SimplySxy

Tag: Health

  • Model & Athlete Joyella Stine

    Model & Athlete Joyella Stine

    I grew up in a small town in Pennsylvania in the United States. I’m 23 years old and love anything relating to health and fitness. I am pursuing a career as a dietitian and a fitness trainer.

    What is the best compliment you have received?

    I tend to get compliments a good bit and it’s humbling and sweet when I do, because I never used to have the confidence that I do now and it’s always nice to know people who will go out of their way to compliment you. So I will compliment as much in return as I can. But the best is when I am told at the gym that I lift more than some guys haha. I love that feeling. I enjoy showing up some of the guys who think girls can’t lift as much as them.

    Do you have any hobbies?

    I love lifting weights and going to the gym. I also thoroughly enjoy reading and writing. I have always loved taking art classes and whenever I have time I love to paint. I love to model and one goal of mine is to be a fitness/swimsuit model high up. I’m pursuing that.

    How will you describe your fashion style?

    My fashion style is a good bit of everything. I love to dress up. I would always rather be overdressed than under-dressed for the occasion. But I also wear gym clothes daily and feel great in that.

    Have you been in an embarrassing or crazy situation that is funny now?

    I find myself in hilarious situations all of the time. I always say you need to have a sense of humor and laugh at yourself. You can never be too serious. I can’t think of one that sticks out though worse than others.

    Is there any superstition you believe in?

    Hmmm I’m not sure about superstitions. I read into a lot of conspiracies and love those. You ever see all of the jet streaks in the sky? I have always believed that those are chem trails from the government. I have always believed that the government is 100 times ahead than we all think they are.

    If you could time travel, what will you like to experience or witness?

    If I could time travel I would like to witness Jesus on Earth. I would honestly like to see what that was like and how it compares to what we think today, whether we believe in him or do not.

    What is the funniest or lamest attempt a guy has tried to know you?

    Well I get the most random attempts a good bit in my messages from men. But the most recent one a guy messaged with a flexing picture and told me he benches 130 pounds. To which I replied with a flexing picture and told him I bench 150. Haha

    Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions Joyella. One question before we end, how do you define “sexy”? 

    I define “sexy” as confidence. I find there is a fine line between arrogance and confidence and it’s pretty noticeable when meeting someone. I find that if you believe in what you have, be confident. Whether that is looks, intelligent, style, etc. You being confident changes the entire setting.

    Follow the gorgeous Joyella Stine on:

    Instagram: @joyella_nicolefit

    Twitter: @joyella_stine

    Images courtesy of Joyella Stine

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  • Why Sex Is Good For Your Health

    Why Sex Is Good For Your Health

    Sex doesn’t just make you feel good, it is also good for your health as well. So in the contrary to popular belief, sex can significantly increase your health benefits. It is not just about the physical health benefits, it is also about the mental health benefits as well. Being with the partner can be a very energising moment.

    “There have been lots of studies describing the health benefits of sex,” says licensed sex therapist and sex educator Sandra L. Caron, Ph.D., professor of family relations and human sexuality at the University of Maine’s College of Education and Human Development in Orono. “Most of them relate to achieving orgasm. Nobody says you have to be with someone to do that.”

    These health benefits are not just for the couples but, also for those who can go for a good orgasm in solo. It can be an intriguing sex tip (I know!!!). But, there are profits and you should know about them.

    In this post, I will give you some of the notable health benefits that are worth noting. So, let’s get started,

    Improved Heart Health

    This is the first thing on my list because it is one of the most important and very intriguing benefits of having sex. A healthy sex is very beneficial for your heart.

    According to www.everydayhealth.com, “Several studies have found that your risk of dying from a heart disease event such as stroke or heart attack goes down as the frequency of your good orgasms increase over time. And for those that worry that the exertion involved in sex is a threat to the heart, analyses show that the most sexually intense moments (assuming you aren’t unusually vigorous in your activities) place the same demand on your heart as walking 4 to 6 miles an hour.”

    So, a healthy sex is a pathway to a healthy heart.

    It helps you look Younger

    Yes, you heard it right. A healthy sex works like an anti aging cream that will make you look younger. It doesn’t mean that the quantity suffices the requirement. You need to have the quality sex as well. The quality is measured by romance and love. So, a vigorous sex will not help at all, you need to have a sweet and nice lovable sex.

    This was quoted by www.mirror.co.uk, and I seriously was emaciated with these facts, “Dr. David Weeks, a clinical neuropsychologist at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital, revealed to a psychology ­conference that his extensive research had found older men and women with an active love life looked five to seven years younger than their actual age.

    But you don’t have to be at it every night to enjoy youth-enhancing effects! In fact, during his 10-year study, ­Weeks found quality was as important as quantity, with the ­anti-ageing benefits stronger if the sex was classed as ‘loving’.”

    It also boosts your fertility.

    Regular sex will boost the fertility of both men and women. For men, It will be very beneficial as the studies show that the sperm count while 10 days of abstinence was less than that of the one who’s having quality sex at least twice in a week. So, if you’re looking to have a baby, I reckon you to try twice in a week at least.

    Also, it is very beneficial for females to balance their hormones and also to regulate their periods. This also increases the chances of conceiving as well.

    It is a sweet pain relief.

    Just by a picture of our loved one can make our day. Think what a quality sex can do!!! It is to be believed by the anesthesiologists that a quality sex with your loved one can significantly dull the experience of pain.

    Also, it has been seen that it also set relief for women who frequently experience menstrual cramps through a good quality sex.

    Better Sleep

    There are many experts who actually think that sex can lead to better sleep. However, it is debatable according to some other expert as well. Whatever their set of arguments are, the evidence has shown that a good sex always leads to better sleep and you will wake up refreshed as well.

    Cancer prevention

    It is believed that healthy sex can reduce the risk of prostate cancer in a male. It is because the stimulation of the testicle reduces the risk. However, there is still some more research is going on to confirm this benefit. This will be a welcomed one.

    Smooth out the Wrinkles.

    Better sex can seriously make you look young and radiant. The fine wrinkles on your face will disappear if you are involved with quality sex with your partner. www.mirror.co.uk stated,

    “This is especially useful following the menopause when a woman’s skin can ­become drier and more wrinkled, as ­oestrogen levels naturally drop.”

    Wrapping Up

    So, these are some of the benefits of a quality and healthy sex. I hope you like my post. Allow me to give you a flashback that will remind you how awesome sex is.

    • A healthy sex is very beneficial for your heart.
    • A healthy sex works like an anti aging cream that will make you look younger.
    • Regular sex will boost the fertility of both men and women.
    • It is to be believed by the anesthesiologists that a quality sex with your loved one can significantly dull the experience of pain.
    • There are many experts who actually think that sex can lead to better sleep.
    • It is believed that healthy sex can reduce the risk of prostate cancer in a male.
    • Better sex can seriously make you look young and radiant. The fine wrinkles on your face will disappear if you are involved with quality sex with your partner.

    Please share the post and let me know if there is something in your mind. Cheers!!!

    Zoe Maria is an associate editor at Adult Toy Empire – an online adult toys store, catering to all tastes and fetishes, all preferences! Zoe will introduce you to very popular types of sex toys that are guaranteed to spice up your life, or just add some much needed excitement to the bedroom!

    Images courtesy of Zoe Maria

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  • Why 1 In 3 Men Cannot Control Ejaculation

    Why 1 In 3 Men Cannot Control Ejaculation

    A man may lose control over his own normal ejaculation for various reasons. Therefore, when this control is lost, the only way to get it back is with patience and certain ways to treat in a very positive way.

     Are Ejaculation Issues Mind Over Matter In Reality?

    The mind can indeed become a big problem where ejaculation issues are concerned. This is because it does have a tendency to create them very effectively. However, just as effectively as it can create them, the mind can destroy them. So, with this said, in essence mind over matter does matter where ejaculation issues are the focus. However, if a man has an ejaculation issue, it won’t really matter much when he does climax. Therefore, he should stimulate his partner to the very brink of orgasm at the very same time he feels he is ready to climax himself. Then it is matter over mind.

    What Are Some Common Psychological Causes For ED?

    Some of the most apparent of all common psychological causes for erectile dysfunction (ED) are as follows. These psychological causes can range from the lack of overall attractiveness to a partner to certain religious beliefs that having sex is very sinful to traumatic events. These traumatic events can include having a partner cheat on them to having illicit sex to discovering that they have been masturbating in secret and it is brought to attention by someone. There are also some factors where anger towards a partner can be involved and this brings it on.

    What Are Some Common Ejaculation Problems?

    Some very common ejaculation problems do include premature ejaculation, retrograde ejaculation, and delayed ejaculation. Each one of these ejaculation issues is not identical in nature. They all have their own individual symptoms and so forth. Therefore, with this said, just like there are numerous causes for these issues, there are also numerous forms of these problems at the end of the day.

    What Causes Delayed Ejaculation?

    There are lots of varying reasons why a man gets delayed ejaculation. Some of these reasons can be due to taking anti-depressants for depression to you name it. Another reason is a man’s advancing age. A good deal of time, the nerve endings on the penis do become less sensitive with physical age. A man’s erection ability is another thing that can go down physically with age too.

    Does Masturbation With Ejaculation Issues?

    A man can have a strong hand in his own delayed ejaculation problem. How can he do this? He just needs to do some very good masturbation with his hand on his penis. A masturbation technique that has lots of very real pressure, friction, and intense speed can do wonders for a stimulation like no other. Men can physically train themselves to pleasure themselves to such a level of top stimulation that even what a partner can provide them with falls on the average. Therefore, masturbation is indeed a good thing, and it can help a man’s ejaculation in a major physical way that is also therapeutic in delivery. Masturbation is something that can also teach a man to control his own level of arousal. This is a working essential if a man is trying to delay orgasms for himself.

    What Are Some Other Ways To Treat Premature Ejaculation?

    A technique that is very time honored and popular is no other than the distract yourself technique. You should distract yourself from having an orgasm by focusing on something that is either very boring or disgusting to you in description. This will help to halt your want to have an orgasm in a very big way. This is something that may prove to work for some men. However, for others it can distract them away from their partner, and also, from the sexual experience that is trying to take place.

    Just because a man has issues with control over his own ejaculation, it doesn’t mean it is the end of the world for him sexually overall. If anything, it is quite the reverse, there is hope to regain control of male ejaculation with just the right form of treatment. However, he himself needs to determine what that specific treatment is and apply it to the root cause.

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  • Honey, I am HIV Positive

    Honey, I am HIV Positive

    Today, we talk about the subject of disclosing one’s HIV status. Many have already done so since HIV has been around since 1979 or so, when it was called GRID (gay-related immune disorder).

    How does one disclose to a potential partner that he/she is HIV positive or has an STD? A good way to disclose is either in a public setting that is relaxing or private in a space that is special to you. Just ‘being yourself’ lets the person know you are real and that you are honest. Never talk down about your being HIV positive. Keep your head up and show the love for yourself and others by disclosing.

    Remember, disclosing will be a lifelong process.  Disclosing one’s HIV status before having sex with a partner is the law in some states and countries.

    Practice over a mirror. Just like you, the people you tell will need support as well. Don’t expect that just because you love someone, they will be able to support you after your disclosure. You may need to support them with this new information before they can be there for you. It is a good idea to have on hand a few telephone numbers of places they can go for support.

    Groups of individuals that one may have to disclose to often include the following:

    • Family—can be painful and you don’t have to disclose to them until it feels ‘right’.
    • Friends—easiest.
    • Your children—consider their age before you doing so.
    • Husband or wife— hardest, they will have to be tested for HIV positivity!
    • Doctor—easy but worrisome.
    • Workplace – you do not have to tell. Know your rights!
    • Needle users—easy to do so at times and you must!

    Tips for disclosing
    Many have also found the below list to be effective when disclosing their status:

    • Trust your instincts, disclose when you are ready.
    • Think about what you’re going to say ahead of time.
    • Choose your time and place; don’t be rushed into it.
    • Share with people whom you trust.
    • Use your own words.
    • Tell two friends so that they can support each other and not need to lean solely on you.
    • If someone has lots of questions, ask him/her to do their own research. This will ease the pressure on you to “know it all”.
    • Ask for what you need: a shoulder to cry on, space to think about it, practical help when you need it.

    When should I disclose my HIV status?
    With some people, this happens only before sex or intimacy. For others, it may take place even before dating. However, always do so when sharing needles for you are the one responsible for yourself. In addition, children should be old enough to understand before being told. Although there is generally no particular ‘right time’, you should tell only when you feel ready or when you are legally required to do so. If you haven’t told anyone beforehand (as you should have), inform your sexual partners as soon as possible so they can be tested because there is now a chance of functional cure in cases of early treatment and detection.

    Why should you tell?
    It’s your duty to disclose under some laws and morally, it’s just the right thing to do! Moreover, it is both very therapeutic and liberating to be totally honest by letting others know your status. Take it slowly—you will be living with HIV for a long time, and your first responsibility is to yourself and to finding the support you need.

    Disclosure can be scary, embarrassing, or painful.  However, frank conversation usually leads to better decisions and better sexual relationships. There is great freedom about telling the truth and letting people know who you really are.If we disclose when we should and protect ourselves, we automatically protect others. This also means that we slow down the spread of new HIV cases. Though, this only works through the ones who know that they are HIV positive.

    Have self-respect, love who you are! Get tested! Know your HIV status!

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  • How Fitness Helps Prolong Being Physical

    How Fitness Helps Prolong Being Physical

    It is no secret what is important to men and women, and when it comes to love and sex.  Each partner will tell you, regardless of their gender, “I want more, and I want it to last.”  Now, I am not trying to bring up any insecurity on anyone’s part.  I am simply trying to shed some light on a very simple situation to help both men and women make the most of their time together.  I am not going to speak for every woman, but for the women I know and for myself, “WE LOVE SEX”.  When we can get it, we want it to last, and as women we are willing to do our part, and we want our men to do their part as well.  I think most men do try, they just need information on how to beat the clock, so to speak.

    It is like when you go to the gym for a work out, or you go to work and you see the guy who is catching all the attention.  It happens for women too.  It is always the same ones.  The woman with the legs that go all the way up to her, oh yea, you know her.  Then there is the guy who has the “chick getters.”  The biceps that are so prominent underneath the sleeves of his polo shirt, you almost think that the shirt is tailored to fit that well.  It is those little things that catch the eye of the opposite sex.  Inevitably, we find ourselves staring at the ‘leggy’ girl to see what is on her lunch plate, or the guy with the ‘arms’ to see if that is a protein shake he is drinking?  We want to know their secrets!

    It is all physical and it makes us drive a little slower when we see the gym on the corner.  As the day comes to an end, you start thinking of how you could get a run in, or add a workout into your day.  The sex appeal is there and that insecurity comes sneaking up on you.  When you get home, and your partner is in the mood, you tend to think about how you will look in six months and it gets you through the time together.  It seems rushed though, and the old familiar argument comes back up, “You just aren’t into me, what’s wrong, don’t you find me attractive?”  “Is it someone else?”  How do you say, “Yes, it is someone else.”  “It’s me, wishing I were him, giving you what you want and need.”  Think about it.  Here she is thinking, “If I looked like her, he wouldn’t be able to keep his hands off me.”  Instead of sliding into home plate, he would still be caressing second base.  Maybe if we took things a bit slower, and realized first, be with who you are with.  Leave that guy at the office, and the girl with the sexy legs at the water cooler.  If you want sexy legs or flashy biceps, then get them.  However, those are just part of what brings us together.  It is part of the workout, part of the gym world and what happens to the body when you invest in fitness.

    Fitness is sexy.  Let’s not deceive ourselves.  However, let us start talking about the benefits of fitness, how it is related to sex, and how we can make the most of the time we spend together.  That is really what happens when we come together as intimate partners, or sexual partners.  We take our time with each other.  Instead of rushing off to the gym and walking in with our own agenda, which leads to us walking out disappointed, we make it about making improvements within.  Once you feel as if you are accomplishing something, that is what makes you come back for more.  If you can see or feel changes, especially if it is sexually, then chances are you have found motivation.  Men and women alike have what is known as Pubococcygeus muscles, or (PC) muscles.  Yes, who are we kidding, no one uses this term over dinner conversation, so this is something you may not have heard of before.  You may know the term pelvic muscles.  Those muscles for women that help you during childbirth.  For men, what about prostate health, or those muscles that make your penis move up and down?  These muscles are controlled with exercise, just like any other exercise.  There are exercises called Kegel exercises.

    These exercises provide strength, intensity and control.  Men and women can learn to strengthen these muscles.  Kegel fitness will stimulate the orgasmic response for both parties allowing resistance during intercourse.  This will make the time you have together last longer, right from the start.  The strength and resistance of the muscles of both man and woman, will intensify the orgasmic response.  During intercourse, it is natural for a man to thrust as the vagina tightens; however, if both parties practice Kegel exercises, when the man feels the tightening of the vagina, instead of thrusting, he can use those muscles to squeeze against the tightness.  This provides a different form of stimulation.  This is where the ability to control those muscles comes in.  A woman controlling her pelvic muscles, controls her orgasms.  Yes, orgasms.  A woman can have multiple orgasms; therefore, men have always felt at a disadvantage somewhat because of this.  Why should they?  A man controlling his pelvic muscles, controls his orgasms.  He experiences “dry” orgasms by controlling his ejaculation.  Whenever he feels orgasmic sensations, he can squeeze his pelvic muscles, thereby preventing the semen from being released, but still feeling the orgasm.

    As you can see, fitness isn’t just about toning and firming those muscles for the world to see.  It is about those muscles we don’t see.  Those muscles used for purposes other than to impress onlookers and passers-by.  Fitness isn’t just about living longer, it’s about loving each other longer, for longer periods of time, and being happy about it too.

  • More orgasms, less pain

    More orgasms, less pain

    Forget pain relievers – have an orgasm instead!  Self-medicating with an orgasm can cause relief from severe headaches, generalized muscular pain, and even a migraine.  If you have one at the beginning of your migraine it is possible at times to stop it from progressing.  Orgasms are also amazing stress relievers.  Of course when you are in pain you may not feel like having sex but using it therapeutically can be very beneficial.

    Sex releases endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, which helps manage pain – causing a 70% pain decrease on average.  Who wouldn’t want to have an orgasm over taking Aspirin or Ibuprofen?

    When you have an orgasm it has a natural pain killing effect on the body.  Immediately before orgasm, levels of the hormone, Oxytocin, surge to five times their normal level.  This activates the release of endorphins, which alleviate the pain of everything from muscle pain to arthritis and those irritating migraine headaches.  For women, sex also prompts the production of estrogen, which can reduce the pain of PMS.

    When sex is not desired, you can use masturbation that ends with an orgasm to produce the exact same pain relieving effects.  For women, getting a clitoral stimulator, which can bring about orgasm quickly, is very useful (most well-known is the Hitachi Magic Wand).  It can also save time if sex isn’t an option.

    SEX: PAIN RELIEF AND EMOTIONAL SUPPORT

    A research study showed that orgasm induces elevations in blood pressure and pulse, as well as neurotransmitters and hormones responsible for mood.  Sexual arousal stimulates vital hormones in women that lead to more intense orgasmic response and feelings of sexual desire.  Oxytocin is a chemical hormone that increases during orgasm in both men and women.  It has been reported that oxytocin levels increase in association with massage and with positive emotion, but decreased in relation to sad emotion.  Social stimuli are thought to cause oxytocin release, and as a result make positive social contact more rewarding.  A 20-second hug can be enough to stimulate oxytocin release and bring about a change in emotion.  Oxytocin enhances the level of subjective arousal and pleasure when women experience orgasm, and have an effect similar to endorphins, which play a role in the human sexual response.  Either way, the release of oxytocin during the sexual response has pain-relieving benefits.

    Research studies on oxytocin report that women have higher oxytocin levels when they are in a close relationship, during positive emotional states, and when they are more secure in their relationships.  Women, not in a relationship, have lower oxytocin levels and more difficulty with emotional openness.  In the more secure subjects, the higher levels of oxytocin seemed in turn to reinforce their bond with their partners.

    Emotional Pain

    Emotional withdrawal can be the result of emotional pain and sometimes depression.  The symptoms are lack of energy and fatigue.  If a person is in pain it restricts the ability to reach out emotionally, it depletes one’s energy and impairs physical ability to participate socially.  This leads to social deprivation and loss of interest in activities.  This can develop into a loss of self-esteem.  Emotional withdrawal is both the cause and effect of fatigue, pain, and social deprivation.

    Happy social interplay is energizing.  Who doesn’t like to play?  It distracts the perception of pain, and enhances the sense of self-esteem.  Sexual interplay is the most intimate and meaningful of social interplay.  It is the most powerful remedy for the de-energizing loss of self-esteem.  Consider different positions and methods of providing sexual pleasure with a partner.  The capacity for natural enjoyment is impaired by the loss of self-esteem, physical difficulties, and pain.  The best support and medicine is a loving, caring sexual encounter that can be practised frequently!

    SEX DOES THE BODY GOOD!

    Studies report that having sex even a few times a week can lead to overall health benefits including:

    • Improved sense of smell: After sex, production of the hormone prolactin surges causing stem cells in the brain to develop new neurons in the brain’s olfactory bulb, the smell center.
    • Reduced risk of heart disease: A study reported that having sex three or more times a week, men reduced their risk of heart attack or stroke by half.
    • Weight loss, overall fitness: Sex is the best source of exercise and can burn up to 200 calories — about the same as running 15 minutes on a treadmill. The pulse rate, in a person aroused, rises from about 70 beats per minute to 150, the same as that of a person working out at maximum effort.
    • Muscular contractions during intercourse work the pelvis, thighs, buttocks, arms, neck and thorax.  Sex also boosts production of testosterone, which leads to stronger bones and muscles.

    Is it possible to have too much sex?

    Good news ladies!  For women, probably not, for men, yes!  University of Bristol researcher, Dr. Claire Bailey, says that there is little to no risk of women having too much sex, in fact, regular sex improves posture and firms your thighs and butt.  For men, the penile tissues can sustain damage from too rough of sex and overuse which can lead to permanent damage.  Viagra and Levitra are drugs that give men more staying power than is actually good for them – being sexually active is healthy but putting too much demand on the body can sometimes be physically more than the body can handle.

  • More Sex for a healthier and longer life

    More Sex for a healthier and longer life

    “An orgasm a day keeps the doctor away”  I am sure that isn’t the expression you are most familiar with, but do you know that it rings truer than its more famous counterpart?  Sex is one of the best things in life.  And it even has its benefits!  Sadly, we often hear reasons for the lack of sexual activity in the lives of couples due to a lack of time, being stressed from a hard day’s work, having to look after their children at home, romance has fizzled out etc.  Congratulations if you are currently having an active sex life.  For those of you in need of motivation, I give to you the health benefits of having sex regularly.

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    Having sex 2-3 times a week helps reduce heart disease and erectile dysfunction (which causes the penis to not maintain an erection).  Science has also proven that having sex once or twice a week has been linked with higher levels of antibody, which protects oneself from getting colds and other infections.  This includes lowering the possibility of getting the H1N1 infection in addition to the flu!  A healthier person is definitely a happier person.

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    The number of times men should at least ejaculate in a week, especially when they are in their 20s.   Whether through sex or masturbation, these men reduced the likelihood of prostate cancer later in life by one third.

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    In a 25 year study conducted by Duke University, women who reported enjoying their sex lives lived 7-8 years longer than those who did not.  Men lived longer on the other hand, when they had more sex, regardless of whether it was enjoyable.

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    One study discovered that orgasms can increase the body’s infection-fighting cells by up to 20%.

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    30 minutes of sexual activity that results in an orgasm burns 150 calories on average.  Like all exercise, sex releases the feel good hormones called endorphins which makes you happier and invigorated. Surveys show that happy couples live longer. Every time you reach orgasm, the hormone DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) increases in response to sexual excitement and ejaculation. DHEA can boost your immune system, repair tissue, and even work as an antidepressant.  Meaning, a health benefit of sex, if you keep the orgasms coming, is potentially a longer life.

    Queens University in Belfast produced a study and found that having sex  times a week lowered the risk of heart attack or stroke by  compared to those who had sex less than once a month.  This might be due to the release of the hormone DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) during an orgasm, which helps with circulation and arterial dilation.

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    70 percent of arthritis sufferers reported less arthritis pain after sex from a research study.  Sexual arousal stimulates the adrenal glands to produce more cortisone, which reduces the inflammation that causes pain in joints and even helps reduce headache pain.

  • How safe are my Toys?

    How safe are my Toys?

    A recent scare in Sweden prompted an investigation on sex toys after some were known to contain a toxic chemical called Phthalates.  There have been many reported cases in recent years of children’s toys containing dangerous chemicals especially those produced in China.  As China is the major exporter of sex toys, producing 70 percent for the world’s market, how are we certain that the materials used are safe for us to put into our bodies?  If you are thinking of purchasing a toy or already own one, here are 5 tips you should follow for your safety.

    Tip 1 – Buy “Phthalate-free” toys

    Phthalates are a chemical used to make plastics more flexible and softer.  They are banned in children’s toys but can be found in nail polish, adhesives, paint pigments and sealants.  The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies Phthalates as a possible human carcinogen (cancer causing).  Other studies have also linked Phthalates to infertility, reproductive issues, kidney and liver damage.  A Greenpeace-TNO reported that seven out of eight sex toys contained more than one Phthalates in varying concentrations from 24 to 49 percent.

    As no safety regulations currently exist for sex toys, packaging with “Phthalate-free” claims are unverified and might also be false.  Nonetheless, looking out for it is a good place to begin.

    Tip 2 –  Do not buy soft toys that bend

    Sex toys that are soft and bend easily are most likely to contain Phthalates.  This check is particularly important especially if the packaging does not mention the materials used in producing the toy.

    Tip 3 – Smell it

    If the sex toy smells “rubbery”, unpleasant or similar to that of a “new car”, take it as a warning sign.

    Tip 4 – Look for harder sex toys

    To reduce the risk of exposure to Phthalates in your sex toys, buy toys that are made from silicon, Pyrex glass or stainless steel.  Not only are these toys plastic free, they are also non-porous.  Non-porous toys have a smooth and impermeable surface that does not have any tiny nooks for bacteria to hide in.

    Tip 5 – Look out for quality through the branding

    As 70 percent of the world’s sex toys are made in China, chances are the one which you are thinking of buying or already own comes from there.  Beware of toys that are not of a household brand and are sold cheaply due to the low quality of materials used in manufacturing.  Brands such as Lelo, OhMiBod, We-Vibe, JimmyJane, Nexus, B Swish, Fleshlight ensure a high level quality standard for their products.  Your sex toy is going to give you all the fun you can get.  Do not put your health at risk as a result of buying a toy just because it is cheap.  Quality products are safer, last for years and leaves you stress-free to fully enjoy them.

    Be Informed

    Now that you have gone through our 5 buying tips, be sure to do your homework by reading up on the sex toy you are considering buying.  This allows you to shop at ease to protect your body and your money.