Health Blog

A healthy body and a sound mind

Is Sex without a Wife’s Consent Considered Rape?

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husband and wife

Rape is one of the most common crimes committed against women and one that has a devastating effect. It is a sexual act done without the consent of the victim. Quite often, though, this is committed by men who may not have any personal relationship with the woman involved.

Among married couples these days, many wives have complained about being raped by their spouses. For them, they feel they become a victim of rape when their husband forces them to have sex without their consent or permission.

Marital rape is an issue faced by numerous wives worldwide. It is considered an intimate partner violence wherein the spouse attempts to establish control over the other. In fact, studies have shown that this form of rape is more traumatizing physically and emotionally compared to rape committed by a stranger. [Read more…]

How Sitting Can Kill You

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Sitting. It is such an ubiquitous activity that we never really think about it in relation to our health.

 

sitting death

 

Of course you probably already know that sitting hunched over in front of your computer for hours on end without taking a break leads to much physical discomfort, particularly cramped legs and backaches. But like most people, you probably figured that with a good chair and proper sitting position you can beat the problems that sitting brings. Unfortunately research shows that prolonged sitting, no matter how comfortable your position may be, still leads to serious health risks.

[Read more…]

Stem Cell Therapy for the Face: Is It Safe and Worth It?

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Stem cell treatment is all the raves today. But while it is useful in treating certain health conditions, it is most popularly used in facial treatments that aim to make older people look young again.

stem cell therapy face

It’s confirmed and it’s in the news that cosmetic surgeons these days are now widely using stem cells to make women look younger. What makes the therapy attractive to women is the fact that it involves a non-invasive procedure which means less or even no pain at all.

Known as the stem cell facelift, the procedure involves the process of injecting grafted fat aimed at make the skin look plump and youthful. But before this can proceed, a liposuction is needed to harvest fat which contains stem cells from either the inner thighs or the stomach. The fluid from the fat is then removed and once grafted, is injected in hollow areas of the face such as the cheeks and around the eyes. [Read more…]

Cycling Overtaking Marathons as Peak Fitness Challenge

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Thanks in part to the increasing popularity of cycling as a sport as well as its physiological advantages, riding bikes has become a much more popular form of exercise over the past decade. Now, whether on stationary cycles or out on America’s roadways, millions of people are turning to cycling as their preferred form of cardiovascular exercise.

Cyclists racing
Cyclists racing

If you’re interested in getting involved, you’ll want to review a variety of considerations to make sure you’re equipped in both mental and material ways for the road ahead. Cycling is enjoyable at all ages and regardless of your physical fitness level, but you’ll need to invest yourself into the activity if you want to get the most out of it.

The rise of cycling

While cycling is more often seen on television and covered in sports media, the main reason for its spike in popularity is the increasing medical evidence touting the health benefits of cycling. While walking, running and other activities remain popular, some of these activities can increase stress on the body, particularly on the joints. Cycling manages to provide an intense cardio workout without stressing joints — the fluid motion of pedaling and the lack of repetitive impacts between the body and the ground conspire to provide a form of exercise that’s amenable even to people with chronic joint problems.

And thanks to this rise in popularity, competitive bike rides are becoming more common and are being offered at a variety of distances to give riders of all skill levels an opportunity to participate. The new trend is rivaling, if not surpassing, the marathon craze that came before it.

Getting started

Step one in getting involved in cycling requires choosing a specific genre. While road biking may be more common, some riders prefer mountain biking or other off-road biking challenges. Choosing your biking genre will determine which bikes best suit your needs.

You’ll also need to find a bike that fits your measurements perfectly — typically, your inseam is the most important measurement, and your torso length can affect the optimal length of the bike. Most bike shops are able to measure you and direct you toward the optimal bikes for your size.

Once you’ve selected a bike, you’ll need to outfit yourself with accessory equipment that you will inevitably turn to on your rides. In addition to a helmet and cycling shoes, you’ll also want a multi-tool kit that can be carried with you in the event of a breakdown. Consult a bike shop staff member for advice on other equipment that may be worth purchasing up-front.

Training

If you don’t want to ride alone, many communities have biking groups that you can use to make friends and draw fitness support from. In the winter months, check local fitness centers for spinning classes — this can also be a great way to get used to the physical exertion of biking before you hit the road. You might also see whether local bicycling clubs are open to new membership — this could help you connect with riders of a similar skill level. Connecting with other riders also makes these outings fun and feel less like a workout!

Racing

While racing isn’t something you should pursue right off the bat, it’s natural for many riders to want to test themselves in a bona fide competition. Your best bet is to start modestly and register in a race offering a distance you know you can surmount. In other words, don’t sign up for a 100-miler if you’re still gassed after 25.

Once you’ve been riding a while and get comfortable in the saddle, you’ll probably start noticing another great benefit of cycling: the views. Considering how much distance you can cover in a single day, you have the potential to take in a lot of beautiful scenery even in a single ride. That’s one perk that may help you forget about just how much effort you’re putting in to your ride.

Image Source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:EVD-ciclismoruta-006.jpg

Thomas is an avid cycling and health enthusiast. In his spare time, he enjoys blogging on behalf of Sears and other brands he loves.

Study Finds Flu Shot’s Double Benefits

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Nobody’s exempted from getting the flu. When the virus is around you and most especially when it’s the flu season, you might just get it.

Doctors say those who are not prone to getting it should not feel too confident because the virus can still strike you in the future. And when it enters your body, it can result in a few days of bed rest and medication or it could also make you seriously ill requiring hospitalization.

For this reason, medical experts recommend that children and adults get the flu shot as early as possible to provide them immunity throughout the flu season. More importantly, pregnant women, young children and the elderly should get vaccinated.
[Read more…]