OLX

OLX
Click Banner for Details

Friday, February 28, 2014

Romance Meets Life

Romance Meets Life

Weekend Medicine - Sex is Good For Pleasure and Can Cure Many Ailments Too

Posted: 28 Feb 2014 08:01 PM PST


Weekends are those glorious times of the week when we take care of those things we have pushed off — including, ahem, sex — during the week because of the pressure of work and also because of the need to wake up early and sleep late. Now that the weekend stares each of us in the face, it's also necessary to have a rough idea of what we will do in order to stay focused, healthy and totally revved up to meet the demands of the new week.


One physical activity that can help in this regard, researchers say, is getting down to 'business,' not necessarily to make babies, but really to unwind and let your partner feel your presence the right way all over.

Many long-married couples seem to miss out on the benefits of sex, which they, more often than not, push to the back of family agenda, especially when they are no longer trying for babies. Yet, scientists insist that sex has so many advantages that affect our health psychologically, mentally, physiologically… name it, and there you are. This part of our social life is so necessary to our overall wellbeing that researchers counsel us to indulge in it for up to three times in a week.

Scientists caution, though, that too much sex can also be detrimental to health. They warn that having sex more than thrice a week can weaken the immune system and make us susceptible to infections.

Again, researchers warn that only those in healthy, loving monogamous relationships could hope to reap the health benefits of sex. They say having risky sex with lots of partners will definitely do more harm than good.

Now, what are the advantages derivable from this physical gratification? Here…

Boosts circulation, brain power

Scientists at the Royal Australasian College of Physicians note that more blood moves through the blood vessels when you have sex, expressly cutting your risk of heart attack or stroke as a result. The researchers enthuse that sex releases certain feel-good hormones such as dehydroepiandrosterone and oxytocin, both of which play a huge role in pair bonding. In fact, because of its importance in love-making, oxytocin is variously referred to as the "love hormone," or "cuddle hormone" because it is released when people snuggle up or bond socially.

Cuts blood pressure and stress

For some of us, the time of stress is also the period we refrain from sex. Yet, a study by some scholars at the School of Sciences, University of Paisley, Scotland, reveals that sex not only lowers blood pressure, it also reduces stress.

The scientists argue that sex can improve mood and combat anxiety by reducing stress signals in the brain. They counsel that when you have sex, it lowers the levels of cortisol — the hormone that indicates high stress levels.

Relieves pain

A sexuality researcher at Rutgers University, Professor Emeritus Beverly Whipple, assures that good coition can relieve physical pain. The magic hormone, again, is oxytocin, which she describes as a natural chemical in the body that surges before and during climax. Again, she says, "the endorphins released during climax block pain signals from reaching the nervous system and thus are critical to maintaining optimum health."

Goodbye to colds!

A bout of colds can make you miserable for days. Not to worry though, researchers at Wilkes University in Pennsylvania, United States of America, found that "having sex once or twice a week increased the production of the immune-boosting antibody — immunoglobulin — by a third. Again, German scientists say copulation increases the white blood cells. The white blood cells are the cells of the immune system that are involved in defending the body against infectious diseases and foreign materials.

Heart attack? No more!

In 2002, British scientists carried out a study of large population of men, and concluded that frequent sexual intercourse can "shield you from fatal coronary events."

The researchers say men who have regular lovemaking are about "45 per cent less likely to develop life-threatening heart conditions than men who have sex once a month or less."

Another research by scientists at the New England Research Institute in Massachusetts and published in the American Journal of Cardiology, shows that "men who made love at least twice a week were much less likely to have heart disease than those whose sexual encounters were limited to once a month or less."

So, in addition to healthy eating, rev up your health with this other therapy and you are good to go!

Banish prostate cancer

Experts at the America-based National Cancer Institute counsel that men who successfully conclude a sexual activity at least five times a week were much less likely to get prostate cancer.

A reproductive endocrinologist, Prof. Oladapo Ashiru, says prostate cancer is the single most common cancer in men; while urologists warn that it's also the second deadliest cancer, next only to lung cancer. Yet, experts say a simple act of regular sexual intercourse can serve as a preventive measure.

According to a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, men who have sex at least thrice a week reduce by 15 per cent their prostate cancer risk.

Takes care of headaches

It's not all about men, as women also stand to benefit from this benevolent act. Researchers enthuse that the endorphins and corticosteroids released during sex have analgesic effects on the body, relieving the pain of headaches, arthritis, cramps and body aches.

"Endorphins are a natural painkiller," the researchers say; while "the production of oestrogen (which is also released during sex) in women may also ward off period pain."

Improves sleep

Those who find it difficult to sleep may also try this therapy, as experts say sex induces sleep as a result of the oxytocin that is released during the act. Of course, when you are able to obtain a restful sleep, your mental and physical health will improve.

No more incontinence

Incontinence is the inability to control urination. And although urinary incontinence affects both men and women, physicians say women are twice as likely as men to develop incontinence.

But then, you can guard against this embarrassing phenomenon by having sex. Scientists say this is achievable because the muscles that regulate the bladder receive a "workout" whenever you have sex, as the entire pelvic floor muscles contract while the exercise lasts.

Again, experts advise post-menopausal women to guard against vaginal atrophy by having regular sex. It will prevent likely complications and urinary tract infections, we are told.

__________
Culled from Punch

British Council in Nigeria Hosts the Lagos Theatre Festival this Weekend

Posted: 28 Feb 2014 07:39 PM PST


The British Council in Nigeria is hosting the Lagos Theatre Festival this weekend. Part theatrical experience, part real life and part city journey, the festival aims to transform the historic Freedom Park, a public space born out of the ruins of a colonial prison and reconstructed to preserve the history and cultural heritage of Nigeria with non-theatrical/ unconventional spaces, Fringe shows and Exhibitions.

Plays showing are:

'Make We Waka' by Look Left Look Right | 2 PM, 4 PM, 6 PM Daily

'Waiting for A Lottery' by Oxzygen Koncepts | 3 PM & 5 PM Daily

'Diagnosis' by Imagine Nigeria | 2.15 PM & 5.15 PM Daily

'Queen of the Night' by Renegade Theatre | 3.15 PM & 6.15 PM Daily



Date: Friday 28th February – Sunday 2nd March 2014

Time: 1 PM Daily

Venue: Freedom Park, Old Prison Road, Lagos Island, Lagos

Ticket Price: N2, 500 per play

Traditional Wedding Pictures - Ohimai Amaize and Tessy Oliseh in Unique Costume

Posted: 28 Feb 2014 02:22 PM PST


Ohimai Amaize and Tessy Obi Oliseh celebrated their traditional wedding earlier today, and he shared these preliminary pictures on Facebook. Their hats look positively Egyptian, like that of a pharoah. Quite unique, and I like the beads too. Wishing them a great time as they complete their wedding ceremonies :)

Poll - Like Kim Kardashian, Will You Accept Money For a Date With A Strange Man?

Posted: 28 Feb 2014 11:44 AM PST


Kim Kardashian was in the news for annoying an 84year old billionaire who had allegedly paid half a million dollars for her company at the opera. She accepted with the clause her momager would be there. At the event though, the old man wanted one-on-one time and went ahead to grope and fondle her. She got annoyed and left, making me think that was not part of the contract. But the old man says, it was Kim who did not stick to the "program".


Some of you may remember this as the storyline of the Hollywood movie, Indecent Proposal with Demi Moore, Woody Harrelson and Robert Redford as the billionaire. He offered her a million dollars and she accepted. Things got K-leg after that. Kim is engaged to Kanye West, and one can only imagine if he knew of this paid date arrangement.

Supermodel, Claudia Schiffer has also spoken out about the same thing, rich men asking out celebrities on a pay as you go basis. She was offered one million pounds and refused. Another model took the offer.

I hear some Nigerian celebrities are beginning to get similar offers, especially the women. Uti Nwachukwu spoke about it on a show I watched on Ebonylife. Maheeda charges $3000. Seems little, but still a lot for some people.

I have to point out that a date does not implicitly include make out sessions or sex, and could be for strictly beholding the beautiful celebrity or having a chat with them.

Now my question is this. As a Single, Engaged or Married Woman, would you accept money to go on a date with a man? What if the money is a very large sum? If you were married or engaged, what if your man knows of the situation and supports you to go?

Is there a difference from being paid for appearances at an event or for a brand and being paid to be the date of one man, or a group of men for dinner or a private club room?

Vote and let's discuss in the comments!

PS, almost 200 people voted in the last polls, I love it, but I miss our discussions too. Please comment, I'm begging o :)

Robin Thicke is Fighting For His Marriage and For Paula Patton

Posted: 28 Feb 2014 11:25 AM PST


Robin Thicke and Paula Patton announced their separation a few days ago after dating for 20 years and married for almost half of that time. They were very young teenagers when they started dating and now have a 3 year old son together. I'm always sad at any impending divorce becaus eit is never easy and you can imagine my grin when I saw this video below.


Robin Thicke is on tour for his "Blurred Lines" album and at one of the venues, he put his heart on his sleeve in a vulnerable show of PDA for his wife Paula Patton.

As he was about to play his song, Lost Without You, in which Paula Patton appeared in the video, he discussed their separation briefly and said he's trying to get her back. He dedicated the song to her.

Wishing them all the best.

Pope Francis Calls For Love and No Condemnation For Divorced Couples

Posted: 28 Feb 2014 10:12 AM PST


Pope Francis has said today that couples whose marriages have failed should be "accompanied" and not "condemned". He said this while responding to queries on his views on divorce and how the Roman Catholic church should treat divorced couples. Today, during the daily mass he holds in the Vatican, he said specifically on the subject of divorced couples,



"When love fails, and it fails many times, we have to feel the pain of that failure, accompany the people who have felt the failure of their love. Don't condemn them! Walk with them! We have to be so close to the brothers and sisters who have suffered the failure of love in their lives."

Pope Francis had on his assumption of office, promised to put the Church in touch with modern life in a way that will draw people closer to God. Since last year, there has been a fierce debate on whether divorced couples should be allowed to take Holy Communion. While he cannot on his own pass church doctrine, nor can this sermon on a pulpit be the final word on the matter, I think his heart is definitely in the right place. God is love, and a lot of us forget that sometimes.

Lupita Nyong'o on True Beauty and Her Full Acceptance Speech For Essence Magazine Honor

Posted: 28 Feb 2014 09:07 AM PST


Lupita Nyong'o was honored yesterday at the Essence Magazine's 7th Annual Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon. The actress who is nomimated for an Oscar for best supporting actress for her role as a black slave, Patsey, in the movie 12 Years a Slave gave the speech below about her road to being who she is today. It is a very encouraging and empowering speech on what counts as true beauty - inner beauty and accepting and loving yourself as you are. See the speech below...



I wrote down this speech that I had no time to practice so this will be the practicing session.

Thank you Alfre, for such an amazing, amazing introduction and celebration of my work. And thank you very much for inviting me to be a part of such an extraordinary community.

I am surrounded by people who have inspired me, women in particular whose presence on screen made me feel a little more seen and heard and understood. That it is ESSENCE that holds this event celebrating our professional gains of the year is significant, a beauty magazine that recognizes the beauty that we not just possess but also produce.

I want to take this opportunity to talk about beauty, Black beauty, dark beauty. I received a letter from a girl and I'd like to share just a small part of it with you: "Dear Lupita," it reads, "I think you're really lucky to be this Black but yet this successful in Hollywood overnight. I was just about to buy Dencia's Whitenicious cream to lighten my skin when you appeared on the world map and saved me."

My heart bled a little when I read those words, I could never have guessed that my first job out of school would be so powerful in and of itself and that it would propel me to be such an image of hope in the same way that the women of The Color Purple were to me.

I remember a time when I too felt unbeautiful. I put on the TV and only saw pale skin, I got teased and taunted about my night-shaded skin. And my one prayer to God, the miracle worker, was that I would wake up lighter-skinned. The morning would come and I would be so excited about seeing my new skin that I would refuse to look down at myself until I was in front of a mirror because I wanted to see my fair face first. And every day I experienced the same disappointment of being just as dark as I was the day before. I tried to negotiate with God, I told him I would stop stealing sugar cubes at night if he gave me what I wanted, I would listen to my mother's every word and never lose my school sweater again if he just made me a little lighter. But I guess God was unimpressed with my bargaining chips because He never listened.

And when I was a teenager my self-hate grew worse, as you can imagine happens with adolescence. My mother reminded me often that she thought that I was beautiful but that was no conservation, she's my mother, of course she's supposed to think I am beautiful. And then…Alek Wek. A celebrated model, she was dark as night, she was on all of the runways and in every magazine and everyone was talking about how beautiful she was. Even Oprah called her beautiful and that made it a fact. I couldn't believe that people were embracing a woman who looked so much like me, as beautiful. My complexion had always been an obstacle to overcome and all of a sudden Oprah was telling me it wasn't. It was perplexing and I wanted to reject it because I had begun to enjoy the seduction of inadequacy. But a flower couldn't help but bloom inside of me, when I saw Alek I inadvertently saw a reflection of myself that I could not deny.

Now, I had a spring in my step because I felt more seen, more appreciated by the far away gatekeepers of beauty. But around me the preference for my skin prevailed, to the courters that I thought mattered I was still unbeautiful. And my mother again would say to me you can't eat beauty, it doesn't feed you and these words plagued and bothered me; I didn't really understand them until finally I realized that beauty was not a thing that I could acquire or consume, it was something that I just had to be.

And what my mother meant when she said you can't eat beauty was that you can't rely on how you look to sustain you. What is fundamentally beautiful is compassion for yourself and for those around you. That kind of beauty enflames the heart and enchants the soul. It is what got Patsey in so much trouble with her master, but it is also what has kept her story alive to this day. We remember the beauty of her spirit even after the beauty of her body has faded away.

And so I hope that my presence on your screens and in the magazines may lead you, young girl, on a similar journey. That you will feel the validation of your external beauty but also get to the deeper business of being beautiful inside.

There is no shame in Black beauty.

Couple Love - Toyin Aimakhu and Niyi Johnson Show Their Playful Side

Posted: 28 Feb 2014 08:22 AM PST


Toyin Aimakhu and Niyi Johnson got married back in July 2013, and in these pictures shared on Twitter, the couple show that their love is still in the honeymoon phase. In matching white T-shirts, jeans and sneakers, the happy pair are certainly having lots of fun. More pictures below...

Magazine Covers - Biola Alabi on Hello!

Posted: 28 Feb 2014 07:54 AM PST


Biola Alabi is the MD of M-Net Africa and she looks amazing on the recent cover of Hello! Nigeria Magazine. In the cover story, she talks about life, love and being the boss of such a large company.
at

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)