Sex now deemed safe for most heart patients

Sex to relief heart

A new report from doctors in Houston is bringing good news to the majority of heart patients – if walking up two flights of stairs doesn’t make you breathless or cause chest pain, then it’s safe to have sex.

The American Heart Association agrees that sexual intercourse causes only a slight risk of bringing on a heart attack with the same odds for people both with and without heart problems. Plus, there isn’t any proof that just because someone has already had one heart attack that sex is more likely to cause a second one to occur.

Dr. Glenn Levine, the author of the report, says that the majority of people with a heart condition walk up and down stairs all the time without thinking about it, but they may worry that having sex will lead to having a heart attack or even dying. But, as his report has brought out, this is not the case at all for most heart patients.

The report does add that patients and their doctors should bring up the subject of having sex, but that some are embarrassed to talk about it or don’t have data to share. This report gives them the guidance needed to provide that data. Levine added that a person’s overall risk of getting a heart attack while having sex is low and only represents about one percent of the cause of all heart attacks.

The report goes on to say that for people who have had one heart attack, the average risk for another is about 10 in a million every hour under all circumstances, and that participating in sexual activities raises that to about 20 in a million per hour. This amount is actually the same risks that people who have never had a heart attack face during sex, making it no more risky for heart patients to have sex than anyone else.

Patients under a doctor’s care for heart conditions may be asked to participate in a cardiac rehab program, which will monitor them for any symptoms of heart problems. This program will help the patients to gain strength in their hearts and improve their physical condition. This will help to ensure that they are good to go if they want to participate in sexual activities.

News by Amazingnews

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How great sex can help you live longer

Great Sex

Everyone knows that good sex feels fabulous at any age. But what’s not as well known is that a regular roll in the hay can also add up to eight years to your life expectancy.

Not only that, but the more orgasms you have, the longer you can expect to live.

Regular sex improves hormone levels, heart health and brain power and revs up your immune system – so you can hold on to your youth while you enjoy yourself.

Aim for orgasm

It’s not just the amount of sex you’re having that counts when it comes to adding years to your life – it’s the quality, too. One study discovered that orgasms can increase the body’s infection-fighting cells by up to 20%.

Even more impressive is the fact that regular orgasms make men twice as likely to live into old age as those who don’t have sex and women to live up to eight years longer.

Having an orgasm ­floods the body with mood-boosting ­chemicals and promotes relaxation, as well as bonding ­couples emotionally.

Several studies have shown happily married couples are likely to live longer than singles or those in negative relationships.

And it’s not just the men who reap serious benefits.

Women who have two orgasms a week are up to 30% less likely to ­develop heart disease than those who don’t enjoy sex.

Years added: Up to eight

Cuddle up

Cuddling isn’t just an ­enjoyable aspect of good sex – it also helps to release the ­“bonding hormone” oxytocin, which has been linked to life expectancy.

Babies and even animals that are deprived of this hormone, which is triggered by positive touching, often fail to thrive.

Research has found that oxytocin can dramatically boost longevity and people in relationships are less ­vulnerable to chronic diseases and depression.

Make the most of it: Even if you’re not in the mood, a cuddle can trigger a rush of oxytocin and make you want to get closer – but only with your beloved, as it is produced in greater quantities with a familiar partner.

Years added: Seven

More, more, more!

It really is a case of use it or lose it and ­having sex at least once a week will keep your hormones, heart and brain in top ­condition. And the more you have, the better the ­benefits. Men who have sex three or more times a week reduce their risk of heart attack or stroke by 50%.

It’s largely a myth that sex can trigger heart attacks, but if you’re worried, don’t over-do the aerobics and you’ll still get the benefit of powerful relaxation ­hormones. Feeling happy and positive about your life can also add years and regular sex ­releases “feel good” endorphins at any age, as well as easing stress.

Make the most of it: Have a “sex date” once a week. It doesn’t have to be at bedtime – try it if the kids are out on ­Sunday afternoon or by sneaking home at ­lunch.

Planned sex means you’ll look forward to it more and you’re more likely to ­prioritise it if it’s in the diary.

Years added: ­Up to two

Cook up a storm in the bedroom

To enjoy good sex, it helps if you’re in the mood – which ­is why brain chemicals are ­so important.

A lack of desire, once you’ve ruled out illness, tiredness, or other issues, can be down to a reduction in one of four brain ­chemicals – dopamine, acetylcholine, GABA and ­serotonin.

To get them up to speed again, certain herbs and spices can help. For dopamine, which enhances mood and confidence, try basil, black pepper, chillies, cumin, garlic, ginger and turmeric.

Acetylcholine helps improve alertness and focus so try ­­all-spice, basil, peppermint, sage and thyme.

GABA, a natural antidepressant, is found in alcohol – but just one or two glasses of red wine will do the trick.

Serotonin boosts happiness and ­relaxation so try turkey, bananas and chocolate.

Make the most of it: Cook up a light vegetable curry served with saffron rice (also a ­libido booster) to get yourselves in ­the mood.

Years added: Up to 10

Stay fighting fit

An infection isn’t likely to carry you off in your youth, but as you age, flu and ­respiratory infections can become a huge health issue. Luckily, sex can help to protect you.

A US study found couples who have sex up to twice a week have higher levels of antibodies – which protect the body from colds and flu – than people who enjoy less bedroom action. So while getting your five a day is important, it may be even more useful to get your two a week.

Make the most of it: Cut down on excess boozing, which weakens the body’s defences. Instead, go to bed an hour earlier and this will help to fight off ­the flu.

Years added: Up ­to eight

Work up a sweat

It’s common knowledge that exercise helps keep you fit, improves circulation and muscle tone and staves off the ­ageing process, ­but going to the gym can be hard work.

So it’s good news that sex provides almost all the same benefits as regular exercise, without having to hit the treadmill. It increases circulation and metabolism and burns about 30 calories for 20 minutes of reasonably active sex. That means in an hour you’ve burnt off a glass of wine or a couple of biscuits.

And when it comes to good bone health and avoiding osteoporosis in later life, it’s equally good news.

Middle-aged women who have ­weekly sex have been found to have twice the bone-protecting oestrogen levels of those who don’t.

Make the most of it: Keep sex fun by switching positions. If you always do it in missionary, speed up your heart rate by going on top for a change.

Years added: 10

Put your heart ­into it

Cutting down on fat and giving up smoking is great for your heart, but not always fun.

Sex, on the other hand, is fantastic for your heart – with none of the dull, boring bits.

And it’s not only women who benefit in the heart stakes.

A study last year by the New England Research Institute showed that having sex twice a week can reduce the risk of a heart attack by 45% – and if that’s upped to three times a week, it’s ­down to 50%.

This is thought to be down to ­endorphins, which can help ­neutralise stress hormones.

One study suggests that a powerful orgasm is equivalent to a shot of Valium and works immediately as a relaxant.

Make the most of it: Give each other a sensual massage to help stress melt away. Lots of stroking and intimate touches will soon put you in the mood for more, all the while releasing all that built-up tension.

Years added: Up to 15

Sex for survival

Most people’s holy grail of health is cancer prevention, so it’s good to know that regular sex might be instrumental in protecting both men and women from the Big C.

According to one study, women who have regular sex may even lower their risk of breast cancer, while further ­research from Nottingham University suggests that sexually active older ­men are less likely to develop ­prostate cancer.

And there’s plenty more research to show links between intimate sex ­and decreased stress levels and ­cancer protection.

Even if it involves a good giggle, you’re helping to dramatically decrease the effects of the stress hormone cortisol, which has been linked to the ­development of certain cancers.

Just 15 minutes of fun between ­the sheets every day can ­increase your life expectancy – so why not head ­for the bedroom and double up ­your ­pleasure?

Make the most of it: After a tense week at work, cuddle up in bed with a funny romantic comedy and a glass of red wine (known for its ­cancer-fighting properties) to make sure you’re ­extra relaxed before ­finally ­getting down to business.

Years added: Eight

News by Mirror

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Chloe Green shows off her curves in a black bikini

Chloe Green

Her father is known for his rotund appearance but that clearly isn't something that runs in the family.

Chloe Green hit the beach today in a revealing bikini that showed off her enviable body.

The 20-year-old wore a black strapless bikini and had her hair in a long single plait before tying it up into a loose bun.

It wasn't long ago that she was surrounded by her new best friends on reality show Made In Chelsea.

The multi-billion pound heiress is in Barbados for her annual Christmas trip to the island.

The former reality TV star didn't seem to mind being on her own but didn't venture very far into the sea and only got her legs wet.

Chloe, who previously dated Made In Chelsea star Ollie Locke, was on the same beach this time last year.

With no family or friends in sight the budding fashion designer splashed in the waves by herself.

She kept all of her jewellery on including a necklace, earrings and a large silver watch.

Chloe must like all things nautical as her bikini revealed a tattoo in the shape of an anchor.

The design sits on her right hip and is an indication that she enjoys spending time in the sea.

Unfortunately for Miss Green her sunny escape hadn't gotten off to the best start as the Caribbean weather turned sour.

She tweeted: 'So nice to be away! Can't believe it raining :( just my luck luckily its just day 1 #christmasholiday XXX (sic).'

Her mood changed later in the day however when she posted: 'Sun is out so happy!! Xxx.'

The Green family usually spend the Christmas and New Year period at the five-star Sandy Lane Hotel in a $25,000-a-night villa.

Along with annual Christmas visitors Simon Cowell and Michael Winner, other celebrity guests who have spent Christmas on the island include Gary Lineker, The Sugababes and Rihanna.

News by Dailymail

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Nearly 20% of women in the US are raped, study reveals

Rape Case

Even more women, estimated at 25%, have been attacked by a partner or husband, the Centers for Disease Control said.

The findings form part of the first set of results from a nationwide study surveying sexual violence by intimate partners against men and women.

More than 24 people a minute reported rape, violence, or stalking, it says, with 12 million offences reported.

Experts at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) described the results of the first year of the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey as "astounding".

Among the key figures included in the survey's findings were:

    * more than one million women reported being raped in the 12 months prior to the survey
    * more than six million women and men were a victim of stalking
    * more than 12 million women and men reported rape, physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner over the course of a year.

Lifelong hurt

"People who experience sexual violence, stalking or intimate partner violence often deal with the effects for their entire life," said Dr Linda Degutis, director of CDC's National Center for Injury Prevention and Control.

Many of those attacked experience rape or sexual assault in their early years, with almost 80% of rape victims suffering their ordeal before the age of 25.

Some 35% of women raped before they were aged 18 were also raped as adults, Dr Degutis added.

Among the effects measured by the study, Dr Degutis said, were increased fears for safety and incidents of post-traumatic stress among victims.

Clinical conditions including asthma, irritable bowel syndrome, diabetes, frequent headaches, chronic pain and difficulty sleeping were also more likely in women who are raped or subject to assault.

There were also clear findings about the incidences of attacks on men and observations about health impacts on men who suffer rape or sexual assault.

An estimated one in 71 men has been raped at some point in their lives, the study finds.

Almost 53% of male victims experienced some form of intimate partner violence for the first time before the age of 25. Some 25% of male rape victims were first raped when they were 10 years old or younger, the findings show.

News by The Telegraph


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