Sexual healing

The "sex glow." Carrie Bradshaw and her Sex and the City trio may be the champions of detecting it, getting it and keeping it, but you don't need a closetful of Prada to appreciate the rosy radiance that follows a pleasant sexual encounter. The fact is, sex leaves its mark, not just on the mind but on the body as well. Researchers have begun to explore its effects on almost every part of the body, from the brain to the heart to the immune system.

Studies are showing that arousal and an active sex life may lead to a longer life, better heart health, an improved ability to ward off pain, a more robust immune system and even protection against certain cancers, not to mention lower rates of depression. (Full story)

Why aren't you losing weight?

It’s frustrating: You watch what you eat, rarely binge, don’t snack late at night… but still you’re not losing weight. And even when you do lose weight, it often seems to creep back on. While you’re probably on the right path, you may accidentally be making some common weight loss missteps. So what are you doing wrong? Perhaps you’re falling into these seven diet traps...

Every year thousands of people swear to themselves, “I’m going to lose weight by summer.” You didn't quite reach your goals last year, so you're tackling the same resolution again this year. Will you find the holy grail of weight loss? Or will your skinny jeans stay tucked in the back of your closet all year? (Full story)

Sex etiquette 101

We tend to think about good manners in terms of holding open doors, saying “Please” and “Thank you,” using the right fork in a fancy restaurant, chewing with our mouths closed. But manners matter in bed too – even when we’re behaving like animals. Read on for 10 common sexual scenarios and the proper etiquette for dealing with them…

“Etiquette is about treating people considerately, respectfully and honestly,” explains Peter Post, a director of the Emily Post Institute and author of Essential Manners For Couples: From Snoring and Sex to Finances and Fighting Fair – What Works, What Doesn’t and Why (Collins, 2005). “The most important thing we can do is to be considerate and respectful of our partner. And that is why etiquette matters in the bedroom.” (Full story)

What is healthy sex?

Sexual energy is a powerful, very natural force in our lives. But like any natural force we encounter -- be it wind, sun, rain, or our own laughter -- our sexual energy has the potential to be channeled and experienced in either destructive or life-affirming ways.

Healthy sex involves the conscious, positive expression of our sexual energy in ways that enhance self-esteem, physical health, and emotional relationship. It is mutually beneficial and harms no one. (Full story)

Dynamic sex: Unlocking the Secret to Love

Premarital sex can detract from a strong relationship and a dynamic sex life. All too often, premarital sex ends up a self-seeking, self-gratifying experience. After intercourse, one partner might be saying "I love you" while the other is thinking "I love it."

Very often premarital sex occurs in the absence of total and permanent commitment. This can bring insecurity into the relationship. Both short- and long-range problems can result, especially with the breakdown in trust. For instance, while the couple is unmarried, there can always be the nagging thought, "If s/he's done it with me, whom else have they slept with?" After they marry, one might think, "If that person was willing to break a standard with me before we married, how do I know they won't now that we are married?" Doubt and suspicion can chip away at their relationship. (Full story)

Secrets to a healthy sex life

Cynthia Watson, M.D., author of Love Potions: A Guide to Aphrodisiacs and Sexual Pleasures, agrees that a healthy sex life and overall good health are intrinsically linked. "Sex makes you relax, relieves stress, connects you intimately with another person, and produces endorphins, the body's natural pain relievers. Plus, I believe sex helps the immune system function better."

Watson notes that besides the physiological explanations, the mind/body connection is important as well. "Basically, sexual pleasure is good for your health. It's relaxing; it alleviates stress. We all know that stress is a factor in heart disease, and it can also impair white cell function, part of the immune system's ability to fight off sickness. Anything you can do to combat stress is good for you. Likewise, when you're happier, you have less of a chance for developing disease." (Full story)

A healthy sex life: 10 reasons to make love

Evidence points to the many health benefits of an active sex life. Sex Made Easy, an article published in Men's Health Magazine, gives 10 healthy reasons to hop into bed -- a reminder that making love is good for both body and soul.
1. Exercise.
2. Heavy Breathing.
3. Strong Bones and Muscles.
4. Lowered Cholesterol.
5. Pain Relief.
6. DHEA -- Without Supplements.
7. Prostate Protection.
8. Stress Relief.
9. Love Will Keep Us Together.
10. Hormones -- Naturally. (Full story)