All Entries in the "Women’s Health" Category

Sexual Health Concerns and Statistics

According to recent studies, over 90% of adult women report having concerns about their sexual health. Our sexuality is a major part of our life and can greatly affect our overall physical, mental and emotional health. Unfortunately sexual wellness is an aspect of our health that is largely ignored and avoided, and, as such, very much misunderstood. This is mainly because it can be uncomfortable to discuss, even with a health professional.

Sex is a natural part of life. Aside from being the very process of our procreation, sex is an instinctual activity that most adults enjoy on a regular basis. And sex is good for your health – with or without a partner. In addition to raising hormone levels (retaining your youth), sex can also boost metabolism, brain function, heart health and immunity. However, due to diet, lack of physical activity, stress, anxiety, prescribed medications, tiredness and a slew of other inhibitors, many women suffer from various sexual health issues.

How Women Can Change the World

During a Peace Summit in Vancouver last year, the Dalai Lama made a stunning proclamation that “the world will be saved by the Western woman”. His Holiness went on to highlight the reality that awakening women are emerging as the leaders of the global change movement. Women have never before held so much power to shape the future of our planet and the evolution of humanity. At this time a major economic shift is taking place where women now have more influence, money, control and resources to revolutionize how we do business on a global level.

According to the New York Times, there are more women controlling more wealth in the US than ever before. We make 85% of the consumer purchases. We can greatly improve the American economy by what we choose to buy – and don’t buy. It is very important to support US companies rather than products made in other countries – mainly to keep the currency within our country, also to reduce costs and pollution from shipping products from overseas. And whenever possible, it is good to support independently owned companies rather than large corporations to sustain your local community first and foremost.

Defy Maturity ~ Live Life to its Fullest!

Maturity can be a good thing, especially when it comes to fine wine, cheese or ripe, delicious fruit. But as a state of mind, maturity can feel a bit lifeless and boring. We may envision an older “mature woman” who lives a bland, insipid lifestyle clinging to her beloved dog and superficial television shows. Of course there’s nothing wrong with that chosen reality, as it may bring much joy to that type of person who finds peace and security in self-contained mediocrity.

On the other hand, immaturity may be regarded as being silly, reckless, foolish – laughing at flatulence, dancing on bubble wrap, or staying up past midnight. “Why can’t you just act your age?” says the uptight ol’ sourpuss who never smiles. Act my age? Why would I want to act my age after just spending $60 on hair coloring to cover my grays? I just barely figured out what I want to BE when I grow up – HAPPY! That’s it. Happiness is the key to staying young at heart and steering clear of becoming a grumpy old curmudgeon.

Herbal Remedies for Better Health & Hormone Balance

Newsflash: Conventional medicine is responsible for 255,000 deaths per year in the United States, and almost half of those are from adverse reactions to prescription drugs. Just because a pharmaceutical drug has been studied in a laboratory, regulated by the FDA and prescribed by a doctor, it does not necessarily mean that it is safe – especially mixing with other Rx drugs.

Of course modern medicine can be safe, effective and has certainly saved millions of lives. However there are so many ways to heal our bodies naturally and with fewer side effects than pharmaceuticals. Since the beginning of humankind, cultures around the world have utilized herbal remedies for various therapeutic purpose. Now known as Phytotherapy, medicinal plants are used to heal and restore balance and wellness within the body — an ancient art that is slowly gaining more respect and interest in the West. Some plants have truly amazing healing properties and certain botanical extracts and blends can help increase energy, improve your mood, reduce anxiety, help you sleep better, and naturally balance hormones to name a few benefits.

Touch, Play, Explore and Discover the Pleasures of Self Love

So May has been declared National Masturbation Month. Although the movement is gaining awareness and media attention, it most likely will not be officially recognized, or show up on your yearly Hallmark calendars anytime soon.

The proposed observance and hype was created by a San Francisco based sex toy store, which stemmed from a controversial statement about masturbation from former U.S. Surgeon General, Joycelyn Elders which led to her forced resignation. As a liberal advocate for sex education, she thoughtfully stated, “With regard to masturbation, I think it is something that is a part of human sexuality and something that should perhaps be taught.” That didn’t go over well with disapproving conservatives.

Staying Juicy! Maintaining a Youthful Yoni

Women tend to spend a lot of time and money on skincare. We want our skin to look youthful, supple and smooth. The key to younger healthy looking skin is sufficient moisture. In humid tropical climates, our skin naturally looks and feels healthier, and the women of the tropics generally look much younger than those who live in dryer climates. That is why it is so important for us to stay hydrated and keep our skin properly moisturized.

Most women purchase expensive anti-aging skin products to moisturize their face and body, but what about moisturizing their vaginas? Yes, I did say vagina.

Birth Control – A Not-So-Fun Fundamental of Physical Intimacy

It starts with her alluring and curious glance at him. Her expression is full of desire with a soft inviting smile. He feels a rush of impassioned energy throughout his body as he approaches her. She has his full attention as he fervently extends his arms toward her. They warmly embrace, as he envelopes her body, caressing every sensual curve with his strong devoted hands. Their lips unite in delicious, passionate kissing, pausing momentarily as they excitedly unclothe one another.

The two adoring lovers become more aroused by the second, as their naked bodies entwine and his erection swells with intention. She suggests that he puts on a condom before they go any further. He suddenly stops with a regretful look on his face, stating that he does not have any condoms with him. He assumed she was “on the pill”, as it is generally the woman’s responsibility to deal with the issue of birth control. The frustrated lovers gaze at one another with much disappointment and dissatisfaction.

Improve Your Health and Your Relationship with Yoga

Yoga is an excellent way to increase strength, agility and blood flow to all parts of the body. You can be any age, shape or size to enjoy the benefits of yoga. There are hundreds of styles and various levels to explore from gentle stretching and breathing exercises for the physically challenged – to advanced power yoga for an incredibly intense workout. Consistency is essential for maintaining peace, focus, agility, and optimum health and well-being.

Yoga is especially beneficial for reducing stress and anxiety, calming the mind and gaining more focus and clarity. By combining meditative deep breathing with physical movement and stretching out your muscles, yoga offers a holistic approach to exercise in nourishing the body, mind and soul.

Give the Gift of Therapeutic Massage

One of the best gifts you could give to partner is the exhilarating experience of a full-body massage. In addition to immense therapeutic value, a professional massage is your one-way ticket to Pleasureville. Massage uses touch through rubbing or kneading of parts of the body to aid circulation, relax the muscles, or provide sensual stimulation. Touch is a very important part of human development, as it helps us feel connected, loved and acknowledged. When we allow ourselves to be touched and receive pleasure from another person, it is not only physically healing and incredibly soothing; touch can also help process distressing emotional issues.

The Connection Between Nitric Oxide, Sex, Health and Happiness

Nitric Oxide (not to be confused with nitrous oxide) is a very simple but important molecule that can actually determine how long you live and the quality of your life. Nitric Oxide is made by the blood vessels’ lining, or endothelium. The endothelium is extremely sensitive to the physical and chemical conditions inside our blood vessels. When the endothelium senses heart-healthy conditions, such as physical activity and low cholesterol, it releases more Nitric Oxide. And that’s very good for your health and vitality. Nitric Oxide expands the blood vessels, increasing blood flow and decreasing blood clotting. Conversely, when the endothelium senses unhealthy activities and conditions such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, cigarette smoking, or emotional distress, it releases less Nitric Oxide; and chances of atherosclerosis (heart disease) accelerates.

How does nitric oxide work to our advantage in the body?

Nitric Oxide is a gas that’s produced in the endothelial lining of every blood vessel in our bodies, including all the capillaries. Every cell of our body is only about one micron away from the lining of a blood vessel. And when you are doing anything that feels good, like healthy exercise or having an orgasm, your Nitric Oxide levels rise and your blood circulation is increased. More than that, Nitric Oxide is the main neurotransmitter – the one that regulates all the other neurotransmitters. And because it’s a gas, it goes through the body instantly. So high Nitric Oxide levels, let’s say from clitoral stimulation, will instantly change the neurotransmitter levels of the brain and balance them out. As your biochemistry changes, inflammation decreases, and chances of heart disease lessens, and the adrenals improve — it’s all connected. We aren’t kidding when we say sex is good for your health!