health Archives - Page 10 of 22

Forget the Big O, Try Karezza For Intimacy

Everyone who has sex has one main goal in the end, an orgasm. A sex trend, Karezza was introduced a couple of years ago, and it has people raving about it. Karezza aims for you to feel more pleasure at the end of sex, without an orgasm. I know what you’re thinking because I thought the same, no climax?? How can it possibly be better than an orgasm?! Well, among those who are raving about it, a lot of men are the ones saying that it is better and more exciting. So what is this new interesting form of sex exactly? Karezza is a variation from the Italian word, “carezza,” meaning “caress.” It is a gentle, more affectionate, sensual kind of intercourse, where not getting an orgasm is the goal. Couples who are doing Karezza swear by it, and that they hope to never orgasm again.

*Karezza is a new kind of sex that does not end with an orgasm. The goal is not to have one.*

Why You Don’t Climax

By removing the goal of climaxing, each person engaging in Karezza is focused on a more sensual experience. By not worrying about orgasming at the end of sex, couples focus more on pleasing the other person and receiving it back. Research shows that people value the connection more than physical release. It is more about making love, caressing, and verbal communication of love. It is focused mainly on love and increased closeness with your partner. Counselor Deb Feintech uses Karezza with her couples to revive their relationship. She said, “it’s very radical for them, but they are finding the emotional intimacy far outweighs any of the thrill of the chase and the mating mind.”

Is it Healthier?

*The goal of Karezza is to build a deeper, stronger connection to your partner. Sex is more about love-making and is sensual.*

In terms of your relationship with your partner, absolutely. Couples who are having issues within their relationship or marriage are doing Karezza as a form of therapy. The outcome is that it healed their relationships, and added more spark. Marnia Robinson, the author of Cupid’s Poisoned Arrow, in which she writes about climax-free sex, says that “Women use words like ‘blissful’, ‘pure contentment’, ‘heart-burstingly loving’. They report that their relationships are more harmonious and playful. Some report less menstrual pain and feeling and looking younger.” Men are saying they are attracted more to their partners than ever, stating “One man said, ‘I have fallen deeply in love with my wife really for the first time. We’re like teenagers… and are able to have intimacy and sex now that was simply unheard of before.”

How Is It Done?

It takes time to get used to the idea of having sex without an orgasm in the end. It may take weeks to get used to it, and even months. It can get frustrating at times, and you may overthink the whole thing. So here are some tips to use while getting started:

- Skin to skin contact

- Lying side by side

- Penetration should be slow

- Smile when making eye contact

- Look into your partner’s eyes

- Synchronize your breathing

- Spoon your partner in stillness for at least half an hour

- Massage your partner
- Hug your partner with the intent to comfort them

Remember the overall goal is about focusing on becoming one with your partner. If you would like to give it a try, begin by effectively communicating this relatively new type of sex. Explain why and how you feel this would help increase your intimacy, and ask for you their input and concerns. This new experience will connect the two of you on a deeper, sensual, more loving level.

He Doesn’t Seem Autistic to Me: A Personal Account of Social Denial

My son was born on May 8th 2017. Beaming with light, he sprang into the world and he was EVERYTHING. His father and I instantly knew that everything we would or wouldn’t do in our lives would solely be to make his life happier. Over the course of the next 10 months, he knocked all his physical milestones out of the park. Rolling over,

When our son was born, he was everything. Over the course of the next 10 months he was knocking all of his milestones out of the park. We were bursting with pride. — When our son was born, he was everything. We were bursting with pride. He was more or less a typical infant and I clearly remember gushing to my husband that we had the most well behaved baby I’d ever come across.

sitting, crawling, standing, perfecting the pincer grip, and walking. We were filled to the brim and bursting with pride as all new parents are or, at least, should be. He was more or less a typical infant and I clearly remember gushing to my husband that we had the most well behaved baby I’d ever come across. He rarely cried or whined. He didn’t require attention for long periods of time. He was content to sit in the same spot, play with the same toy, or watch the entire “Trolls” movie without so much as a few gleeful squeals and hand flaps. We’d created perfection.

*Our son has Autism. It is a part of what makes him, him.*

One morning, about 5 weeks before his first birthday, I woke the baby, changed and fed him, gave him some watered down apple juice, played with him, and put his movie on so that I could do the dishes. Only this time he wasn’t so content. He started to melt down and it took nearly an hour to calm him. I thought to myself that he may just have been reaching a new developmental milestone, but I was concerned. This behavior was very odd for our son, so I began to watch a bit more closely. A few weeks passed and I began to notice small things. He stopped saying the few words he had, stopped making eye contact, and his hand flapping was getting more and more intentional. He also began to hum constantly. He lost all interest in other children and played in his own little world more often than not. Nothing seemed to exist or be of importance outside of “Bruno Land.” He was missing developmental milestones constantly and my big boy, who was so far ahead of the game in comparison to the other infants around me, started to lag behind.

I began doing some research on the signs of Autism in an infant. Everything I found was exactly what we had been experiencing with the baby. I did have a little leg up because a younger cousin of mine had been diagnosed with the condition when she was a toddler. I knew what to look for, so I looked for it. As time went on, I started to vocalize my concern to our families. While my husband was doubtful, he was always on board. He too wanted what was best for Bruno’s development. Our families and friends were harder to convince. Our guy was pretty much a typical toddler at this point. He climbed on everything he could and loved rough housing and cuddles. He was exceptionally well behaved and those of you with toddlers know how rare that is. He didn’t have tantrums or protest when you took a toy away. He simply happily existed and complied. I was told to count my blessings more often than not. The words, “He doesn’t seem autistic to me.” repeated over and over in conversations. “Boys are just slower.” “My son didn’t talk until he was three.” “How could you think that about your son?” “He’s a normal boy.” “Let him come into his own on his own time.” These phrases made me cringe. Despite feeling a bit guilty for assuming he was lacking, I was certain a connection was broken. I pushed forward and made all the appropriate appointments.

*The fact of the matter is that I never thought anything was wrong with my son. He was just different.*

He was officially diagnosed with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) and a Language Receptive Disorder by a doctor at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) on October 25th 2018, just two weeks before he turned 18 months old.

The fact of the matter is that I never thought anything was wrong with my son. He was just different. There is such a massive stigma when someone hears the word “Autism.” Society in general tends to create its own definition for the word. “Wrong.” “Bad.” “Abnormal.” Expect to hear the phrase, “I’m so sorry,” when you inform a friend. Even now, after his official diagnosis, people will still tell me that he’s too young to be diagnosed or they’ll desperately try to

think of a time when they noticed a typical connection. I understand this mentality and am aware I may not be able to change a person’s perception of the disorder, especially if all their knowledge of the condition was gathered while watching the film “Rain Man”; however, the spectrum is enormous. Imagine it as a color prism rather than a straight line. There are no two people with autism completely alike. Every person diagnosed may have similar symptoms, but very different strengths and weaknesses. One may be great at conversation, but may also be easily over stimulated. Another may not have the ability to look you in the eye for long periods of time, but might seek out thrill and sensory experiences, like Bruno does.

I will not talk down about the people who believe he was misdiagnosed. Their concern doesn’t come from a bad place. It’s simply how they were taught to perceive the disorder in their social corner. For me, what matters most at the end of the day is intent. I find more often than not that when a person has a concern about Bruno’s diagnosis, they aren’t trying to impose or sound rude. I am, however, human. I do get frustrated some days and I do occasionally boil over, as would most parents who feel the need to defend their child against ignorance. Nevertheless, we must remind ourselves that we live in a society that assumes the worst about uncharted territory and that this mentality is the norm. The long and short of it is that YOU are your child’s advocate and you will know him or her best. You will see the signs first because you know your child on the most intimate level. That is until you send them out in the world to start their own family. Advocate for them and make the appropriate appointments as early as possible. With ASD it is so important to obtain Early Intervention Services to help your child grow into their maximum potential. Make sure they receive the correct types of therapy, which they’ll need in order to adapt to the society that you and I navigate more easily. Forget the social norms and ignore every person who tells you how wrong you are for assuming such a thing could be possible. It is your job as a parent to shut down the naysayers and to do all you can to keep your child healthy, happy, kind, and able.

Forget autism awareness. It’s high time we begin talking about autism acceptance. If your child was your light a week before his or her diagnosis, they’re your lighthouse after it. Maintain them and help them shine as bright as they are capable of shining and they will breathe joy and life into every path they cross. Our son has Autism. It is a part of what makes him, him… and to this day I turn to my husband before bed and say, “We’ve created perfection.”

Written By Ellen Banning Lerro

Multiple Sclerosis, How To Live With The Diagnosis

Recently, actress Selma Blair opened up about her diagnosis of MS, what occurs during her flare-ups, and how she fights through it. This has brought a lot of attention, and awareness of the disease. Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks its own central nervous system (CNS). The fatty substance around the nerve fibers, known as the myelin, is damaged, causing messages within the CNS to be altered or stopped. About 400,000 Americans have MS, which is more common among women than men. While this autoimmune disease can affect anyone, it is mostly diagnosed in people aged between 20-50. People are being diagnosed with MS more than ever, which may be a result of increased awareness. While the causes are unknown, scientists believe MS may arise from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Although it cannot be prevented, some studies suggest that the risk of developing MS may be affected by diet.

MS is an autoimmune disease which attacks the central nervous sytem. It can cause vision loss, memory loss, and even paralysis. — *MS is an autoimmune disease which attacks the central nervous sytem. It can cause vision loss, memory loss, and even paralysis over time.*

Obesity and smoking can increase your chances of developing MS. Evidence suggests that vitamin D helps reduce the risk of MS. The body synthesises vitamin D from sunlight, which is a good reason to go the beach and soak up some sun!

MS can be debilitating over time as the central nervous system slowly stops working, which can cause vision loss, diminished brain function, and even paralysis. This, however, does not mean that you cannot live your life. You can slow the progression of MS through proper diet and exercise. On a personal level, I have witnessed a friend’s decade-long struggle with MS. She has not let it stop her or slow her down, opting for a vegan diet, and pursuing bodybuilding. This goes to show that proper education, diet, and a positive attitude, can help improve your health.

Look for the early signs of MS, listed below, so you can get ahold of it at the beginning, before it worsens:

Symptoms May Include:

Weakness
Pain and spasms
Balance problems- dizziness, vertigo, and feeling lightheaded .
Bladder issues or infection- Trouble starting urination, having to urinate or feeling like you have to all the time
Constipation or diarrhea
Sexual dysfunction- decreased sex drive and fewer orgasms
Tingling/numbness- this is common and can occur across the body or in specific areas
Vision issues- blurred vision, double vision, pain when moving your eyes, and involuntary eye movements
Cognitive problems- memory loss, poor judgement, depression, slurred speech, and decreased attention span
Women can experience worse MS symptoms during menstruation, and MS worsens after menopause due to the drop in estrogen levels
A diet filled with legumes, nuts, vegetables, and fish can help battle MS, by strengthening the immune system.

Diet Tips

Exercise and diet play a large role in your wellness. Maintain a diet that supports a healthy immune system, including probiotics, prebiotics, vitamin D, and fiber enriched foods. All of these help maintain a healthy bacterial gut, which strengthens the immune system.

Probiotics- such as yogurt, fermented tea, and kim-chi

Prebiotics– such as artichoke, garlic, asparagus, onions, and leeks

Fiber– mainly found in plant-based foods such as vegetables, seeds, nuts, and legumes.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids– control inflammation in the body with foods such as salmon, oily fish, and plant-based oils

Is It Hereditary?

MS is not hereditary, but if you have a close relative, such as parent or sibling, with MS, you have a higher chance of developing it. A doctor can conduct several tests to diagnose MS, with procedures such as a neurological exam, eye exam, MRI, or spinal tap. These tests will show if there is damage to the central nervous system.

Finding out you have MS is tragic, and can be overwhelming, but it does not mean your quality of life will diminish right away. Although there is no cure,exercise and a good diet can significantly slow down the process, and help you to manage the disease. With a lot of attention currently on the debilitating disease, it brings hope towards more research, and studies to find a way to significantly slow down, or stop MS in its tracks.

Why African Americans Are 20x More Likely To Have Heart Disease

Heart disease is the number one killer in America. It affects African Americans more than members of any other race or ethnic background. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), 44% of African American men and 48% of African American women have some form of cardiovascular disease, putting them at a far greater risk for heart disease and stroke than Caucasians. In fact, in African Americans under the age of 50, the heart failure rate is 20 times higher than that of any other race. There are multiple factors that contribute to heart disease, with

*Heart disease is higher among African Americans than any other race.*

high blood pressure (also known as hypertension) being the largest factor. Weight, dietary practices and smoking can also contribute. However, there are ways to combat these factors, and lower your risk of developing heart disease, or beat it if you are already struggling with this silent killer.

High Blood Pressure

According to a 2009 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, African Americans are more likely to have high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, than members of any other race. The risk is especially high in African American women. The American Heart Association theorizes that high blood pressure develops early in life for African Americans due to their genetic makeup, and salt sensitivity. This raises the chance of having a stroke. Because high blood pressure increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death, it is important to learn ways to lower your blood pressure and keep it under control. Whether high blood pressure runs in your family or not, find out what your numbers are and check them often. The more regularly you check your blood pressure, the greater your chance of learning how to control it. Report your numbers to your doctor so they can be aware of the changes as well.

Obesity & High Cholesterol

Another risk factor for developing heart disease is obesity, and African-American women are 80% more likely to be overweight or obese, than any other groups in the U.S. Being overweight increases your chances of high blood pressure, high cholesterol and heart disease; the more weight you carry, the more oxygen your body needs to move around the excess tissue, which means your heart needs to work harder and will be put under stress. Some strategies for controlling your weight include drinking plenty of water to feel more full, and opting for lean meats such as chicken instead of beef. Vegetables and fruits should be added to every meal as well. Exercise plays a key role in burning calories and strengthening your heart, so it is important to make moving your body a daily habit. Start slowly with gentle activities such as walking for half an hour everyday.

Diabetes

African Americans are also 77% more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes, a disease which can play a significant role in developing heart disease. High levels of glucose (or hyperglycemia, a defining characteristics of diabetes) narrow and harden the arteries, thus making it harder for blood to flow to and from your heart and, again, causing stress to your heart. Diabetes is, however, treatable and preventable as long as you are aware of the causes and work at managing it if you do develop it. Staying away from sugar and high-carb foods will help keep your insulin

levels down.

Smoking

The CDC has found that 1 in 5 African American adults smoke cigarettes, a practice which increases the chance of developing heart disease. It is no secret that smoking is not good for you, and it can be hard to quit once you begin, but it is never too late to stop smoking. Seek help from your doctor, as well as family or friends to help you quit. Quitting will significantly lower your risk of heart disease

While your racial or ethnic background may mean a greater chances of developing heart disease, lifestyle choices play a bigger role. In order to reduce your risk, it is important to take care of yourself and stay healthy. Stay on top of your blood pressure numbers, and take the necessary medications to keep it regulated. A healthy diet is key to keeping your heart healthy, so make sure you eat foods low in sodium, and limit sugary snacks or foods. Avoiding heart disease is possible as long as you take care of yourself, as healthier lifestyle changes can go a long way in reducing your risk.

Real Life Lush Reviews

Lush, if you have ever had the pleasure of shopping at this store, then consider yourself lucky. This company prides itself on their fresh handmade cosmetics. But does it work? We took the liberty of testing out some of their products. We asked some people around the office of issues they are currently dealing with. Next was a trip to our local Lush, where we asked an associate for solutions to the issues. They handed us products, and everyone at the office gave it a trial run, and here are their reviews:

First product up is Woosh (Shower Jelly)

Lush's beauty products are all hand made. Their products aim to beautify your hair, face, and body. — *Lush’s beauty products are all hand made. Their products aim to beautify your hair, face, and body.*

This product was given to 2 of our coworkers as a calming sleep aid aromatherapy. The instructions were to use before bed, wet jelly, lather, and rinse with warm water. There were mixed reviews. One coworker despised the scent, describing it as “petroleum” and that it did not help at all. They wouldn’t recommend it and would not purchase. While the other coworker claimed she only used it one night but slept throughout the night well. She claims it smells nice and she would definitely recommend it.

Continuing with sleep aid is Sleep Body Lotion

This product was recommended as a solution to insomnia. Unfortunately our coworker was not satisfied with this product. He said he did not notice any changes in his sleep, and that while it smells good, it feels like sunscreen lotion. He would not recommend the product or buy it again.

For therapy, Therapy (Massage Bar)

This product was offered as a solution to anxiety, and aromatherapy. Our coworker LOVED this bar. She stated that just picking up the bar reminded her to “breathe.” It feels like a hardened cream without being overly greasy, and smells like “a garden of blooming lavender.” She would recommend it and definitely buy it again!

Next up, Sunny Day (Hair Spritz)

This product was given as a solution to frizzy hair. She was advised to use it as a hair styling product. This was a highly impressionable product! Our coworker was really impressed with the hair spritz, especially in the summer and humidity. She claims it works when used straightening or going naturally curly, both offered the same amazing results. It feels good and light. While the scent may be a bit much at first, (Personal preference of not liking citrus like smells too much) once it dries, it is not as strong. 10/10, this product is recommended, and she would purchase again for when she straightens her hair.

R&B Hair Cream

Luscious hair is possible. Lush offers many products to help tame it, shine it, and make it healthier. — *Luscious hair is possible. R&B cream is just one of their hair products that helps tame it, shine it, and make it healthier.*

This product is supposed to be a solution to cowlicks. Use it as a hair styling product, recommended to try using it on damp hair. When asked about the performance of this product, our coworker stated “it is better than mouse or gel, but doesn’t hold as well as wax.” They stated they like the way it feels, very light without heavy weigh down. There is a shine the product gives off after using it, which he did not seem to like. It smells amazing, and with a somewhat satisfaction, he would recommend it to anyone with fine to medium hair. But, it is not enough to tame his “wire-like hair.”

The Dandruff Balm

Used as a solution to dandruff, our co worker stated it helped with the itchiness and flakes, however left their hair feeling greasy and weighed it down. The smell is okay, but they stated they would not necessarily recommend it or buy it again.

Now let’s talk about mouth care, Pan Galactic Gargle (Mouthwash)

These tablets offer you an opportunity to freshen your mouth when you’re on the go. You have to put a tablet in your mouth, take a sip of water, swish it all around like mouthwash, and then spit it out. Another alternative would be to drop the tab in a cup of water and then use it as mouthwash. Our coworker did not seem to like the idea of this product because “you can’t really use it anywhere.”

Skin care is up, Charity Pot Lotion

This product was suggested as solution to psoriasis. Our co worker stated it helped with their skin problems, offering relief and feels awesome. Even though it was a bit too feminine for our coworker, he said he would recommend it, and definitely buy it again. “This stuff is the real deal for a skin lotion.”

Last but not least, some body washes!

Smugglers Soul (Wash Bar) This wash bar gave 2 uses, and while it was smooth and soothing, it was too small for our coworker. They said it sells earthy, and they would definitely recommend it, but wanted a larger size.

Amelie Mae (Wash Bar) This bar of soap offered 3 uses for our coworker. The thin size was a little weird for them, but they loved the fact that it did not leave any film behind like cheap soaps do. It smells great and they would recommend it! 10/10 for this one!
Lush offers many wash bars with different aromas. You can use it for traveling, or at home.

Sikkim Girls (Wash Bar) Two of our coworkers tested this bar out. Both approved of the bar’s scent and would recommend it/buy it again. The smell was very fragrant, kind of floral, and it feels soft, like “applying soap or conditioner.” One got 5 uses out of it while the other got only 2 uses.

Lust (Wash Bar) Two of our coworkers tried this one out. While one only got 1 use out of the bar, the other got 2 uses. One loved the smell, while the other not so much. Both agreed it was creamy and soft, leaving great recommendations. One would purchase again, while the other would not.

Lush offers many products for many different hair and body issues. If you are interested in trying it out, we say give it a go. The ingredients are all handmade, and meant to help with whatever problem you are looking to resolve. Their prices are relatively reasonable.

Speak Up! When To Talk To Your Doctor About Endometriosis.

Do you ever have menstrual cramp-like pain that can be so unbearable that you can’t go about your normal daily activities? Is it sometimes painful during sex? If you answered yes to either of these questions, then you might be one of the millions of women who have endometriosis. Endometriosis happens when the lining of your uterus grows outside of the uterus and attaches to other parts/organs of your body, usually in the abdomen or pelvis. It is estimated to affect about 1 in 10 reproductive-aged women. If it is not spotted early on and treated, endometriosis can cause infertility. Nearly 20-40% of women with infertility will have endometriosis. Below are the symptoms and signs so you can seek the necessary medical attention.

The Warning Signs

*Endometriosis has many symtpoms. One of the main ones is killer cramps, pain while having sex, and painful ovulation.*

The causes of endometriosis are unknown, and many women who have it exhibit no symptoms. Those who do experience symptoms may include:

Killer cramps- While most menstrual cramps are painful or annoying, endometriosis cramping is like cramps on steroids. The cramps are so strong that they can stop you from accomplishing simple tasks.

Longer and heavier periods

Fatigue

Nausea

Worsened allergies

Painful bowel movements

Severe migraines

Painful ovulation

Bloating

Pain in lower back

Painful urination

Infertility- If your tissue grows outside of the uterus, the scarring makes it hard for the sperm and egg to meet. If the egg does become fertilized, then the disease will stop the egg from implanting in the lining of the uterus.

Pain During Sex- Some women describe sharp or stabbing pain while having sex, or after sex. This is a possible sign of endometriosis. Sex should feel good, not painful. This should be a clear sign that something is not right.

Most of the time, the pain is worse right before or during your period. The pain improves after, but can occur when you are ovulating.

How Do I Get Diagnosed?

If you fear you are one of the many women who have endometriosis, go to your OB-GYN immediately and get checked. Your gynecologist can feel nodules during a rectovaginal exam. This is done when they put one finger in the vagina, and one in the rectum. While these exams or an ultrasound can show possible signs of endometriosis, the only sure way to know is from a biopsy. The doctor performs a laparoscopy, in which they go in through the belly button and take a sample of the endometriosis lesion. Lesions in the stomach will look like cigarette burns, or they

Forms of treatment for endometriosis varies from pills, to surgery. — *Forms of treatment varies from pills, to surgery. If the medication does not work, then surgery is the next recommended step.*

can appear on an ovary as a cyst.

Is It Treatable?

To treat endometriosis, the doctor can prescribe medications. If this doesn’t work or it is severe, then surgery is recommended.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are prescribed to relieve pain. Doctors will prescribe Gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs to relieve pain and reduce the size of the nodules. The GnRH reduces estrogen production, causing your menstrual cycle to stop, mimicking menopause. Birth control is another recommended pill , and if it does not help, the doctor will prescribe progestins.
Surgery is the next step if the medications do not work. The doctor simply burns the endometriosis lesions, getting rid of any scar tissue. This will hopefully alleviate any pain associated with endometriosis, and allow the ovaries and fallopian tubes to return to normal. If the ovarian tissue and uterus can’t be preserved, then the doctor will recommend a hysterectomy in which the uterus is removed.

Most cases of endometriosis are in women from the ages of 25-35 years old. Unfortunately, there is no known way to prevent endometriosis. This makes it especially important to visit your OB-GYN regularly, and voice any concerns or pain you are experiencing.

Tag: health