thirty minutes was enough time to improve cardiovascular fitness.
Begin your fitness session with a five to ten minute stretching and warm up, and finish by cooling off for another five minutes. And then in the course of the rest of that session, make your workouts relatively brief. Your standard exercise sessions ought not last greater than 30 to 45 minutes.

The main reason why most people fail to build calves is they simply do not train them hard enough. Think about it. Your calves handle your body weight while standing, running, and walking and doing just about any other physical activity. This means they are already used to lots of stimulation and will only respond to super heavy weights.

Contributors
Author: Milburn olin

Learn These Menopause Symptoms And What You Can Do To Relieve Them

2014-09-18T03:27:00.000-07:00

Learn Why These Menopause Symptoms And What You Can Do To Relieve Them

Women can experience a lot of different menopause symptoms when they enter the menopausal stage. Some of these things can really be distressing. They can happen gradually or they can take you by surprise by happening all of a sudden.

In this article, I'm going to discuss a few of the most common symptoms that may be experiencing right now if you're already menopausal. The first symptoms that we're going to discuss are light headedness, dizziness, and loss of balance. Dizziness is described as a transient spinning sensation or a feeling of lightheadedness. This can also be described as one's inability to maintain good balance when standing up or walking. Dizziness is a symptom of a lot of medical conditions. There are certain things that people can do to cope with dizziness. If you think that your dizziness is not associated with menopause, you should see your doctor so that you can determine whether or not it's a symptom of a serious illness.

Weight gain is another common phenomenon during menopause. This happens because of hormonal changes. Some studies say that weight gain occurs because women are older and their metabolism is gradually slowing down. However, some studies claim that changing hormonal levels are directly associated to weight gain during menopause as well as redistribution of fat. By making significant changes in your diet and doing exercise on a regular basis, you can increase your body's metabolic rate. Taking natural supplements can also help.

Incontinence that happens during laughing and sneezing or urge incontinence is also a common symptom that a lot of women experience during the menopausal stage. Incontinence is divided into three categories. The first one is stress incontinence, which is described as accidental urination when a person coughs, sneezes, or exerts. The second one is urge incontinence, which is a symptom that's described to happen when the bladder gets a mind of its own, which causes it contract and empty unpredictably even if a person exert conscious efforts to prevent the passage of urine. Last is overflow incontinence, which is described as the complete loss of sensation that you need to urinate. If you're urinating when you shouldn't, you should seek medical attention because you can't sense that your bladder is already full.

Sudden bouts of bloat can also happen during the menopausal stage. These are described as sudden feelings of being puffy bloated that come out of nowhere. You may notice these to be periodic and can increase fluid retention as well as abdominal distention.

Last in line are increasing allergies. A lot of allergies have their basis on hormone reactions. This is especially true for women who experience increasing symptoms as they go through hormonal changes.

Ways to make your skin healthy

2012-11-16T12:26:00.000-08:00

The primary step to keeping your skin healthy is preventing damage. Pollutants, air, sun as well as by just natural aging can certainly mortify the form of your skin. Frequent grumbles incorporate dry along with itchy skin, sagging, wrinkles, color alterations, together with age spots. Luckily, there are various methods that you can readily apply in order to maintain a healthy skin, feeling and looking at its most excellent appearance.

Keeping yourself fit, having enough rest, as well as getting healthy diet can set the basis for fine-looking and vigorous complexion. Moreover, a proper diet is not only the excellent way in attaining good health in general but it as well assists you to guarantee that your skin will get all of the vitamins and minerals, along with the nutrients that it requires to preserve and fix itself.

Another way to keep your skin healthy is to apply the right skin care products to your skin. The best anti aging skincare products that can aid you to hydrate the skin are now available at your favorite skin care product store online. Having a clean skin by using the best skin cleanser is also a great way of preventing skin damages.

One of the most essential ways to protect your skin is to keep it away from the harmful rays of the sun. Ultraviolet radiation harms the skin as well as it can result to wrinkles, premature aging, age spots or even cancer as well. An individual should really get further preventative measures in order to be certain that his or her skin is not totally exposed under the harmful rays of the sun. Do not fail to remember that one should apply a natural sunscreen, or a moisturizer that includes sunscreen (with minimum of SPF 15) every day. Although, it does not mean that you should not go out at all during the day, as if you are like a nocturnal creature. Your skin also needs some sunlight every day. A 10 to 15 exposures at sunrise or sunset will be alright.

In addition to that, a variety of fine skin care products such as an all natural moisturizer is one of the essential components for a vigorous complexity. Keep on moisturizing all through the day to keep your sensitive skin vigorous. Your hands as well as your face is especially vulnerable to everyday dent, and might require it to be moisturized further.

New Apple Ingredient Discovery Keeps Muscles Strong!

2012-11-16T12:15:00.000-08:00

Natural Component of Apple Peels Found To Help Prevent Muscle Weakening

In search of an effective method to prevent muscle wasting that comes with illness and aging, researchers have located a natural compound that is very promising.

The findings reported in the June issue of Cell Metabolism (a Cell Press publication), identify a natural component of apple peels known as Ursolic Acid as a promising newnutritional therapy for the widespread and debilitating condition that affects nearly everyone at one time or another.

"Muscle wasting is a frequent companion of illness and aging," explained researchers from The University of Iowa, Iowa City. "It prolongs hospitalization, delays recoveries and in some cases prevents people going back home. It isn't well understood and there is no medicine for it."

The research team first looked at what happens to gene activity in muscles under conditions that promote weakening. Those studies turned up 63 genes that change in response to fasting in both people and mice and another 29 that shift their expression in the muscles of both people who are fasting and those with spinal cord injury. Comparison of those gene expression signatures to the signatures of cells treated with more than 1300 bio-active small molecules led them to ursolic acid as a compound with effects that might counteract those of atrophy.

"Ursolic Acid is an interesting natural compound," they said. "It's part of a normal diet as a component of apple peels. They always say that an apple a day keeps the doctor away..."

The researchers next gave Ursolic Acid to fasted laboratory subjects. Those experiments showed that ursolic acid could protect against muscle weakening as predicted. When ursolic acid was added to the food of normal subjects for a period of weeks, their muscles grew. Those effects were traced back to enhanced insulin signaling in muscle and to corrections in the gene signatures linked to atrophy.

The subjects given ursolic acid also became leaner and had lower blood levels of glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides. The findings therefore suggest that ursolic acid may be responsible for some of the overall benefits of healthy eating.

"We know if you eat a balanced diet like our mom told us to eat you get this material," the researchers explained "People who eat junk food don't get this."

It is not yet clear whether the findings will translate to human patients, but the goal now is to "figure out if this can help people." If so, they don't yet know whether Ursolic Acid at levels that might be consumed as part of a normal diet might or might not be enough.

Importance of Healthy Eating and Weight Loss

2011-04-08T06:24:00.001-07:00

Losing weight is not an easy task. Though it may be about one thing, calories in versus calories out, it can be hard for most to achieve. There are two important things that one must do in order to lose weight and keep it off;

Eat Healthy, and

Exercise.

When I am approached about losing weight most people do not know what to eat. They may have the exercise part down, but they still can not lose weight. The reason being their diet. If you do not eat the right amount of foods and calories per day according to your activity level you may actually gain weight or not lose weight at all.

Healthy eating is the most important steps when it comes to losing weight. A healthy diet plan should be comprised of the right amount of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Though many have been wrongly informed a healthy diet doesn't mean getting rid of everything bad including the things you love, a healthy diet just means making sure you consume more of the good foods than the bad ones.

The second important thing needed to lose weight is a great fitness plan. You must exercise and eat right to lose weight, because eating healthy is not good enough by itself. Since you must burn a certain amount of calories a day to lose weight, exercise a lone will not let you achieve this. However, exercise is important to your weight loss.

Exercise not only helps you to lose and maintain weight it gives you other benefits as well.

Exercise can change your mood and relieve stress.

Exercise can prevent diseases.

Exercise can boost your energy.

Exercise can help you to sleep better.

Exercise can be fun!

So if you are trying to lose weight I encourage you to first get educated. Find out what foods are needed to maintain healthy eating and find out how much exercise you should do by finding a workout plan. Get motivated, Get inspired, and Get Going! A healthy body is well worth the achievement and you owe it to yourself to get the best out of life.

Reasons for Being Irritable and Ways to Help It

2011-04-08T05:52:00.000-07:00

Are you one of those individuals who see yourself as a person who is always irritated? If your mind has been full of depression and frustration for an extended period of time, these emotions can often lead to mental illness that can make your condition worse. You may also be displaying several other unwanted symptoms in your life that will only lead you into more trouble down the road.

The bad news is that many of these symptoms cannot be recognized from the outside and effectively diagnosed and this is the reason why a lot of people do not seek treatment until the situation is out of control. You may have already been to a doctor and have been told that everything is alright or on the other hand, there are chances that your condition may have been misdiagnosed because of the mysterious nature of the symptoms associated with these conditions.

It is a known fact that when you are depressed and frustrated it is very easy to get more irritated with things. This is due to the fact that you are in a moody state of mind and you are confused about your moves in life. That being said, lets take a look at some measures and ways that you can effectively deal with these problems.

In a manner of speaking, we are all victims of a fast paced life. We are all so concerned with making money and being successful that we take too many things for granted in life such as our health which we often neglect which can lead to several ailments. Because of this, lack of sleep and unhealthy eating habits can be attributed to the number one reason for irritation, depression and frustration in our lives.

If you are one of those individuals who deprive yourself from sleep, then there is a good chance that you will experience some or all of the above emotions. You should get at least 8 hours of sleep on a daily basis and it needs to be quality sleep, so your body will wake up refreshed and ready to take on the challenges that lay in the day ahead.

You also need to establish good eating habits. Eating in outside restaurants and other public places has become a common occurrence these days and in a lot of cases, the food is not healthy for your body because processed food items contain preservatives and other artificial flavors that are not healthy to consume. Our bodies need to be fed with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. When you eat unhealthy food items, your body is robbed of the nutrients that it requires for proper body functions. This can tend to make you more moody, irritated and depressed. This is the manner in which your body reacts to unhealthy eating habits.

Most of the body ailments that we experience today in our society require a positive change in our lifestyle. Dealing with emotions such as irritation depression and frustration are treated no differently. In order to bid these emotions farewell, you must make and bring about positive changes in your life and stick to them. There will be times when you patience will be pushed to the limit and you will be put to the test in ridding yourself of these ailments, but persistence will pay off and in the end you will come out of this a better person.

I hope that you found this information useful and if you would like more information on ways to live healthy, then please visit my healthy living web site where you will find great information to help you live a long and healthy life.

Prostate cancer doesn’t mean no sex life

2011-04-08T05:49:00.000-07:00

There are various treatment options available, but which is best and what are the implications for your sex life?

“There are three considerations when it comes to treatment,” says David Neal, professor of surgical oncology at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge. “We need to remove the cancer, prevent urinary incontinence and preserve sexual function - and the majority of patients agree this is the order of importance.

“However, the key indicator of what your sex life will be after the operation is what it was like before. Remember also that sexual function may begin to wane naturally once a man reaches his 50s and 60s.”

John Anderson, vice president of the British Association of Urological Surgeons, agrees. “It’s important to look at the demographic of many men who get prostate cancer. It is typically a disease of older men and, in these men, erectile function is not always at its best anyway.

“Then there is the tumour itself; your risk of impotence depends on the extent of the disease, which dictates how much treatment you will need.”

Your choice of surgeon is also “critically important - more so than the technique you undergo,” says Professor Neal. “You really want a surgeon who performs at least 80 to 100 procedures a year for your best chance of success on all fronts.”

Professor Roger Kirby, director of The Prostate Centre in London, says: “If the cancer was localised and the nerves were preserved, there is a good chance of regaining some sexual function.

“Many men find that things slowly begin to improve months, even years afterwards, as the nerves regrow.”

Here, with the help of the country’s leading prostate experts, we examine the pros and cons of each treatment and their possible effect on sex life.

ACTIVE SURVEILLANCE

The patient receives no treatment but is closely monitored every three to six months in case the cancer becomes more aggressive. “Many prostate cancers are slow-growing; we are getting much better at sorting the aggressive tumours from the slower growing ones,” explains Professor Kirby.

SUITABLE FOR: Low-risk, early-stage prostate cancer that is contained within the prostate. Patients with a Gleason score of six or less.

This measures the aggressiveness of the cancer from a tissue sample. A score of six and under is the least aggressive cancer; seven indicates a middle-ranking cancer; eight and above is the most aggressive.

WHAT IT INVOLVES: Regular hospital tests. These include a prostate specific antigen test to detect a protein linked to prostate cancer (rising levels could indicate the cancer has become more serious), digital rectal examinations, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning and biopsies.

PROS: “It can be ideal for those men with low-risk prostate cancer who are happy to defer treatment unless absolutely necessary,” says Mr Anderson.

“And more and more men are opting for this over treatment,” says Professor Kirby. “Of the 37,000 men diagnosed with the disease each year, only around a third will die from it.”

CONS: Some men may become anxious about their cancer changing. Occasionally, the cancer may change or grow faster than expected.

EFFECT ON SEX LIFE: The best outcome of all the options - there is no risk of damage to the nerves that assist sexual function. “The problem is, the nerves that enable a man to become aroused are very close to the prostate - this is why surgery can cause problems,” explains Professor Neal.

OPEN RADICAL PROSTATECTOMY

The most common type of surgery to remove the prostate gland and some surrounding tissue.

SUITABLE FOR: Cancers with a Gleason score of six and above which have not spread beyond the gland, with the patient being relatively fit and healthy.

WHAT IT INVOLVES: A two to three-hour operation where the prostate is removed following a 6-7cm incision in the lower abdomen under general anaesthetic.

PROS: “The aim is to remove the cancer completely,” says Mr Anderson. “If this is successful, and the cancer has not spread outside the prostate, it will return you to normal life expectancy.”

CONS: Overnight stay in hospital with greater risk of bleeding and a longer recovery period.

EFFECT ON SEX LIFE: A quarter to a third of men will lose sexual function due to damage to the surrounding nerves and small blood vessels responsible for erections. “In men who have good function beforehand, there is on average a 66 to 75 percent chance they will be able to perform afterwards,” says Professor Neal. “But remember that it takes a good 12 to 15 months to recover from prostate surgery. Pretty much everyone is impotent straight after.”

“It’s fair to say that a man in his 50s has a better chance of retaining function than a man in his 70s,” adds Professor David Gillatt, director of the Bristol Urological Institute.

Nerve-sparing prostate surgery is where the surgeon tries to avoid damaging the two nearby bundles of nerves that control erections, explains Mr Anderson. It may be possible if the cancer has not spread too far. Studies show that for every ten men with both nerve bundles spared, between three and eight regained erections.

KEYHOLE RADICAL PROSTATECTOMY

The prostate gland is removed through tiny cuts in the abdomen rather than one large one. This is the treatment Andrew Lloyd Webber had.

SUITABLE FOR: A similar group to open surgery, but is becoming the preferred method for many surgeons.

WHAT IT INVOLVES: There are two methods - by hand or using a Da Vinci robot (a relatively new technique). The surgeon makes five or six small cuts in the abdomen and inserts a camera through a tube that magnifies everything ten-fold.

Tiny instruments go through the other holes and the operation takes two to three hours. In robotic surgery, the camera used is 3D and high-definition, explains Professor Prokar Dasgupta, of Guys and St ThomasÕ Hospital, who pioneered robotic surgery in the UK eight years ago.

PROS: “As with many types of keyhole surgery, there is a quicker recovery time, less pain, bleeding and scarring,” says Professor Kirby (who has performed more than 800 robotic removals). ÔBecause the structures can be seen so much more clearly, robotic surgery should be more effective than open prostatectomy, but this needs confirmation from long-term studies.

“I believe it’s the best way to treat prostate cancer and have abandoned open surgery because of this.”

Professor Dasgupta adds: “The cancer control is good and we can often spare the nerves responsible for continence.”

CONS: Similar long-term risks of impotence and incontinence problems with manual keyhole as for open surgery but robotic operations, with an experienced surgeon, may dramatically reduce this.

EFFECT ON SEX LIFE: “We find that many younger patients recover their potency very quickly after robotic surgery,” says Professor Dasgupta.

EXTERNAL BEAM RADIATION

High-energy X-ray beams are directed at the prostate gland to eradicate the cancer cells by stopping them from dividing and growing.

SUITABLE FOR: Older patients and those with more aggressive locally advanced cancer with a Gleason score of seven or above; patients health conditions that make them unfit for surgery.

WHAT IT INVOLVES: The most common type is 3D conformal radiotherapy. This directs beams to fit the size and shape of the prostate while helping to avoid damaging the healthy tissue around the prostate.

The new intensity-modulated radiotherapy can deliver different doses of radiation, meaning less risk to surrounding tissue.

PROS: Painless and requires neither general anaesthetic nor overnight hospital stays.

CONS: Daily trips to hospital for seven weeks. “There is always the danger with leaving the prostate inside the body that some residual cancer may remain,” says Professor Kirby. “Radiotherapy can also cause an irritated bladder and bowel - many patients complain they feel the urge to ‘go’ all the time,” explains Professor Gillatt.

EFFECT ON SEX LIFE: Sexual dysfunction rate is the same as after surgery: between a quarter and a third of men will be impotent. “However, with surgery the body recovers over time,” says Professor Neal, “whereas radiation damage can continue occurring for two to three years after the treatment.”

BRACHYTHERAPY

Tiny radioactive seeds - the size of a grain of rice - implanted in the prostate emit radiation to the surrounding tissue, destroying cancer.

SUITABLE FOR: Men with smaller and localised tumours that are low-medium risk (Gleason grade seven). Not suitable for those with large prostates or men with urinary problems, as it will make the problem worse. High-dose brachytherapy may be offered for higher risk cancers, but this is not widely available.

WHAT IT INVOLVES: The seeds are inserted via needles close to the tumour, with an epidural or under sedation. (They remain in the body permanently, becoming inactive after eight to ten months.)

PROS: “Treatment is rapid, taking just two days,” explains Professor Neal.

Because the radiation doesnÕt travel very far in the body, the healthy tissue around the prostate gland gets a much smaller dose of radiation and so may cause less damage to bladder and urethra resulting in fewer incontinence problems.

CONS: “It can cause problems with urination if the prostate swells - a common side-effect of this treatment,” explains Professor Gillatt. (The prostate surrounds the urethra, the tube that delivers urine out of the body, like a doughnut.)

EFFECT ON SEX LIFE: “Some doctors say this has a lower risk of impotence, but the evidence is not there,” says Professor Neal.

And, adds Professor Gillatt, just like conventional radiotherapy, the effects on sexual function may take time to appear.

HIGH INTENSITY FOCUSED ULTRASOUND

A relatively new treatment that heats and destroys cancer cells in the prostate.

SUITABLE FOR: A minority of men for whom loss of potency is their paramount concern. May also suit men unhappy with active surveillance, or older men unsuitable for surgery.

WHAT IT INVOLVES: A probe inserted into the rectum passes ultrasound waves through the wall of the back passage and into prostate gland. The ultrasound energy causes the prostate cells to heat up, destroying both the healthy and cancerous cells.

PROS: Can focus on certain parts of the prostate gland where the cancer is, potentially avoiding damage to other nearby organs and nerves responsible for sexual function. No scars, and can be performed as a day case. If unsuccessful, it is still possible to undergo surgery or radiotherapy at a later stage.

CONS: Widely considered an experimental treatment Ñ no long-term results have been published yet, says Mr Anderson. Professor Neal adds: ÔThe concern with HIFU is that it focuses a beam on the prostate and burns selected areas where the cancer is. But there may be other areas of cancer in the prostate that do not appear on an MRI scan and therefore may not be treated.Õ

EFFECT ON SEX LIFE: More evidence is needed.

HORMONE TREATMENT

Controls testosterone, the male hormone that fuels prostate cancer cell growth.

SUITABLE FOR: The gold standard for patients with advanced prostate cancer that has spread beyond the gland and is untreatable using surgery.

WHAT IT INVOLVES: Drugs called LHRH analogues, such as Zoladex, are given as an injection every one or three months, depending on the dose. There are also anti-androgen tablets such as Casodex, taken daily that stop testosterone from reaching the cancer cells.

PROS: While not a cure, hormone therapy can be a lifelong treatment. It slows tumour growth, reduces symptoms and shrinks the cancer. For this reason it’s also commonly used before radiotherapy and sometimes afterwards to help improve the effects of treatment.

CONS: Testosterone is important for bone health; by reducing it, this raises the risk of osteoporosis.

EFFECT ON SEX LIFE: “Treatments such as LHRH analogues destroy your sex drive,” says Professor Kirby. “They lower libido because they lower testosterone, the driving force behind it.” However, taking anti-androgen tablets may allow a man to preserve his hormone levels - or at least stop his libido being quite so battered - as they don’t actually stop testosterone being produced, says Mr Anderson. - Daily Mail

Condom talk

2011-04-07T10:29:00.000-07:00

THEY are known by many colorful terms - rubber, sheaths, love gloves to name a few and they are subject to a great debate. Davao City is bent on pushing for the passage of a Condom Ordinance that will encourage private companies and individuals to donate condoms for the city. As government pronouncement had been made and speculations that the Catholic Church will oppose the move seem possible, the question is whether the move will gain public support.
Beyond the perception that Davao City will embark into massive distribution of condoms around the city, it should be understood that the Condom Ordinance would not only allow donations from institutions and individuals but also uphold the public health.
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Obviously, not everyone can abstain from sex. Not even among those claiming to be righteous. Second, among sexually active people, condoms are effective, though not foolproof, in preventing pregnancy and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases including HIV and AIDS. This means that for preventing the spread of HIV and other STDs and in reducing unwanted pregnancy, condoms are very effective.

Medical studies show that when used properly and consistently, condoms are 98 percent effective in preventing pregnancy. Condoms have also shown to be effective in the preventing HIV infection. In a two-year study of couples in which one partner was HIV-positive and the other HIV-negative, no HIV-negative partner was infected when condoms were used correctly and consistently.
Davao City is second to the National Capital Region in terms of the number of HIV and AIDS cases. High percentage of STDs affects the younger populace. The Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC), showed that from 1984 to July 2010, there have been 5,304 cases of HIV and AIDS recorded in the entire Philippines. Of that number, 170 are found in Region 11, and 144 of that from Davao City.
Which brings us to the point of access. As the legislative body prepares the Condom Ordinance, it should not left out the young people. Condoms cannot just be distributed to specific target groups. Services, including access to condoms should not be limited to the youth. Gone are the days of narrow views that access to condoms encourages young people to engage in sex permeates.
We have to deal with the fact that with or without condoms, young people today are engaging in sex. Often, in unprotected sex. The responsibility of providing options and health services, including information rests on the government. It cannot, in any way, pick upon certain segments of the populace and leave out the youth.
It's a big deal. If only because the rate of STD infection is on the rise and 25 percent of people diagnosed with new infections are teenagers.
It is also a big deal when among young people, girls have to bear the burden of carrying through pregnancy and dropping out of school.
Condoms can be distributed freely. It should be made available for all with no stigma nor condemnation on those who use it. Above all, it should be done in a manner where the public understands that everyone is at risk of sexually transmitted diseases and HIV and that pregnancy can be planned.

Nigeria: Varsity Don Discovers Way to Eradicate Malaria

2011-04-07T10:26:00.001-07:00

A breakthrough in malaria control and eradication has been achieved at Covenant University, Ota, where researchers led by Professor Ezekiel Femi Adebiyi have developed tools among which is an evolution - proof insecticide designed to be equipped with the effective capability of DDT but to target only malaria infected mosquitoes. This way, notwithstanding several breeding area, after deployment, Nigeria will soon have mosquitoes free of malaria.

The-Habit-of-Masturbation:-Causes,-Effects-and-Solutions

2011-03-13T03:57:00.006-07:00

In general sense, masturbation is the act of exciting the sexual organs by rubbing, stroking, or fondling, pressing or other forms of handling. It is part of the normal sexual development which occurs in adolescent and which everyone indulges in at some point in life. In a more restricted sense, masturbation goes beyond just exciting the sexual organs, that is, in men, not just handling the penis until erection is achieved. After the initial excitement, the handling of the sexual organ continues until the point of intense sexual pleasure and often times, until orgasm occurs. In other words, masturbation is an act by which one has “sexual intercourse” with oneself. This could be called auto-sexuality, although true auto-sexuality only occurs in an hermaphrodite. Hermaphrodite refers to an animal that possesses both male and female sexual organs. Those who masturbate will agree with me that it gives physical pleasure similar to that experienced during sexual intercourse with the opposite sex.

Masturbation to the point of orgasm gives relief from tension. There are many unfounded false beliefs associated with masturbation and some of them are very absurd. For instance, some believe that masturbation can cause blindness, deafness, ill-health or sterility. None of these claims is true. Admittedly, masturbation causes a lot of distress, guilt and self-reproach in those who practice it very regularly.
Like most sexual behaviours, there is little information available about how common it is because of cultural taboo. However, information available suggest that masturbation is more common in men than in women. In one survey among adolescents, it was found that 98 of every 100 boys masturbate, and about 70 of every 100 girls do so before the age of 21years. It is also suggested that masturbation is more common in technologically advanced societies. In the following chapter, we shall look at why people masturbate.

WHY DO PEOPLE MASTURBATE?
Masturbation is a sexual behaviour developed in childhood. This behaviour is normally discarded as the individual grows up into adulthood. It becomes an abnormal situation when it is sustained to adulthood. The following are some of the reasons why masturbation is practiced.
(A) Lateness in Getting Married:
The men become fully sexually developed without a steady partner for relieving their sexual arousals. Those who cannot seek sexual relationship with prostitutes often continue the adolescent practice of masturbation.
(B) Boarding of Adolescents:
This encourages exchange of information about masturbation and allows room for adventures into it. When such boarding facilities are unisex and far away from where sexual intercourse with the other sex is possible, then masturbation becomes quite rampant.
(C) Sex Materials:
With technological advancement comes literature (books, magazines, pictures) and audio-visual materials (films, televisions and videos) which arouse sexual desires in adolescents. In the absence of a sexual partner to relieve such sexual tension generated from these materials, masturbation becomes a way out.
These materials, of course, do not exist in a technologically primitive societies but that does not mean that masturbation does not occur in these societies. As I mentioned earlier, masturbation is part of the normal sexual development in every human being. It only becomes a deviation from normal sexual behaviour when it is practiced more frequently and to the point of orgasm.
Let us critically look at the practice of masturbation in men and in women.

THE ACT IN MEN:
The hand is the most common object of masturbation. In men, the penis is stroked, massaged or squeezed with one or both hands until erection is achieved. Sometimes, erection is aroused by sight or by the thought of a woman. Men imagine all the actions and pleasures associated with sex and how wonderful an admired lady would be in bed. This causes them to feel excited. The erection is then maintained by handling the penis until the point of ejaculation. Some men use lubricants, such as soap, cream, etc to make the hand more slippery as it passes forwards and backwards over the penis. The lubricant reduces the chance of bruising the penis in the process.
Some men have been known to use other objects or method to achieve orgasm. Some use other devises made of soft rubber shaped like the female vagina while some have been known to create holes in their mattress for the same purpose.
Once orgasm is achieved, which is indicated by ejaculation, the person feels relaxed as if he had normal sexual intercourse. In some, who have formed a habit of masturbating regularly, this relief may be followed by a strong sense of GUILT and a RESOLUTION to STOP indulging in the habit; but like all habits, they would do it again and again.

THE ACT IN WOMEN:
In women, the hand is also the first instrument to try when masturbating. The clitoris is stroke, fondled or squeezed to arouse sexual response. This causes the clitoris to swell and the secretion of fluid in and around the vagina. This, of course, is associated with a pleasurable feeling. The lips of the vagina are also stroked with the fingers and as the vagina becomes wet with secretion, the fingers may be poked in and out of the vagina.
The stroking of the clitoris, lips of the vagina and poking of the vagina are alternated at random and at will until orgasm is achieved. Of course in women, orgasm is less easy to recognize as there is no ejaculation of semen. It is usually associated with an intense emotional feeling of loss of control of oneself for a brief period. This may be accompanied by rhythmic contraction of the muscles around the vagina and the anus, in a fashion similar to that felt by men during ejaculation. As masturbation becomes a habit in women, other objects apart from the hand are used. The candle is an object that is used by many girls, while some use dido which is an object shaped like the male penis. Other women use vibrator which is also an object shaped like the male penis and which has a battery that causes it to vibrate when switched on.
Recent research has revealed that in addition to the reasons listed earlier in this work, most people decide to masturbate because of:

their decision not to be unfaithful to their partners,

their fear of contracting HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases,

their fear of unwanted pregnancies,

their bitterness and disappointment of past or recent experience in relationships with men or women, and lack of confidence and courage in reaching out to people of the opposite sex.

THE EFFECTS OF MASTURBATION
As I mentioned earlier, there are many unfounded false beliefs about the effects of masturbation. It is unthinkable how these beliefs started but most have been perpetuated by ignorance, some of which stem from the cultural taboo on sexual discussions. For example, how can one explain the belief that masturbation which is only an alternative way of achieving sexual release can cause blindness, deafness, insanity or stupidity when the real sexual intercourse does not? There are also those who believe that masturbation causes ill-health and mental degradation, while some people believe that masturbation in women causes swelling of the internal sexual organs due to accumulation of blood. Some also believe that the enlargement of the inner lips of the vagina can result from masturbation. All these are totally false! There is no truth in the belief that frequent masturbation is harmful to health.
The effect of masturbation on maturity and sexual behaviour has been an area of interest to psychiatrist and psychologists since Sigmund Freud propounded his theories of how the mind works earlier in the century.

He identified three stages of the development of the mind:
(1) The Oral Stage: When the child experiences
everything through the mouth.
(2) The Genital Stage: When the child enjoys
playing with the genital organs, and
(3) Full Maturity: When the person is able to adjust
and interact effectively with others around him or her.
Sigmund Freud’s theory recognizes that everyone masturbates before achieving full maturity, though most people are always shy to confess this clear fact. However, those who advocate this theory also say that persons who masturbate have failed to develop beyond the genital stage. Hence, they say that masturbation is an expression of immaturity of the mind. This, of course, is not true as most people who masturbate have been able to live and function as mature adults in every way. Most of them go on to have full and normal heterosexual relationship.

Such persons cease to masturbate after they settle down in life (get married) and only masturbate if their spouse is away and they do not wish to indulge in extra marital sex.

ADVANTAGES OF MASTURBATION
Undoubtedly, there are a few persons who masturbate and who are of immature mind, but so are there persons who do not masturbate have less sexual desire or have hang-ups about sex.

There is no basis for the belief that people who masturbate have less sexual desires or have hang-ups about sex. A recent survey in fact, showed that people who masturbate have increased sexual desire and have more sexual drive than those who do not. There are people who because of previous experience, are afraid of sexual intercourse. Such people find solace in masturbation for the release of their sexual desires but they are in the minority.

Masturbation provides an alternate sexual intercourse – free of the need and complications or cost of finding a consenting partner, free from the risk of sexually transmitted diseases, free from HIV/AIDS and free from the risk of unwanted pregnancy. Masturbation provides a chance for the girl or woman to explore her sexual response and for the man, to release his tensions when aroused at a time he is alone or not bold enough to have a regular girl friend.

Masturbation develops self love and familiarizes oneself with one’s own sexual response. One can relieve sexual tension without imposing on any body else. These are advantages.

DISADVANTAGES OF MASTURBATION

Most people who masturbate have a feeling of guilt of doing something they have been made to believe is bad. Most of these feelings arose from religious or cultural taboo and traditional beliefs on sexual behaviour and practices.

Bruising of the genital organs can occur during masturbation, particularly if they are handled roughly during the act or if there is not enough lubrication. These can cause a lot of pain and can lead to serious infection if contaminated by germs.

Like all habits, it may be difficult to break for some people. The tendency is also there for adolescents to do nothing else but masturbate whenever they have some free time. This is bad as it does not allow them to develop other aspects of their talent and broaden their horizon for the world ahead.

There is the danger that masturbation may be preferred to normal sexual intercourse, and this may affect sexual relationship after marriage.

In men, masturbation has been known to be associated with premature ejaculation, that is, having ejaculation before or just after sexual intercourse has begun.

If a person thinks of masturbation and nothing else or if his or her whole existence revolves around masturbation then there is something harmful but if one enjoys masturbation with full control, it is not harmful.

However, the dangers of masturbation have been exaggerated. It may not lead to any physical injury unless one is addicted to it. Any ill effects which masturbation may result are feeling of anxiety, guilt, or self condemnation which it brings. Masturbation is looked upon as wicked, sinful and abnormal by elders and it results in sexual anxieties among children.
In spite of the religious and cultural disapproval, masturbation is widely practiced especially by adolescents (As from 20 to 35 years old). As part of healthy development, it is acceptable but however, it can become a habit that may affect future normal sexual relationship.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON MASTURBATION
(1) Does a girl lose her virginity if she masturbates?
No. because for losing virginity, one should have heterosexual intercourse or engage in vigorous sporting activities. Masturbation is not sexual intercourse. It is also not necessary that during masturbation hymen will rupture too.

(2) Can masturbation become a habit?
Yes. Once the habit is formed, it is difficult to break. Sometimes, a person at a particular hour or under same circumstances starts suddenly to masturbate. An example is when the person masturbates before having his or her bath in the bathroom. The person does it whether he or she is sexually excited or not.

(3) Is masturbation common among married persons too?
Yes. Some people overlook or ignore the sexual desires and needs of their wives or husbands after marriage. This leads to sexual frustration. Because the African society condemns infidelity and extra marital affairs, most people compensate themselves with masturbation which is often done in secret. Some women may find having sex with men unsatisfying. They therefore resort to masturbation.

(4) In what other way is masturbation harmful to men?
When masturbation becomes a habit, men may start doing it even without sexual desire and tension. This becomes a routine phenomenon for them and after the act, they may feel a strong sense of guilt and low self esteem.
Biologically speaking, there is a continuous production of seminal fluid and sperm which takes about three months to mature in men. Generally, a man can cope with one ejaculation every two to three days. But if a man masturbates more frequently, sperm count may fall for some time but later on after a gap of three to four days, the sperm count may return to normal. Sperm count refers to the quantity and quality of active sperm produced by the male sexual organs at a given period. What this means is that any man who masturbates on a daily basis out of habit, may not be sexually very healthy. Naturally, the body reacts as a way of passing signal that the reproductive organs are being overstressed.

This message is transmitted by the body through the occasional pains experienced in the scrotum.

(5) Can masturbation take place withoutthinking of sex?
Generally, it is not possible. Most commonly, those who practice it evoke past memories. In one survey about 55% of the people indicated that exposure of erotic literature, pictures, movies, blue films and similar materials increased their desire to masturbate. Reading erotic literature is very common among young college students. Females have their fantasies of the people they love from their hearts while men think of those girls who are beyond their reach and imagine having sex with them.
Many people masturbate in order to combat the feelings of loneliness. Not frequently, people also resort to the practice to release tension generated by occupational or personal stress or simply to induce sleep.

(6) How can masturbation be stopped?
Once a habit is formed, it takes time, determination, discipline and above all, God’s help to overcome it. Let us look at the possible ways we can break the habit of masturbation.

By sincerely confessing the habit to God in prayer and asking for his divine help to break the habit.

If the habit is practiced before during or after having your bath pray before entering your bathroom to have your bath.

If the urge to masturbate comes when you are alone, practice the habit of reading books or doing anything that will remove your mind from it.

Avoid contact with blue films and any pornographic materials.

In case you have friends who delight in doing it, break away from their friendship. Avoid being in friendship with those who share the same weakness with you. Ensure that you mix up with good friends that will influence you positively.

In spite of the advantages or disadvantages of masturbation discussed above, no one should become a slave to any habit; no matter what its benefits are

How To Help Your Partner In Case Of Erectile Dysfunction

2011-03-08T07:39:00.000-08:00

Burdened with prejudice that must be Casanova, the sexual assault of emancipated women, many men succumb. A fear of failure is very easily turned into a weakness. How can you help, how to help them partner?

Studies show that more men suffer from sexual impotence. The reasons are numerous: from the excessive work load to the awareness that women want their sexuality and those men should appropriately respond to this need, which can develop in him a fear of failure. Doctors differ impotence what are the causes of organic, psychogenic of which is the result of some psychological brakes and difficulties. Expert analysis to grasp the true causes of impotence, and then determine therapy.

Prejudices and fears

Boys, fed by the myth of a great lover, caring dimensions of the genitals, fear that prematurely ejaculate. Prejudice and fear, many young men miserable life and limit the enjoyment of sex. What about them solve, the better.

1st With too small a penis is impossible to satisfy a woman.

• Not true. Female orgasm is largely dependent on stimulation of the clitoris. Therefore, the important motions man during intercourse, rather than length of the penis. Small penis can be declared only one who is capable of an erection less than 14 inches.

2nd Size of sexual organs is dependent on the severity, and the constitution of man's stature.

• False, because there are no rules in this regard. Size of the penis does not have to do with his effectiveness.

3rd Who regularly masturbating and later is unable to maintain normal sexual relations with a woman.

• This is a persistent prejudice that men want to scare even as the boys and divert them to learn about their sexuality.

4th A real man makes love several times in several hours.

• The claim that sexual power measured by the number of sexual intercourse is a myth that should be down. At least it is important how fast orgasm. A woman expects a man pleasure, not exercise. It can be said that the twenties may have three to four hours of ejaculation.

How do I help him?

In occasional cases, even impotence secondary partner can be of great help. How to help your partner during the relationship, which is losing an erection or can not achieve orgasm? It is important to understanding and tenderness. A woman must not think that this is happening because it is not appealing enough. It is best during sexual intercourse does not insist so much on penetration. A woman can be much more active during sexual intercourse taking the lead role and so allowing the man a break mentally.

5 male erogenous zones

• The ears and the area around them are sensitive to gentle kisses and caresses

• The neck, especially in the lower part

• Chest: Some men like nipple stimulation

• The spine is very sensitive to stimuli, especially in the height of the blades

• Most sensitive to the genital area

As the mechanism actually works arousal and pleasure for men?

Taking into account personal preferences, males respond to three basic types of stimulation penile contact with the body along its entire length (as in the hand or the vagina), pressure and rubbing. The intensity of arousal is different in different stages of sexual intercourse, and is highly dependent on feelings toward your partner. Shortly before orgasm, the man accelerated movement to achieve the greatest excitement, then slows down or stops completely during ejaculation. Of great importance feelings so we can say that a man pleasure during sexual intercourse depends on the psychic connection with your partner.

Diabetes Mellitus

2011-03-06T22:06:00.001-08:00

It pays to know about diabetes. Did you know that over twenty-four million Americans are diabetic, and that over five million have not been diagnosed yet? Diabetes is a major cause of medical disability and retirement, of people having premature strokes and heart attacks, of amputations, and of winding up on kidney dialysis machines. It can significantly complicate pregnancy for both the mother and her unborn child. It is not yet curable. However, its symptoms and insidious damage can certainly be reduced with proper treatment.

Diabetes has been basically streamlined in its terminology, that is, there is Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes. Type 1 occurs because the specialized cells, called beta cells, in the pancreas produce too little insulin. Insulin has to be injected into the skin or blood stream to make up for this lack. Otherwise the person has a generalized wasting disease, gaunt appearance, weight loss in spite of a voracious appetite, unquenchable thirst, sugar in the urine, and high levels of sugar in the blood. Type 2 diabetes occurs when insulin receptor cells, especially in fat cells, are desensitized and don’t utilize the insulin as they are supposed to do. There is often enough insulin present; it just doesn’t have its normal effect. Some experts refer to Type 2 diabetes as a disorder of lifestyle. The affected person may have it gradually develop along with, and as a result of, central obesity, hypertension, lack of exercise, improper diet and other similar aspects of a dysfunctional lifestyle.

Type 1 diabetes includes the subset of patients previously classified as juvenile onset diabetics. At various times between birth and adolescence the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas simply stop working. We know sometimes the predisposition for this to occur may be hereditary, or it may be due to infection by a specific virus, or it may occur for such reasons as cystic fibrosis damaging the pancreas. This type of diabetes tends to be the most brittle and hard to control. The person so afflicted may go from one crisis to another: one with the blood glucose too high to one where the glucose is too low. Both cases are life-threatening, and these patients tend to develop the earliest occurrences of cardiovascular disease with alteration in brain function, stroke, heart attacks, kidney failure, and peripheral artery disease. Type 1 diabetes is usually managed by an endocrinologist with specialized training and experience in beta cell function. In addition to diet and exercise, novel approaches such as insulin pumps for continuous insulin administration may be tried.

Type 2 diabetes is the one which affects the majority of diabetics. Medicines are prescribed which tend to reinstate insulin sensitivity and others that actually lower blood glucose. Sometimes it is necessary to add varying quantities of insulin. Metformin, which increases insulin sensitivity, is usually the first one prescribed in Type 2 diabetes. Other medicines, like sulfonylureas and thiazolidinediones, can be given in tablet form to lower blood sugar either directly or by causing the pancreas to produce more insulin.

The issue for the Type 2 diabetics is whether to be passive or proactive in the treatment of their condition. By passive I mean (a) you don’t follow a diabetic diet; (b) you don’t try to lose down to your ideal body weight; (c) you simply wait for one more pills to take care of your problem. Certainly pills are an important part of the treatment plan, but they don’t make up for all of it. You should talk to your doctor about an exercise program; you should work with a dietician about a diabetic diet. You should read every reliable thing you can about Type 2 diabetes. Knowledge is a key component in the quest for normal blood glucose with all its benefits. Work with your doctor on your goals of treatment, be honest and straight-forward with him concerning your efforts and problems, and make up your mind to be proactive.

How Exercise Can Enhance Your Love Life

2011-03-06T18:50:00.000-08:00

Candlelight dinners, sweet gifts, and soft music are some things folks do to initiate intimate relations. But can exercise work just also and contribute to a healthy sex life? According to the American Council on Exercise it can. Heating your sex life might be accomplished by means of maintaining an excellent exercise regimen improving sexual function in both men and ladies. Exercise isn't only a physical but mental activity a lot like sex is. Exercise can enhanced sexuality mainly because of the advantages gained in muscle strength, endurance, and cardiovascular functioning. Increased performance of blood flow and increased levels of testosterone levels all lead to a robust and energetic sex life. Studies published in the Electronic Journal of Human Sexuality conclude that men and women who frequently exercise have a superior perception of themselves, and are additional confident in their physical abilities, and uncover themselves far more sexually attractive which all add to feelings of competency in love making. They also experience higher levels of satisfaction or may well feel a lot more sexually desirable to the opposite sex.

For men, a good healthy body contributes to a good healthy erection and reduction of the risks for impotency. Adding years to a man's life, exercise increases blood flow allowing for better erections with a more than 30 percent lower risk of impotence than men who do not regularly exercise. Because good circulation is necessary for good sexual functioning, it stands to reason that performance is enhanced with better circulation and increased blood flow to organs used when having sex. On the other hand, men who are obese or overweight have mental and physical limitations that interfere with the positive affects of good circulation. They may feel less adequate when having sex, or experience difficulty with the physical demands of sexual activity. Slimming down is a great ego boost, and it gets some of the "extra baggage" out of the way.

For women, a good exercise program could have a positive effect on their sex loves with increase enthusiasm, cardio, and muscular endurance as well. Females may find that they are able to hold positions for longer periods of time and enjoy longer lasting sex and greater comfort. Greater comfort during sex and increased endurance has the possibility of better ability to achieve orgasms for women who have a problem achieving satisfying orgasms. Conditioning of the body and its muscle groups allow for greater flexibility, making the sexual activity more enjoyable as you are able to try new things that might not have been possible before. I'll let you use your imagination for this one.

Boosting your sex life with physical activity is boosting your overall general health and the healthier you are the better your sex life can be. The psychological benefits such as improved self esteem, good mood, and increased confidence along with stress reduction benefits are immediately noticeable. The more your health and physical abilities improve the better your sex life can be. Simple exercises like walking briskly at least two miles per day can reap wonderful benefits in the bedroom. So just imagine the benefits you could gain from an overall exercise regime. So, getting healthy and staying healthy only has more benefits than you might have originally though.

If you are really interested in getting fit, you should look into a membership at your local gym. You can use their cardio machines and weight machines to gain considerable stamina and muscle mass. You may even skip the gym membership, and go for a run every day. This will get you in great shape as well, it just depends on how much you want to get into the whole fitness thing. Being fit has hundreds of benefits, and better sex is just one of them. So as soon as you can, start doing more research related to how you can get fit, and how it will help you in life.

Drink Water in Proper Way Can Treat Diseases

2011-03-06T18:20:00.001-08:00

A cup of cold water in the morning can clean intestines and expelling of toxin. After a night of metabolism in the human body, the body waste requires a strong external role in helping to excrete, no sugar and nutrients in the cool water is the best. If it is sugar water or nutrients into the water, which requires time for body transformation, the rapid erosion cannot play the role of our body. Therefore, the early morning a cup of cold water is clear recipe for detoxification.

If catch cold, you should drink more water than usual. Because when people cold and catch a fever, the body for self-protection function of the response of the self-cooling, then there will be sweating, shortness of breath, increased evaporation of water to speed up the metabolic performance, then you need to add a lot of water. The body will also thirst. A lot of water not only promotes sweating and urination, but also help regulate body temperature, prompting the body rapidly excreted bacteria and viruses.

If constipation, you should drink water with big mouth. Simply there are two causes of constipation: a stool without water, and second, intestines and other organs without the excretion of force. The former needs to find out the cause and drink more water daily. The temporary prescription of latter: drink water with big mouth, swallowing faster, so that water can reach the colon as soon as possible to stimulate peristalsis, and promote bowel movements.

If you have a bad heart who can develop the habit of drinking a glass of water before going to bed, which can prevent vulnerable in the early morning, like angina, and myocardial infarction. Myocardial infarction and other diseases are due to high blood viscosity caused. When people sleep, due to sweating, the body's water loss, resulting in reduction of water in the blood, blood viscosity is high. However, if you drink a glass of water before going to bed, you can reduce the blood viscosity; reduce the risk of heart attack. So a glass of water before going to bed is beneficial.

Cure Excessive Sweat

2011-03-06T17:44:00.000-08:00

There are many different ways to cure excessive sweat. Although sweating is most commonly found in the hands, it can also affect the feet, armpits and face as well. Excessive sweating of any form is referred to under the umbrella term of hyperhidrosis. Treatments for hyperhidrosis include antiperspirants, iontophoresis, medications and botulinum toxin injections. I will also be talking about a natural sweating cure guide that I have used to get rid of my excessive sweating problem.

http://www.review-best.com/sweating/stopsweatingguide-download.htm

With the use of an antiperspirant, eccrine and apocrine sweat glands produce less sweat. However, most individuals with hyperhidrosis find that normal forms of antiperspirants are not strong enough. However, certain products from over the counter contain aluminum chloride in high enough concentrations to be more effective.

One medication antiperspirant has twenty percent aluminum chloride in an anhydrous ethyl alcohol. It is found to be somewhat effective treating certain types of hyperhidrosis. However, it can irritate skin and become less effective over time. Another medical antiperspirant uses tannic acid in ethanol and formalin, but is even less effective. Further, individuals often develop allergies while using it.

Iontophoresis is a more effective method, but it is very time consuming. Affected body parts are put in tap water, and an electric current is passed through the water and to the skin. This then disrupts sweat production by changing the electrical signals of sweat glands. For moderate cases of hyperhidrosis this works quite well. However, it takes time and works only as prevention, not a cure. Sometimes the skin of the treated areas may crack or dry out, in which case treatments should be less frequent. Sometimes people feel tingling or mild pain, but this generally decreases with regular treatment.

Anticholinergic medications effectiveness depends on the individual being treated. Certain medications must be taken three or more times a day to have results. These can also have unfavorable side effects such as cotton mouth, constipation, blurry vision, and urinary retention. Further, with use memory may become impaired and patients can experience reflex tachycardia. Most medications must be taken orally, because they cannot be easily absorbed into the skin.

Certain beta-blocking medications can also be used to treat hyperhidrosis. This is typically recommended if symptoms are believed to be stress induced. However, there are side effects that include tiredness, low blood pressure and low heart rate. Herbal medications are another option for suffering individuals, but success varies.

Botulinum toxin injections work by blocking the transmissions between nerves. Therefore, sweat cannot be stimulated. It works best for sweating under the arms. However, multiple injects are needed, injections may be painful, and their effect only lasts from four to six months. Also, treatment is very expensive. Sometimes temporary paralysis of surrounding muscles occurs.

There are many ways to treat the symptoms associated with excessive sweating. These involve the use of stronger than average antiperspirants, electrical currents, medications, and injections of toxins. Each of these has a different effect. Each of these also lasts for varying amounts of time and differs in price. Depending on an individual, certain treatment options may be more appropriate and successful than others. I personally managed to get rid of all my sweat problems with a step by step sweat removal guide.

Prevent wrinkles with these skin care tips.

2011-03-05T03:17:00.000-08:00

If wrinkles haven't yet begun affecting you, then you can start fighting against them now to prevent them from setting in later. Even if you have wrinkles now, you can still do quite a lot to minimize them. It depends primarily upon what you want to do for your face and how you want to do it. This is true in lots of different areas.

Your new ritual can take less than 10 minutes in the evening and in the morning it doesn't need to be complicated. You will make this a habit in no time. Remember, you want to prevent wrinkles at any age, and whatever your current age it's a good time to start. 20 years from now you'll be glad you did. It's as simple as cleansing your skin and applying a thin good quality moisturizer. You will notice that there are many excellent products on the market for preventing the signs of aging. Most contain the support most important for your skin. Products that are formulated for your skin type are the best ones to use. It's important for you to learn about anti aging products before you use them since they are not all the best quality. The same rule applies for most other products too. Your products need to avoid containing synthetic chemicals that can cause more harm than good. it is advisable for this reason that you use all natural products instead.

Do you get enough sleep each night. If not, then you really need to address that because sleep is so critically important to the health of your body and skin. One of the first places to show weariness is the skin on your face. Everyone has seen and suffered from having dark circles under our eyes when we don't get enough sleep.

Skin that doesn't see enough sleep is also likely to be dull. Your body uses the time you spend sleeping to perform important repairs and restorations. When you rob yourself of sleep your body won't get enough time to do the things it needs to do to keep your whole body healthy and attractive.

You're never too young to put together a restoring, supportive and healing skin care routine. Beginning a healthy lifestyle as early as possible is the only way to reap the rewards later in life. Skin will reflect your inner health. You may not know it but your skin serves many purposes namely protecting your body from invading microorganisms. So of course if your skin is strong, healthy, and vibrant, then it can do its job much better.

It's a good idea to make sure your skin care program includes wrinkle prevention. You probably already know that premature skin aging begins with very young ages. You will reap the benefits of early skin care habits as you get older.

Most of the methods that have been proven to eliminate wrinkles are not hard to use. All you need to do is adopt the right habits where your skin care is concerned.

You Can Prolong Your Life With Transfer Factor Plus - A Smart Diet

2011-03-05T03:03:00.000-08:00

You add valuable years to your life by adding transfer factor plus healthy living habits. There are quite a few ailments that this can help: HIV, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, infertility, autism, asthma, cancer and multiple sclerosis. The only things they won't be able to help with are broken bones and trauma to the body. Other than that scientists have been working feverishly to bring about this huge breakthrough. The immune system has the biggest impact on the human body. There will be many more advances by scientists in the future.

If one thing goes wrong in the body it can create a domino effect and other things start to go haywire as well. You may have a dire situation on your hands if infection or disease becomes present in the body and your immune system is low. You need the proper amount of antigens to fight off the things that are attacking our bodies. Transfer factor plus a healthy diet will help maintain your health and reverse any shortage of nutrients.

This is a fairly new discovery and therefore researchers are working very hard at perfecting it every day. Millions of pages of studies have shown great benefits from it and its ability to strengthen the immune system and repair a damaged one. The FDA has only approved this new agent to be added to dietary supplements for the time being, until further research is conducted. They understand the source of the transfer factor plus and have it isolated to its source. It is derived from the colostrum in the breast milk of a pregnant woman.

As the research progressed, they discovered that unlike they believed before, that it was human derived, it also could be animal derived. So, basically any female who is able to become pregnant and produce colostrum has this substance. You will find colostrum in breast milk during the last few months of the pregnancy. This is apparent throughout the first couple of feeding that your newborn takes in. This leaves a strong immune imprint within them so that they are able to ward off infection plus it builds their immune system stronger faster.

The transfer factor plus molecule is being taken from colostrum for the purpose of being added to dietary supplements; these strong disease fighting substances strengthen our immune system. Education on how to maintain proper health is vital; it is very important that we treat our bodies the right way. Having this in a supplement can ward off these viruses and kick them out of our system a little quicker.