Health24.com | 20 tips for a happy, healthy sex life

Posted on 25/12/2017 by Boris Clair

Feeling a bit lacklustre in the bedroom recently? Your physical and mental wellness has a great impact on your sex life.

We gathered 20 tips that can help improve your sex life. What are you waiting for? Start 2018 off with a bang…

1. Do your Kegel exercises

You might have heard about Kegel (pelvic floor muscle) exercises, but what’s the deal? Several factors, such as pregnancy and age, weaken these muscles over time. When kept strong, it doesn’t just lower your risk for incontinence, but it can also benefit your sex life tremendously.

2. Don’t treat sex like a chore

While it’s often difficult to find the time between exhausting schedules, sex can become another thing on the to-do list if you treat it like a chore – and that can zap any spontaneity or passion from the deed.

According to a study published in the Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, more sex between couples doesn’t necessarily equate more happiness. The reason? Doing it so much made it feel like a chore. Make time, but keep the spontaneity.

3. Don’t dismiss the experts

Struggling to open up to your partner? Worried about the fact that your partner wants more sex than you? Do you have niggling relationship issues holding you back?

Don’t cringe at the idea of bringing in the experts. You both might benefit from couple’s therapy or sex therapy. You can also ask Health24’s sexologist, Dr Marelize Swart, any sex-related questions.

4. …or foreplay for that matter

There is nothing wrong with spontaneous sex, but women often take a bit longer to be aroused than men. And getting to the point of full arousal will ensure a greater sexual experience (and an orgasm) for both of you. So don’t dismiss foreplay – it stimulates the blood flow to the genitals, which makes for stronger orgasms and more fulfilling sex in general.

5. Get tested for everything

This doesn’t only include STDs, but everything. Regular medical tests may rule out underlying conditions that may be causing your sex life to be unpleasant. Erectile dysfunction might be an indicator of cardiovascular problems and frequent painful sex can indicate gynaecological problems. Don’t skip out on those annual health checks.

woman at gyneacologist

6. Talk to your doctor or gynae if something is bothering you

Are you experiencing a weird discharge or strange cramps during sex? Do not hide this information from your doctor or gynaecologist. They are trained to deal with these types of problems and there is no need to feel embarrassed, especially not about a condition that could impair your sex life and may be a more serious problem.

7. Exercise can boost your sex life

What’s that saying about couples playing together staying together? It rings true. Exercise doesn’t only benefit your physical health which can lead to greater sex, but if you often schedule a workout or fun leisurely activity such as a beach walk with your partner, you are also strengthening your communication outside the bedroom. This will in return boost your sex life. And if exercise ups your self-confidence, it’s a win for everybody.

couple in gym

8. Check your medication

Are you and your partner experiencing a lack in sex drive? Some medications, such as antidepressants, birth control pills or even antihistamines, can zap your libido. Always talk to your doctor about chronic medication if this is influencing your sex drive – there might be an alternative without the pesky side-effect.

9. Eat right

Diet can play a big role in your sex life. Poor food choices can ruin your sex drive, deplete your energy levels, lead to inflammation and even result in erectile dysfunction. Weight gain due to bad eating habits can also have an impact on your sex life – not only is excess weight bad for your heart, but it can also affect your self-esteem negatively.

Eat more foods that can benefit the libido – fresh fruits, vegetables, wholegrains, protein, such as salmon, and good-quality red meat. Treats such as dark chocolate and red wine are packed with polyphenols which are fantastic for the libido.

10. It’s okay to initiate sex

If you’re craving sex, don’t wait around. It’s okay to initiate the act – it’s not one partner’s “job”.

11. Communication is key

Communication is important in any relationship and even more so in the bedroom. A lack of communication can lead to dissatisfaction, which can lead to resentment and one partner feeling unloved. Having problems opening up to your partner? Read this previous article on Health24.

12. Your cardiovascular health is important

If you have been lacking a bit of wind in your sails recently, it might indicated that you have heart problems. Erectile dysfunction is often tied to a lack of circulation that can be caused by ill heart health. Sex is a good way to keep your heart healthy, but if you’ve been struggling with a low libido, you might want to have your heart health checked out.

13. Keep the spark alive

Go on date nights, take a leisurely drive while listening to your favourite music from the year you started dating, book a weekend trip away, whatever it takes to keep the magic alive.

14. Work on your own self-esteem

There are many things that can take a toll on your self-esteem throughout your life. Whether it’s weight gain, physical signs of ageing or an impending midlife crisis, a lack of self-esteem can instantly kill your passion.

Think about what is causing your low self-esteem and make changes in your life – follow a balanced, healthy diet and exercise plan, do things you enjoy, learn a new skill or get a new haircut. Do whatever it takes to get out of a rut.

15. Keep work and stress (and finances, pets and kids) out of the bedroom

Work and financial issues may put a damper on your libido, according to a previous article on Health24. Keep your sex drive up by keeping other factors out of the bedroom. Focus on only the two of you and do not talk about work issues or financial matters while you’re in the bedroom or initiating sex.

relationship problems

16. Lay off the alcohol

While red wine is often deemed good for your sex life, excess use of alcohol can kill your libido, making good sex difficult, if not impossible.

Dr Abigael San, clinical psychologist and alcohol expert, says that alcohol decreases sexual sensitivity in both males and females, reducing the quality of sex. “In men, alcohol can cause difficulties getting and maintaining an erection – while women may experience reduced lubrication, find it harder to have an orgasm, or have orgasms that are less intense,” she says.

17. Take inventory of your life

Life changes, big or small, can have a negative effect on your sex life, even if the life changes are positive. A new house, job or baby can put you out of sorts mentally and physically. Address this with your partner and know that this lull isn’t permanent.

18. Keep your hormones in check

A lack of sexual drive can stem from a hormonal imbalance. Too much cortisol, resulting from stress, can instantly put a damper on your libido. For some women, low oestrogen levels due to menopause can lead to vaginal dryness, painful intercourse and an overall lack of sex drive, while others can experience a testosterone imbalance due to polycystic ovary syndrome or stress. Consult your doctor to get your hormone levels tested.

19. Just the two of you

Family obligations can often get in the way of couple time and a fulfilling sex life. Family conflict can also create strain in your own relationship. Make time for just the two of you regularly and understand that you need to be tuned in to each other’s needs first and foremost. Avoid bringing negativity caused by your parents or other family members into your relationship.

20. Tap into your own desires

Get to know yourself… on a deeper level, that is. Discover what turns you on or what your fantasies are. Share them with your partner.

^{Image credits: iStock}

Marelize Wilke

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Health24.com | Would you allow your doctor to give dagga to your sick child?

Posted on 25/12/2017 by Boris Clair

When it comes to kids with cancer, most health care providers say they’d help their patients get medical marijuana.

That finding stems from an analysis of survey responses from 288 US doctors, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, psychologists, social workers and registered nurses.

The survey respondents in Boston, Chicago and Seattle all provide either inpatient or outpatient care for children with cancer.

Results of the survey

About 92% said they’d be willing to help procure medical marijuana for their young patients. Just 2% felt that medical marijuana should never be given to a child with cancer, according to the report.

The researchers also found that 63% of the health care providers were not concerned about substance abuse in children with cancer. Their biggest concern was the lack of formulation, dosing and potency standards for prescribing medical marijuana to children with cancer.

Medical providers who are legally eligible to certify patients for medical marijuana were less likely to endorse its use in children with cancer, the study found.

“It is not surprising that providers who are eligible to certify for medical marijuana were more cautious about recommending it, given that their licensure could be jeopardised due to federal prohibition,” study co-author Dr Kelly Michelson, a critical care physician at Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, said in a hospital news release.

Policies could influence attitudes

“Institutional policies also may have influenced their attitudes,” she said. “Lurie Children’s [hospital], for example, prohibits paediatric providers from facilitating medical marijuana access in accordance with the federal law, even though it is legal in Illinois.

“In addition to unclear dosage guidelines, the lack of high-quality scientific data that medical marijuana benefits outweigh possible harm is a huge concern for providers accustomed to evidence-based practice,” Michelson said.

“We need rigorously designed clinical trials on the use of medical marijuana in children with cancer,” she added.

Michelson also directs Northwestern University School of Medicine’s Center for Bioethics and Medical Humanities.

Keep marijuana for later stages of treatment

The childhood cancer care providers involved in the study indicated that they often received requests for medical marijuana to relieve nausea and vomiting, lack of appetite, pain, depression and anxiety. Most, however, believe that use of medical marijuana should be limited to children with advanced cancer or near the end of life, rather than in earlier stages of cancer treatment.

That’s in line with the American Academy of Pediatrics’ position that use of medical marijuana should be restricted to “children with life-limiting or seriously debilitating conditions”. Michelson’s team published their findings online in the journal Pediatrics

An ongoing debate

An article previously published on Health24 also addressed the use of marijuana as a treatment for children. Research has however found that marijuana holds only limited benefits for children and that more studies are needed to ensure the success of this treatment.

While dagga may benefit chemo-linked nausea and epilepsy, there is not yet enough evidence that it has a positive effect on other conditions.

^{Image credit: iStock}

Health24.com | What your sleep position is telling you – and the pyjamas you should be wearing

Posted on 25/12/2017 by Boris Clair

Professor Chris Idzikowski, director of the Sleep Assessment and Advisory Service, analysed the six most common sleep positions in a survey conducted with 1 000 participants and found that not only do these positions affect our health – but they’re also linked to specific personality types.

Are you sending the right message when you’re out like a light?

And what is the right choice of sleep attire for you?

(No, it’s not an old T-shirt you got for free at a race you did two years ago.)

Find out now…

The Freefall

Position: Lying on your stomach with hands up around the pillow and head turned to one side.

Personality: Freefallers are often extroverted and brash people. They appear nervy, but are truly thin-skinned people who take criticism personally.

Health benefit: Freefall – or any position in which you’re lying face down – is good for digestion.

Best sleepwear: The smoking jacket oozes sophistication and class as it’s structured for the perfect gentleman – at least until he gets between the sheets.

Draped in this, the freefaller looks like he should be hosting a party at the Playboy Mansion and honestly, why shouldn’t he? These pajamas are the perfect match for an extrovert who is brave enough to try out this dapper style and crack open a bottle of champagne while he’s at it.

The Foetus

Position: Curled up on your side. This is the most common sleeping position, adopted by 41% of the 1 000 people who took part in Professor Idzikowski’s survey.

Personality: Those who sleep in the foetus position are described as tough on the outside, but shy and sensitive at heart. They may take time to warm up to people, but soon relax.

Health benefit: Sleeping on your left side can cause stress on your vital organs (liver, stomach, lungs), so if the foetus is your position of choice, curl up on the right side of your body.

Best sleepwear: Flannel pajamas are perfect because they look badass but they’re made with soft, fluffy material to match the soft and sensitive guy within. The foetus position is great for cuddling and so are these pjs. If the lady in your life still likes to cuddle a teddy, said bear will have serious contender to deal should you opt for a pair of these.

The Log

Position: Lying on your side with both arms down by your side.

Personality: Log sleepers are social, easygoing people. The downside: their tendency to trust anyone – including complete strangers – makes them easy to fool.

Health benefit: This position keeps the spine straight, which should be beneficial for those who suffer from back pain.

Best sleepwear: Lounge pants are great for lounging around on the couch and they’re super chilled and easy going, just like the guy who sleeps like a log. They’re pajamas that can be worn when your mates are around (and the log is bound to have his mates around often) because they don’t scream “I’m ready for bed”.

Position: On your side with both arms out in front.

Personality: Yearners are open to new things, but also suspicious and cynical. They take a long time to make decisions – weighing pros and cons repeatedly – but once they make a choice, they almost never change their mind or have regrets.

Health benefit: Resting on your side can help alleviate some problems associated with acid reflux disease and sleep apnoea. But if such symptoms are a common occurrence, you may need to see a specialist.

Best sleepwear: Woven pajamas are classic and timeless but in a modern pattern they are fresh and fashionable; these opposite qualities of this sleep set mirror this guy’s personality. The yearner should toss up the pros and cons between a set of long woven pajamas and short woven pajamas, whatever the choice these pajamas won’t leave him with any regret.

Position: Lying on your back with both arms at your sides.

Personality: Soldier sleepers are generally quiet and reserved. They don’t like to make a big deal out of things, and they set very high standards for themselves and others.

Health benefit: Research shows that sleeping on your back may lead to snoring, difficulty breathing and an overall bad night’s sleep. Is your snoring keeping someone awake at night? Try flipping over – you’ll both wake up more refreshed.

Best sleepwear: The soldier doesn’t like to make a big deal out of things in his life, including his choice of sleepwear. An understated pair of sleep shorts with an interesting pattern will complement his personality and pairing them with a percale gown will provide the comfort of coverage that a quiet and reserved soldier needs, while still being stylish.

The Starfish

Position: Lying on your back with both arms up.

Personality: Starfish sleepers are described as great listeners and thus good friends. They’re always willing to offer help and generally don’t like being in the limelight.

Health benefit: Like the soldier, starfish sleepers are more likely to snore and have breathing problems while they sleep, resulting in a less refreshing night’s rest.

Best sleepwear: The starfish likes to spread out across the sheets and the traditional sleep shirt allows maximum movement with no restriction. He might not like to be in the limelight but behind the bedroom doors, this get up will make the starfish the star of the show, or rather the starfish of the show.

This article was originally published www.mh.co.za

Image credits: Supplied and iStock

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Daily Archives: 25/12/2017

Health24.com | 20 tips for a happy, healthy sex life

Are surgery weight restrictions on the rise?

Health24.com | Would you allow your doctor to give dagga to your sick child?

Health24.com | What your sleep position is telling you – and the pyjamas you should be wearing