Health

As June is migraine awareness month, I thought to do my final bit this month on some of the common triggers. Some times when one person knows a migraine sufferer, they think all migraine headaches are the same. On the contrary we all have different triggers and also what works for one person doesn’t always work for the rest of migraneurs. So please don’t generalise.

Triggers vary by person, but knowing which ones affect you can help reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks and improve quality of life.

9 common triggers

· Changes in temperature, humidity or barometric pressure can bring a migraine.

· Hormonal fluctuations due to menstruation, pregnancy and menopause can trigger migraines.

· Diet- everyone is different but some foods and beverages can trigger migraines

· Eating habits- skipping meals, not eating on a regular schedule can bring on a migraine.

· Scents- perfumes, cleaning products and other odours can trigger migraines if encountered in an enclosed space

· Lighting- Bright or flickering lights such as fluorescent light or computer monitor can trigger a migraine.

· Sleep- too much sleep, too little sleep, poor sleep, irregular sleep pattern can trigger a migraine

· Physical activity- exercise, sports, and other activities can be triggers

· Heat-hot rooms, hot weather and overheating can lead to migraines

Here is one migraine suffers sums it up,

I am either

- In pain - Medicated - Recovering or -In fear Of the next attack

And I am trying to appear normal

What’s your excuse?

Things only other migraineurs understand

When you say you have a headache most people come to the conclusion that you take some painkillers and you are done. Believe me, migraine headaches are the sort of headaches you wish would kill you. I had my latest attack yesterday at work. Most migraine sufferers find themselves having to explain the differences between a headache and a migraine to those around them. I have been a migraine sufferer since I was a child and I know how frustrating it is to be doubted be it at school, university, work and even by friends if you tell them you can’t go out for a meal because of a migraine. Sounds familiar? Although people would say drink more water and please stop getting stressed- migraines are not that simple. Research suggests they are a genetic condition. It changes the chemicals and blood vessels in the brain.

Here is what’s happening when you have a migraine:

Brain: During a migraine, neurotransmitters get released to the small blood vessels and membranes covering the brain, causing inflammation. In up to 2/3 of migraines, the pain is felt on one side of the head, but can also extend to the jaw and neck. Eyes: With a migraine often comes sensitivity to light. Head: About half of migraine sufferers experience vertigo or dizziness. Vision: Up to 30% of people who get migraine also experience aura, a phenomenon that includes odd visual symptoms like seeing flashing lights or temporary blind spots. Ears: About ¾ of people with migraines experience to sound during an attack. Nose: In up to 50% of migraine sufferers, the pain activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which causes a runny nose and watery or red eyes. Stomach: Nausea and vomiting are too frequent companions of migraine headaches.

Migraine sufferers’ feelings-

‘It feels like your head is being split in half with an axe, like you are going blind, like any smell, noise, light will push you over the edge. You don’t know whether to seek heat, cold touch from others, or whether you can manage to keep medication down, and you can’t cry because it makes the pain worse you want to vomit. At the back of your mind you worry that this time it might not be a migraine, but something that’s actually going to kill you.’ To make it worse after the main attack, the brain tries to return back to ‘normal’ which may take days!

‘The only time taking a hammer to your skull seems like an appropriate solution’ ‘Surviving the day with a migraine is actually a serious accomplishment’ ‘I carry more guilt than you can possibly imagine about how my migraines affect you’ ‘Sometimes death seems better than the migraine’ ‘You say sorry more times than almost anyone you know, for something that is not your fault’ ‘I always feel somebody is judging me when I say I have a migraine’

Unfair isn’t it? Things that people have said to me while having a migraine: …….but you don’t look sick …….you are just stressed …….you just not drinking water …….it must be nice not having to go to work ……..it can’t be that bad …….there are people worse off than you …….you will just have to tough it out …….this too shall pass …….migraine sufferers I know don’t feel like you do, how is that? …….I wish I had time to leave work early

Here are some ways of helping yourself with Migraine headaches-. Avoid alcohol that can cause migraine headaches: It is always good to avoid alcohol or smoking for keeping a good general health. However if you are very much in to alcoholic intake; then make sure you are avoiding the alcohol which gets you a hangover in just one drink, which may be a migraine attack; and also avoid the alcohol that gets you a headache within 8 hours of the consumption. Avoid skipping of meals as that can trigger migraine headaches: It must be noted that fasting actually increases the chances of getting migraine headaches. So, make sure you are eating in every 3-4 hours so as to keep away from empty stomach. Avoid foods that trigger migraine: There may be some foods like chocolates, aged cheese etc which can trigger migraine in some people. If you experience the same, eliminate these foods which can trigger migraine attacks. Avoid Sleeping Forcibly to Prevent Migraine: "Sleep is good for health; but not a forced sleep!" If you are not getting sleep do not try to sleep forcefully which cannot bring you sleep and keep you more awake and cause more of headache. Try to do some quiet and light activities like, read or be calm and lie down until you feel drowsy. Avoid Distractions That Can Cause Migraine Headaches: There may be more of migraine headaches with distractions like loud noise, television etc. Keep away from such distraction in order to have some relief from the attack. Avoid Direct Sunlight to Prevent Migraine Headaches: Direct sunlight exposure can also trigger migraine attacks. Make sure you avoid more of exposure to the direct sunlight

June is Migraine awareness month, help make migraines visible.

To Migraine suffers - Let Go Of the Guilt, there are things you can not just do with a Migraine!

Sources – Migraine Action

Love life and Food

Many of us believe that the way to their lover’s heart is through their stomach and simply feed them everything and anything they like. But when someone like Christian Grey creates rules around food, it’s more than just the heart he’s after.

Maintaining optimal health through good nutrition has a very positive effect on our entire wellbeing and that includes the libido. Our sex drive and appetite are governed by our hormones and when our diet doesn’t contain the necessary minerals, vitamins and trace elements, our sex hormones get out of sync and we lose our mojo, which makes the world a very sad and dreary place indeed.

To avoid this we need to introduce a couple of deliciously decadent aphrodisiacs in to our daily diet.

Allow Masterchef or any one of the many other foodie programmes to inspire you. Challenge your amateur cheffing skills and spend some time in the kitchen rustling up a couple of tasty tidbits as part of foreplay.

Toss together a salad which includes asparagus spears and avocado pear, both of which are rich in folic acid and boosts the production of histamine. This feeds the brain, which is the biggest sex organ of all. The zinc in a raw oyster aids the release of hormones that boosts your libido and encourages the production of sperm, which by the way, will be vastly improved in flavour if regular helpings of pineapple are introduced into your man’s diet. A tasty and healthy way to do this is to make a fruit salad with pineapple, strawberries and bananas. These are all rich in chelating minerals and the bromeliad enzymes which are guaranteed to get the libido soaring.

Throw in a handful of almonds and trickle over some sweet, sticky honey, which is a great source of boron and the B vitamins, and you and your partner will be well on the way to enjoying an enhanced sex drive and more intense and frequent orgasms.

Sharing foods which are psychologically suggestive, have psychoactive properties or help maintain good blood flow to the sex organs is bound to get you both in the mood and keep it that way. And then when your man starts to take a leaf out of Grey’s book and says things like, “I’m not a hearts and flowers kind of man … I don’t do romance. My tastes are very singular,” you’ll know that his hormones are at optimum level and that it’s time to reintroduce a little moon light and roses.

Romance is important too. Bring out the chocolates. We all adore these. They make us feel good and are full of the love chemical PEA which does wonders for releasing dopamine in the pleasure centre of the brain.

Make the most of life!

Ten ways to be positive

In life, we have many different kinds of experiences – good and bad, and it's up to us to create our own experience of the various situations we find ourselves in. This is why it's important to have a positive mindset, to make it our intention to live life positively each day.

To live a positive life you need to create positive habits so that you are able to focus on what truly matters. Here are ten simple ways to inspire you to do just that:

1. Celebrate being alive

Live your life as if you are the most fortunate person! All you have to do is make it your intention to remind yourself how fortunate you are and to apply it to everything you do. It really is as simple as changing your mindset.

2. Become aware of your thoughts

When you consciously become aware of your thoughts it's easy to spot the negative ones. Make it your intention to replace them with positive thoughts. You might be thinking that it is easier said than done, but with lots of mindful practice it will become second nature.

3. Stop comparing yourself to others

We often feel down and out when we start comparing ourselves to others. Remember, it's all relative - you don't know the journey of another person – you don't know what they are going through. Respect and accept it for what it is, but most of all, accept yourself as you are because you are amazing.

4. Surround yourself with positive people

Positive people are contagious! Get out there and mingle with them. The technologies of today are also making it possible to connect with positive people from all over the world through social networks, blogs and websites. Subscribe to motivational newsletters, read articles, and bask in others' positivity!

5. Stop complaining, take responsibility, and smile more

When you find yourself complaining, it means you are not taking responsibility. If you want something done, just do it! But remember to do it with a smile.

6. Focus on what you have, not on what you don't have

As the saying goes, “The rich get richer and the poor get poorer”. When you focus on abundance, more will be given unto you. You will attract more into your life by focusing on what you have, and in so doing, the universe will give you more of it.

7. See failure as a stepping stone to success

Failing at something doesn't mean it is the end of the world. Embrace the failure and know that a few weeks, months, or years from now this will become an inspirational story to tell others one day when you have achieved your success! Also remember that failure could mean the birth of something new, and better for your journey.

8. Be grateful for the things you already have

When you feel grateful for the little things, you will instantly feel shift in your mood. When you wake up, start counting all your blessings, no matter how small – be it the toothpaste so you could brush your teeth, the bread on your table, or even the mere fact that you have a table to put your bread on! Remember, you are fortunate – someone else doesn't have these little luxuries. Don't take anything for granted. You are lucky.

9. Stop allowing criticism from others to get you down

When someone compliments us, we don't remember it. When they criticise us, we have sleepless nights trying to figure out how we can fix it! Accept that it is just one person's opinion – take what you need, and move on. Don't allow it to control you otherwise you'll just end up losing getting yourself down and it's just not worth it.

10. Realize that you have a choice to be positive today

It's a simple intention you set for yourself each day. When you open your eyes in the morning, make it your intention to say "Today is a great day!".

Remember, it's up to you to create your own experience.

Female Genital Mutilation, Your Vagina and Beautiful You

There’s so much more to it than you think

Your entire genital region is usually referred to as your vagina, but the vagina is just part of it. The outer portion is called the vulva – which includes the inner and outer labia, the clitoris, clitoral hood, and the opening to the urethra and vagina. The actual vagina is an internal structure, along with the other parts of the female reproductive system including the cervix, uterus, ovaries and Fallopian tubes (which are sometimes called the oviducts).

Women get ‘stiff’ too.

During intercourse, when you’re super turned on, we’re sure you know that certain things happen down there. Your clitoris engorges, your cervix widens, and your labia minora contains erectile tissue which gets slightly stiffer than normal. Having them cut is purely denying you the chance to enjoy yourself.

Sweating down there is normal

And is actually quite necessary. Below the skin of your labia and the hood of your clitoris, there are hundreds of teeny tiny little glands producing sweat and oil so that your lady bits don’t overheat or get damaged by friction.

The vagina is self-cleaning

And cleaning it with things like douchebags (this, not that) is not recommended by doctors. Your flower bud has colonies of mutually symbiotic flora and microorganisms that protect against dangerous microbes. Disrupting this balance can cause yeast infections, abnormal discharge, and more.

There are apparently over 200 names for your ‘special place’

These include passion flower, pink pearl, ya ya, fuzzy taco, crotch mackerel, cod canal, fuzzy lap flounder, yoni, warehouse of warmth, land down under, and chatterbox. And those are just the nice ones.

Each vagina has its own smell

The smell depends on a variety of factors, including the combination of normal bacteria that live in the vagina, diet, the types of fabric each woman wears, her level of hygiene, how much she sweats, and gland secretions. It can also change during the course of the day. After exercise, during menstruation, or after sex the vagina smells differently.

Masturbation is good for you

At least, it’s what most doctors say. It’s safe sex (but if you’re using sex toys, remember to clean them), it’s a stress reliever, and helps build pelvic floor muscles.

Do you really have a g-spot?

Most researchers believe that the little pleasure zone called the G-Spot is two to three inches inside the vagina, on the anterior wall (near the belly button), just under the urethra. But there are others who believe it doesn’t exist at all. The best person to know would be you.

The clitoris is purely for pleasure

Made up of over 8000 nerve endings (double the number in the penis), that little pink nub is a powerhouse for pleasure. Here’s how to use it to its full potential.

Woman can ejaculate too

Not all women can, but it is possible, and completely normal. During orgasm, some women release a milky fluid from the para-urethral glands inside the urethra. This results in what is termed as a ‘squirt’. And, of course, there is actually a record for the farthest distance that a woman has ejaculated: 3 metres.

Do not have it cut or mutilated if you ever had a choice. We don’t need to change the way we look down there. No to Female Genital Mutilation!

Women: Cheap ways to get your body in shape

Most of the people want to improve their health and stay in shape but will face tough task in order to maintain their regimen. There are number of ways out there to get a perfect body shape. Many of these ways will cost you more money.

Try these cheap and easy ways to a healthy body:

1. Go for walk:

It is one of the cheapest ways to stay in shape. Simple walk in the morning or evening is good for overall health. If you can walk regularly, you can control your weight, improves your mood, manages Type 2 diabetes and lowers the blood pressure levels.

2. Drink tons of water:

You have to drink at least five litters of water every day in order to stay healthy. Water regulates body temperature and help in excreting urine and other poisons items from body. Water also helps in protecting body from shocks, injuries and frictions. Water is the cheapest liquid available in the world so make use of water.

3. Be natural:

Always prefer natural foods. As they contain more nutrients, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. Avoid unprocessed food as they contain toxins which are bad to your health.

4. Plan your portions:

Many people eat too much, gain weight and join in weight reduction programs. To avoid all these plan your portions well before you eat.

5. Take steps instead of elevator:

If possible take steps instead of elevator as it is one form of exercise. Most of the people are identifying the importance of taking steps and avoiding the elevator.

6. Sugar is you enemy:

If you love sweets, candy and cookies minimize them for your own safety. According to new survey eating too much sugary items can affect your immune system, causes tooth decay and other adverse health problems.

7. Eat at home:

Any item which made in home nearly 50 % of the cost of hotel. It is every economical to cook with your own hands in your own home. You will have full awareness on cleanliness standards as you prepare in home.

8. Stay away from salty foods:

Excess intake of salty foods will show adverse effects on your health. It is closely linked with blood pressure, hypertension and stroke.

9. Start exercising:

Regular exercise is very important to stay in shape as it controls your body weight, improves quality of life and strengthens muscles.

10. Buy fitness book or use the internet

This is also one of the cheap way to stay fit. If you crawl through web, you will find loads of information regarding health. Buy a good fitness book to know the ways of staying healthy and fit.

Check out are there any free wellness programs, low cost exercise tips and free gym access

You can a hire a personal trainer to get your body in shape. If you can’t afford to hire a personal instructor, you can apply for same day loans which are easy to apply.

Ladies Beware: Harmful Beauty Products

The simple beauty routines you follow on a day to day basis could be responsible for some of your worst health problems.

Yes, it’s a scary thought, and while many of us simply can’t do without some of these products, it would be wise to practise some caution when using them. Here’s a list of some beauty products that could be bad for your health:

Skin Lighteners

There are certain skin lightening creams that contain poisonous amounts of mercury and other heavy metals. Checking the labels of the facial creams you use may save you from some scary side effects, such as memory loss and impaired vision and hearing.

Lipstick

Certain lipsticks are known to contain dangerous levels of lead, which is detrimental to your health when ingested.

And even though some of the best lipstick brands have been known to contain lead, there is no safe level of lead that can be used in products.

The best way to avoid it, is by trying to keep from licking your lips or swallowing bits of your lipstick (which is very possible).

Nail polish

Many trendy nail polishes contain over 30 toxic chemicals. In worst case scenarios, some of these have been known to lead to birth defects and infertility.

What’s even worse is that getting your nails done at a nail bar or salon can cause a number of infections if the equipment isn’t sterilised properly.

Always make sure that your salon is clean and sterile, and try to buy products that are non-toxic.

Mascara

Bacteria can easily be found on mascara wands that are more than three months old. Most mascaras do contain preservatives that kill bacteria, but they don’t last forever and have been known to expire after about 3 months.

So, if yours is more than three months old, perhaps it’s time to consider a new one!

Eye shadow

Because eye shadow is applied so closely to the eye, infections can easily be transferred. Old and un-cleaned make-up carries a higher risk of giving you an infection, so always make sure to keep yours hygienic.

Fake Tans

Spray tans may seem to be a safer option to tanning beds, but they too have their hazards. Self-tanning sprays are known to contain DHA which is highly toxic to the skin.

The ingredient reacts to the skins amino acids and can over time cause changes in the skins pigmentation.

Stay away from any form of tanning!

Look great and you will think great.

Circumcision: The other side

What is Male Circumcision?

Male circumcision is the surgical removal of some or all of the foreskin (or prepuce) from the penis.

Male Circumcision and Risk for HIV Acquisition by Heterosexual Men

Several types of research have documented that male circumcision significantly reduces the risk of men contracting HIV through penile-vaginal sex.

Biologic Plausibility

Compared with the dry external skin surface of the glans penis and penile shaft, the inner mucosa of the foreskin has less keratinization (deposition of fibrous protein) and a higher density of target cells for HIV infection. Some laboratory studies have shown the foreskin is more susceptible to HIV infection than other penile tissue, although others have failed to show any difference in the ability of HIV to penetrate inner compared with outer foreskin surface. The foreskin may also have greater susceptibility to traumatic epithelial disruptions (tears) during intercourse, providing a portal of entry for pathogens, including HIV. In addition, the microenvironment in the preputial sac between the unretracted foreskin and the glands penis may be conducive to viral survival. Finally, the presence of other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), which independently may be more common in uncircumcised men, increase the risk for HIV acquisition.

International Observational Studies for Prevention of HIV Acquisition by Heterosexual Men

A systematic review and meta-analysis that focused on male circumcision and heterosexual transmission of HIV in Africa was published in 2000. It included 19 cross-sectional studies, 5 case-control studies, 3 cohort studies, and 1 partner study. A substantial protective effect of male circumcision on risk for HIV infection was noted, along with a reduced risk for genital ulcer disease. After adjustment for confounding factors in the population-based studies, the relative risk for HIV infection was 44% lower in circumcised men. The strongest association was seen in men at high risk, such as patients at STD clinics, for whom the adjusted relative risk was 71% lower for circumcised men.

Another review that included stringent assessment of 10 potential confounding factors and that was stratified by study type or study population was published in 2003. Most of the studies were from Africa. Of the 35 observational studies in the review, the 16 in the general population had inconsistent results. The one large prospective cohort study in this group showed a significant protective effect: The odds of infection were 42% lower for circumcised men. The remaining 19 studies were conducted in populations at high risk. These studies found a consistent, substantial protective effect, which increased with adjustment for confounding. Each of the four cohort studies included in the review demonstrated a protective effect, and two were statistically significant.

Ecologic studies also indicate a strong association between lack of male circumcision and HIV infection at the population level. Although links among circumcision, culture, religion, and risk behaviour may account for some of the differences in HIV infection prevalence, the countries in Africa and Asia with prevalence of male circumcision of less than 20% have HIV infection prevalences several times higher than those in countries in these regions where more than 80% of men are circumcised.

International Clinical Trials for Prevention of HIV Acquisition by Heterosexual Men

Three randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) were conducted in Africa to determine whether circumcision of adult males reduces their risk for HIV infection. The controlled follow-up period in all three studies was stopped early, and the control group offered circumcision when interim analyses found that medical circumcision significantly reduced male participants' HIV infection risk. The controlled follow-up period in the study in South Africa was stopped in 2005, and the controlled follow-up periods for the studies in Kenya and Uganda were stopped in 2006.

In these studies, men who had been randomly assigned to the circumcision group had a 60% (South Africa), 53% (Kenya), and 51% (Uganda) lower incidence of HIV infection compared with men assigned to the wait-list group to be circumcised at the end of the study. In all three studies, a small number of men who had been assigned to be circumcised did not undergo the procedure; likewise, a small number of men assigned to the control groups did undergo circumcision. When the data were reanalysed to account for these occurrences, men who had been circumcised had a 76% (South Africa), 60% (Kenya), and 55% (Uganda) reduction in risk for HIV infection compared with those who were not circumcised.

A 2008 meta-analysis, which examined data from the three RCTs, as well as from cohort and case-control studies, found that HIV risk was reduced 58% in circumcised men (overall risk ratio [RR], 0.42; 95% confidence interval .The authors concluded that the studies provided enough evidence to conclude that circumcision causes a reduction in transmission of HIV-1 infection.

Male Circumcision and Other Health Conditions

Carcinogenic subtypes of human papillomavirus (HPV)—which are believed to cause 100% of cervical cancers, 90% of anal cancers, and 40% of cancers of the penis, vulva, and vagina —have also been associated with lack of circumcision in men. A Ugandan RCT found a lower prevalence of high-risk HPV subtypes among men in the circumcised group. In a South African trial, circumcision was also associated with a lower prevalence of high-risk HPV subtypes. These prevalence associations may result from an effect of circumcision on HPV acquisition by men, its persistence, or both. The Ugandan RCT also found incidence of high-risk HPV infection among women to be lower among those with circumcised male partners.

The lifetime risk for a U.S. male of ever being diagnosed with penile cancer is 1 in 1,437. In a retrospective analysis of 89 cases of invasive penile cancer diagnosed from 1954 through 1997, 98% were in uncircumcised men; of 118 cases of carcinoma in situ, 84% were in uncircumcised men. Schoen published a retrospective review of 5 studies with 592 cases of invasive penile cancer in the United States; none of the cases were in men who had been circumcised in infancy.

In a meta-analysis of male circumcision status and cervical cancer in female partners, data from 7 case-control studies were pooled. Circumcision was associated with significantly less HPV infection in men. In an analysis restricted to monogamous women, there was a nonsignificant reduction in the odds of having cervical cancer among women with circumcised partners. When the couples with men with 5 or fewer lifetime partners (40% of the study population) were excluded, there was a significantly reduced odds of cervical cancer in female partners of circumcised men compared with the female partners of uncircumcised men.

Overall, UTIs are not common among male infants, with estimates of the annual rate of UTI in uncircumcised infants being 0.70% versus 0.18% for circumcised infants.

Data from clinical trials also provides evidence that circumcision is significantly associated with decreased incidence of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). The Ugandan trial also found that male circumcision may reduce self-reported genital ulcer disease in men. In female partners of circumcised men, evidence from the trials showed a significant reduction of female genital ulceration, bacterial vaginosis, and trichomoniasis.

Results from observational studies have been mixed but have found lower risk for some STDs in circumcised men. A 2006 meta-analysis included 26 studies that assessed the association between male circumcision and risk for male genital ulcer disease. The analysis concluded that, overall, there was a significantly lower risk for syphilis (however, an RCT showed that syphilis was not reduced) and chancroid among circumcised men, whereas the reduced risk of herpes simplex virus type 2 infection had a borderline statistical significance .

Risks Associated with Male Circumcision

Reported complication rates depend on the type of study (e.g., chart review vs. prospective study), setting (medical vs. nonmedical facility), person operating (traditional vs. medical practitioner), patient age (infant vs. adult), and surgical technique or instrument used.

In large studies of infant circumcision in the United States, reported inpatient complication rates are approximately 0.2%. The most common complications are bleeding and infection, which are usually minor and easily managed.

A recent meta-analysis of 16 prospective studies from diverse settings worldwide that evaluated complications following neonatal, infant, and child male circumcision found that median frequency of severe adverse events was 0% (range, 0%-2%). The median frequency of any complication was 1.5% (range, 0%-16%). Male circumcision by medical providers on children tended to be associated with more complications (median frequency, 6%; range, 2%-14%) than for neonates and infants.

In the three African trials of adult circumcision, complication rates for adult male circumcision ranged from 2% to 8%. The most commonly reported complications were pain, bleeding, infection, and unsatisfactory appearance. There were no reported deaths or long-term effects documented.

Minimizing pain is an important consideration for male circumcision. Appropriate use of analgesia is considered standard of care for the procedure at all ages and can substantially control pain. One study found that 93.5% of neonates circumcised in the first week of life using analgesia gave no indication of pain on an objective, standardized neonatal pain rating system.

Effects of Male Circumcision on Penile Sensation and Sexual Function

Well-designed studies of sexual sensation and function in relation to male circumcision are few, and the results present a mixed picture. Taken as a whole, the studies suggest that some decrease in sensitivity of the glans to fine touch can occur following circumcision. However, several studies conducted among men after adult circumcision suggest that few men report their sexual functioning is worse after circumcision; most report either improvement or no change. The three African trials found high levels of satisfaction among the men after circumcision.

HIV Infection and Male Circumcision in the United States

The United States has a much lower population prevalence of HIV infection (0.4%) than sub-Saharan Africa [53], and an epidemic that is concentrated among men who have sex with men, rather than men who have sex with women. In 2006, it is estimated that approximately 56,300 new HIV infections occurred, of which 73% were in males. Of all new infections, 53% were in MSM, 31% in heterosexuals with reported high risk of exposure, 12% in injection drug users (IDUs), and 4% in MSM-IDUs. Among men, 72% of estimated new infections occurred in the male-to-male sexual contact transmission category, while heterosexual transmission accounted for 13%.

In one prospective study of heterosexual men attending an urban STD clinic, when other risk factors were controlled, uncircumcised men had a 3.5-fold higher risk for HIV infection than men who were circumcised. However, this association was not statistically significant due to small sample size. And in an analysis of clinic records for African American men attending an STD clinic, circumcision was not associated with HIV status overall, but among heterosexual men with known HIV exposure, circumcision was associated with a statistically significant 58% reduction in risk for HIV infection.

Summary

Male circumcision reduces the risk that a man will acquire HIV from an infected female partner, and also lowers the risk of other STDs, penile cancer, and infant urinary tract infection. Although male circumcision has risks including pain, bleeding, and infection, more serious complications are rare.

Of late health ministers in Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Botswana where HIV/AIDS is most prevalent have been encouraging adult men to go for circumcision because there is evidence it reduces the risk of the disease. The same could not be said of FGM.

Coping with infidelity in a relationship

My book Married to a Devil looks at the mental and physical consequences of infidelity in relationships among other things. Let’s face it; this can happen to anybody at any stage in a relationship.

Betrayal and infidelity are a reality. Although the motives and reasons for betrayal may vary, the results will most likely bear similar consequences.

Current statistics show that cases of infidelity are in fact on the increase. Reliable survey results are hard to come by as several factors inhibit the accurate collection of data. Given the sensitive nature of such studies, people are reluctant to openly admit their marital escapades.

Furthermore, cultural variations about what actually constitutes infidelity as well as complex socio-economic and ethnic factors are amongst the challenging aspects that researchers in this field have to contend with.

The reasons why infidelity appears to be very much alive in today’s world, and perhaps even on the increase, are many and diverse; anthropologists might argue the proven fact that most mammals are not monogamous, religious people might argue that the dwindling of values, estrangement from god and decadence has led to this state and others still blame the changing gender roles that has characterized this age.

Coping strategies for infidelity

The Othello syndrome, although rare in its extreme form, is a clinically established syndrome and is characterized by morbid or obsessive jealousy.

What Shakespeare’s character teaches us is that those who consistently doubt the integrity and fidelity of their partner and search for signs of infidelity will begin seeing those signs in place where they do not exist.

Often, the results of jealousy are catastrophic as it feeds obsession thoughts. If you do suspect infidelity, make sure to have all the right evidence in hand.

Do not ignore the signs. As heart wrenching and difficult as it may be to face, you need to come face to face with that facts.

Do not try to accept or hide what you already know by trying to “save the marriage” or “doing it for the kids”. Your unhappiness could affect your ability to parent your children well and cripple your emotional well being. Children are far more perceptive than you may think and moreover, if your partner is having an affair there is nothing to save.

Facing the music and confronting your partner does not mean breaking up the marriage.

The first step in dealing with the issue if in fact, seeking help, perhaps marriage counselling. You need to understand what drove you apart and what made your partner have a relationship.

Once you understand the motives, you might be able to patch things up by working at the underlying issues that gave rise to those motives.

If you think your marriage or relationship will break up begin by protecting yourself financially. If he is seeing another woman he is likely spending money on her.

If the relationship with you does end, he may legally be obliged to maintain you but find as many ways as possible of getting out of it. It might be time to take legal measures.

Forget who he or she might be – whoever is having an affair with your husband, wife or partner is not the issue. The issue is between you and your partner.

Don’t build up hostility and hatred towards somebody you probably do not even know. Yes, that person behaved in an appalling manner but the issue at hand is the life you have built with your husband or wife, boyfriend or girl friend.

Do you feel the need to vent out with your family and friends?

Be careful. Of course, you need to discuss what is happening with somebody but you might wish to seek the help of a psychologist. Now this is ultimately your choice but keep in mind the following. Once you have told your family or friends, they will likely build a grudge if not a hatred towards him that will be hard to wipe away should you patch things up. So if you do patch things up, the animosity between your family and friends and your cheating partner might make relationship dynamics very complicated.

Bad Winter Habits to be aware of

Eating comfort foods

Bad diet habits during winter tend to be a common issue, but be aware that eating foods with too much sugar, or fat, and not enough fruit and vegetables can harm your immune system. You could also gain weight, which can put you at risk of many diseases such as obesity and heart-related problems in the long run. Follow this routine to stay healthy this winter and after.

Not doing any exercise

In winter people become lazy when it comes to exercise, and a chilly wind or gust of rain can undermine your best intentions. It’s obvious that you will gain weight and you’re at risk of various diseases in the future. Walk (outdoors or on a treadmill) at least 20 minutes a day and that will help your immune system to perform better to fight flu and colds.

Sleeping for too long

Winter is sometimes a good reason to change our sleeping patterns. We tend to go sleep earlier than usual and wake up later, blaming it to the miserable weather. But research links sleeping too much with increased risk of diabetes and heart disease. It is better to stick to a regular sleep routine.

Spending too much time indoors

We might find it important to stay indoors at all times during winter because of the cold, but houses might not be well-ventilated, so dust, smoke and odours re-circulate. Get out in the sun (if it’s around) as it will help to keep your spirits up. Do not forget to open the windows for fresh air every now and then.

Drinking less water

Coffee and tea are popular drinks on cold winter days, and often people do not drink enough water, which could lead to dehydration. Weight management begins with good hydration and since water weakens the appetite stimuli, it helps to reduce fat deposits. Water plays an important role in regulating all body functions. If you crave the comfort of a warm drink, try warm water with a slice of lemon.

Look after yourself!

HIV/AIDS: Just a reminder

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infects cells of the immune system

Infection results in the progressive deterioration of the immune system, breaking down the body's ability to fend off some infections and other diseases. AIDS (Acquired immune deficiency syndrome) refers to the most advanced stages of HIV infection, defined by the occurrence of any of more than 20 opportunistic infections or related cancers.

HIV can be transmitted in several ways

HIV can be transmitted through: unprotected sexual intercourse (vaginal or anal) or oral sex with an infected person; transfusions of contaminated blood; the sharing of contaminated needles, syringes or other sharp instruments; the transmission between a mother and her baby during pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding.

34 million people live with HIV worldwide

The vast majority are in low- and middle-income countries. An estimated 2.5 million people were newly infected with the virus in 2011.

About 25 million people have died to date. An estimated 1.7 million people died of HIV/AIDS in 2011.

Combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) prevents the HIV virus from multiplying in the body

If the reproduction of the HIV virus stops, then the body's immune cells are able to live longer and provide the body with protection from infections. If the HIV positive partner in a couple is on ART, the likelihood of sexual transmission to the HIV-negative partner decreases dramatically.

Over 8 million HIV-positive people had access to ART in low- and middle-income countries at the end of 2011

Overall, the coverage of ART in low- and middle-income countries continued to increase and was 54% of the close to 15 million people eligible for treatment.

An estimated 3.34 million children are living with HIV

According to 2011 figures most of the children live in sub-Saharan Africa and were infected by their HIV-positive mothers during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding. Over 900 children become newly infected with HIV each day.

Mother-to-child-transmission of HIV is almost entirely avoidable

Access to preventive interventions remains limited in most low- and middle-income countries. But progress has been made. In 2011, 57% of pregnant women living with HIV received the most effective drug regimens (as recommended by WHO) to prevent mother-to-child transmission of the virus

HIV is the strongest risk factor for developing active TB disease

In 2011, approximately 430 000 deaths from tuberculosis occurred among people living with HIV. That is one quarter of the estimated 1.7 million deaths from HIV in that year. The majority of people living with both HIV and TB reside in sub-Saharan Africa (about 79% of cases worldwide).

There are several ways to prevent HIV transmission

Key ways to prevent HIV transmission: practice safe sexual behaviors such as using condoms; get tested and treated for sexually transmitted infections, including HIV; avoid injecting drugs, or if you do, always use new and disposable needles and syringes; ensure that any blood or blood products that you might need are tested for HIV.

5 ways to keep your cool when counting to 10 no longer works

Here are 5 ways to keep your cool when counting to 10 no longer works…

1. Distance yourself.

Get space and take a timeout from the person or circumstance that is fuelling your frustration. Sometimes a break is all that is required as it gives you an opportunity to think before you act and it gives you time to rationalize the situation so when the time is right, you can deal with it better.

2. Be non-confrontational.

Go ahead and express your feelings constructively. It may be hard at first, but bear in mind that an unnecessary outburst can only make your situation worse.

3. Think before you speak.

When we’re angry, it’s easy to say things – often on impulse - that we don’t actually mean. Once you’re calm, rather grab a pen and paper and jot down everything you want to say first.

4. Avoid resentment.

Begrudging will only make dealing with issues more difficult. Learn to forgive. It’s an instant mood-enhancer.

5. Laugh about it.

Seriously. Making light of a trivial situation will ease your tension and release pent-up stress. Also, try to avoid sarcasm and cynicism when talking about what bothers you. It’s petty and doesn’t help your cause

Womanly habits to break

From carrying heavy handbags to wearing crippling heels, here are some womanly habits you should try to break.

Wearing heels

More and more of us are opting to wear heels on a daily basis, and this could be bad news for our health. High heels affect our posture, put pressure on joints, and can lead to a range of conditions including arthritis, hammer toes, back pain and tendon injuries – and that’s before you take into account any heel-related accidents! To minimise damage, limit your heels to 1.5 inches for daily wear, and wear insoles to help reduce the pressure on joints.

Carrying a heavy handbag

With the rising number of gadgets and accessories the majority of women haul around, many of us are carrying around several pounds of weight on our shoulders every day. As a result, lots of us are also putting our long term health at risk. While you may not feel the effects right now, lugging around a heavy handbag can lead to serious back problems and neck pain as well as poor posture. Don’t wait until the damage is done – do your health a favour and try clearing out all non-essential items and switching to a smaller bag.

Sleeping in makeup

Most of us have succumbed to the temptation to sleep in our post-party makeup at some point. However, leaving makeup on overnight – along with the dirt and oil that naturally accumulates on skin throughout the day –is a quick route to clogged pores, congested skin and spots. Sleeping with mascara and eye makeup on can also affect your health by causing eye irritation, bloodshot eyes or even infection.

Matching men drink for drink

From networking drinks to first dates and social events, there are many instances when women may feel compelled to keep up with the drinking habits of the opposite sex. However, women not only tend to weigh less than men but they have less body water to dilute the alcohol, which means they tend to get more drunk more quickly. To minimise the risks of alcohol on your health, try to keep within the recommended guidelines for alcohol consumption and alternate alcohol with soft drinks.

Wearing the wrong bra size

It’s never too late to make changes.

Are you depressed?

First things first. You are not weak or crazy and you have nothing to be ashamed about. Clinical depression is a real, and not very rare psychological condition, and it can be treated very effectively.

If you are feeling powerless, don't despair. With the right treatment you can get your life back. The following symptoms shouldn't be treated as a diagnosis, but merely as a guideline to help you decide if this might not be just a slump you're going through.

Things you used to enjoy seem empty and meaningless

You've lost interest in your hobbies, work and relationships. Fun pastimes like socialising, reading, watching movies etc. don’t seem to distract or entertain you. Try as you might, all the things you always loved doing suddenly seem hollow.

Mornings and late afternoons are the worst

You wake up in the mornings feeling tired and unable to face the day. Even small things, like washing your hair or picking something up from the drycleaners seem like enormous tasks. After you've showered and dragged yourself to work you may start feeling better. You do your daily chores with more energy, but when you get home and the sun sets you feel lethargic, incompetent or anxious. In short, you experience the "Sunday night blues" seven days of the week.

Change in eating patterns

You've either lost interest in food because everything tastes like sawdust in your mouth or you've suddenly started scarfing anything that's not nailed down to the table. Your favourite dish has lost all appeal or you'll find yourself eating an entire loaf of bread just for the sake of it. This is most easily identified by sudden weight loss or weight gain.

You experience a disconnect with other people

Try as you might you just can't seem to interact normally with other people. You feel separated from your loved ones and alienated from the rest of society. You have that nagging teenage feeling that nobody understands you. The good news is, you may be right! But a doctor, psychologist or psychiatrist will.

You have morbid fantasies and court the idea of self-harm

You might not consider suicide directly, but every now and then sneaking thoughts of a tragic accident that will End It All pop up in your conscious mind. If these are more than sneaking thoughts, and if you begin to believe that death is your only way out, get up NOW and phone your doctor.

It feels as if your situation is hopeless, but trust me, and millions of other people who have suffered from this, it's not. Get help, get your life back.

Fussy Eaters and how to deal with them

If there’s one thing every parent of young children understands it’s the frustration of trying to get their kids to eat a balanced diet. You begin with noble ideals – my children will only eat organic, they won’t eat sugar, this is a no-preservative household – only to break all your own rules because you’d rather your child eat something than nothing at all. And it just so happens that the only thing you kid will eat at the moment is mashed potatoes and jelly beans.

Some children have a lot of trouble adapting to new flavours and textures when it comes to food. Understanding that it’s anxiety and fear that’s fuelling the fussy eating (and not bloody-mindedness, although that comes into play too) can go a long way to allaying your own frustrations. The more you focus on getting the child to eat, the more anxious he or she can become, and the less likely they are to clean their plates.

Experts suggest that getting children involved with the shopping and cooking process is a good way for them to learn about different foods, and take an interest in them. The following can help make food less intimidating for kids:

Do family shopping trips. Ask your child to pick a new type of food each time to encourage trying new things. Talk to them about vegetables and fruit and why they’re good for growing bodies. Research the facts so you can fuel your child’s mind as well as body.

Give your child a role in the kitchen, be it stirring the pot or washing the lettuce or helping grate cheese, if they’re old enough. A child is more likely to want to eat a meal they helped contribute to making because they feel a sense of ownership over it.

Try not to shout or get angry. If your child was having trouble learning to swim, you’d be encouraging when they did something right and offer consolation when they weren’t feeling so confident. Approach eating the same way.

Set a good example. By eating well, enjoying your healthy choices and explaining your food choices to your child, he or she will soon want to emulate you and feel included in the fun.

Despite your best efforts, some kids remain stubbornly reluctant to eat properly. In this instance, the best thing to do would be to invest in a good nutritional supplement to ensure your kid gets all the vitamins vital for healthy development.

Eat your way to a better beard

There’s not too much you can do about a receding hairline, other than curse your gene pool. But facial hair is a different story. The condition of your facial hair directly corresponds to the health of your body. The same nutrients that have a positive effect on our heart and other major organs also benefit our skin and hair.

In other words, you can literally eat yourself to a shinier, smoother, more healthy-looking beard.

Vitamin A and beta carotene

How they better your beard: Vitamin A maintains and repairs skin tissue. And keeping your skin healthy allows for better hair growth .Beta carotene is a nutrient that your body converts to vitamin A. Since it’s found in foods that are lower in saturated fats than those that are rich in vitamin A, you’re better off eating foods that are high in beta carotene.

Where to find them: Vitamin A is present in milk, cheese, butter and egg yolks. Beta carotene is found in yellow and orange produce (e.g., carrots, pumpkin, sweet potatoes and papayas) and leafy green veggies (e.g., spinach and kale).

Vitamins C and E

How they better your beard: Vitamins C and E promote the production of sebum, a natural oil that is produced by our bodies and lubricates and moisturizes hair, making it look thicker and more lush. Additionally, vitamin C assists in the growth of bodily tissues, including those that comprise our skin and hair follicles.

Where to find them: Citrus fruits, green peppers and broccoli are good sources of vitamin C. Wheat germ oil, almonds, sunflower seeds, safflower oil, peanut butter, corn oil, spinach, broccoli, mangoes and spinach all contain high amounts of vitamin E.

Protein

How it betters your beard: Our skin and hair are composed primarily of keratin, a structural protein made up of amino acids. We don’t produce amino acids on our own; instead, we need to eat protein, which the body then converts to amino acids.

Where to find it: Fill up on fish, lean meats, poultry, eggs, rice, beans and milk.

Vitamins B6, B12 and BIOTIN

How they better your beard: B vitamins help your body synthesize the protein you eat so it can be used to build new skin cells and hair. Getting enough B vitamins, also helps reduce stress and prevent hair loss.

Where to find them: Fish, poultry, leans meats, eggs, nuts, and whole grains such as brown rice and oatmeal are chock-full of B vitamins. Foods that are rich in B12 include beef, milk, cheese and wheat germ.

Omega-3 fatty acids

How they better your beard: Essential fatty acids are just that: essential to normal growth, including that of facial hair. They also protect cell membranes, helping to prevent your whiskers from getting dry and brittle.

Where to find them: Make sure flax seed oil, walnuts and fatty fish (e.g., salmon) find their way into your diet.

Want to make your beard even more beautiful? Of course you do! Supplementing the above foods with a multivitamin, or with any of the individual nutrients listed above, might do the trick. Just don’t overdo it: Your body will excrete any extra water-soluble vitamins (e.g., vitamin C or B12), but it’ll hold on to extra fat-soluble vitamins (e.g., vitamin A). Excessive doses of vitamin A could actually lead to hair loss. Ask your doctor to recommend a proper dosage, and you’ll soon be on your way to winning whiskers.

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