Health Benefits of Pets: How a Cat Can Improve Your Wellbeing

Most cat owners realize there is value in the companionship of a feline friend. However, the average pet owner may not realize that cats can actually provide significant health benefits and can make a remarkable contribution to our overall wellbeing.

Spending Time With a Cat Can Improve Your Emotional Health

Playing with a cat, petting a cat, or otherwise interacting with a cat can help relieve depression, decrease stress, and ease anxiety. The sound of a cat's purr is known to have a calming effect. These factors play a role in improving the lives of any pet owner, particularly those with a close bond with their cat. However, these benefits can play an especially significant role in the lives of people with chronic illnesses. For instance, patients with Alzheimer's disease tend to have fewer emotional outbursts if they have contact with a cat. In addition, children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are believed to benefit from contact with cats by becoming more communicative and open to engagement as well as less aggressive.

Spending Time With a Cat Can Improve Your Physical Health

Spending time with a cat has numerous effects on your physical health as well. Some of the most notable positive effects include decreased blood pressure, lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and a lower risk for heart disease and/or stroke. 

Being around a cat can also ease pain by reducing anxiety. People who experience less anxiety also experience less pain. Particularly in people that suffer from chronic pain, contact with a cat can have great benefits. Many of these people require significantly lower doses of pain medications when interaction with a pet is encouraged.

Children who grow up with cats have been found to have healthier immune systems and to suffer from fewer allergies.

Cats Can Be Great Therapy Animals

Health care workers are increasingly realizing that spending time with a pet can have a positive effect on patient health. Many health facilities now welcome pets, including cats, as therapy animals and encourage their residents and patients to engage with these animals. Many hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, and long term care facilities take advantage of programs that include pets as therapy animals.

In some cases, patients recuperating in their home may also be encouraged to consider pet ownership. For instance, Promises Treatment Centers, a facility that specializes in treating addiction, recommends that their patients consider getting a pet. They also welcome pets into their rehabilitation centers and encourage their patients to bring their pets with them while being treated in their facility.

Cats are remarkable animals. They can significantly improve the lives of the humans they interact with simply by being present.

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Yoga's Health Benefits

The health benefits of yoga have been known for more than 5,000 years, and over 11 million Americans experience the health benefits that yoga brings. Yoga classes focus on learning physical poses or asanas and breathing techniques that connect moving from one asana to another. Yoga also introduces meditation techniques. These are designed as relaxation techniques but can be used when holding poses. You learn how to move your body in flexible ways, and there are asanas that focus on different health issues.

The don'ts of yoga

If you have a pre-existing health condition or are pregnant, you may need to consult your doctor before starting yoga. You and your doctor can judge what level of yoga is safe for you and will benefit your condition. Do not try learning yoga though a DVD or online. Work with a credentialed instructor who knows the proper way to perform poses and who can check you. Do not ever substitute yoga for medical care. There are many health benefits with yoga, but they are not substitutes for regular health care.

Steps to successful yoga

When just starting out, you need to determine your limits before you can fully investigate the health benefits of yoga. Discuss with your instructor the types of yoga you should do within your limitations. Go slow. You are not in competition with anyone in the class. Learn the basics, breathe properly, and maintain balance. Begin by warming up before you start class and staying hydrated during the entire session.

Flexibility

You are never too old to improve your flexibility, and that is what yoga can do for you. Asanas work by safely stretching muscles. Yoga releases lactic acid that causes everyday stiffness, pain and fatigue. Yoga also increases your range of motion. Your joints become more lubricated and eventually you can find balance throughout your entire body.

Strength

Ashtanga and power yoga are very vigorous and increase your strength and improve muscle tone. You can also use hatha yoga, which focuses on less movement and more alignment for strength and endurance benefits. Downward and upward dog poses and plank poses build upper body strength. Upward dog and the chair pose manufacture strength in the lower back. When poses are executed correctly, core strength that lies deep in the abdominal muscles is released.

Posture and core strength

As you increase flexibility and work on strength, you build better posture. Sitting and standing poses increase core strength and work on your abdominals. Strong abdominals prop up and preserve each pose, and a stronger core helps you to stand taller. You will also be more aware of your body. This helps you prevent slouching and slumping.

Cardio

Yoga involves building lung capacity. This improves your entire health and endurance. Yoga emphasizes deepening and lengthening your breath. This stimulates relaxation and boosts adrenaline. You will feel much more relaxed and less stressed following yoga practices. Yoga can also calm the mind chatter that underlies stress by helping you focus on your breathing rather than your stress.

As you study and practice yoga, you find that concentration and the ability to focus are increased. Moods are calmed and you feel happier and content after yoga class. Researchers have found that when the body begins to be improved depressions start to leave. Boosting oxygen levels to the brain helps with focus, stress management, and overall health.

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Is it Possible to Get an Enlarged Penis?

For men, penis size has always been a point of contention, the subject of everything from fraternity jokes to a downright obsession. While few men have never stopped to wonder how their penis compares to others, the sentiment that "size matters" has taken on an urgency that seems, at times, to border on the ridiculous. From late night infomercials hawking specious pills, to an Internet overflowing with every product imaginable, the message is overwhelming: if you have a penis, it is likely too small.

What products or methods exist to get an enlarged penis?

Stretching devices, such as penis pumps, are probably the oldest and best-known products. Clamps, also known as "cock rings," can be as simple as an old shoelace or as fancy as a hinged silver ring. Pills that include everything from dried deer penis to synthetic testosterone are sold both over the counter and on the Internet. To a lesser extent, patches, powders, ointments and drinks are also available. Penile enhancement surgery is a radical option.

How do the various products work at providing an enlarged penis?

Penis pumps fit over the penis and create a vacuum, which in turn stretches the penis tissue. Clamps simply inhibit blood flow out of the penis; more blood equals a larger penis. While pill manufacturers are hard-pressed to explain the science behind their products, they ostensibly increase blood flow to the penis, operating the same way as most erectile dysfunction drugs.

How effective are these products at providing an enlarged penis?

While the advertising claims are sensational and anecdotal evidence abounds, no scientific evidence exists that permanent penis enlargement is possible (aside from surgery). Pills can often help in achieving a harder erection, which for some men can seem like an enlarged penis. Pumps have been studied in some depth and help achieve short-term, minor enlargement, but they are ineffective in the long term. Clamps also work for short-term enlargement, but once removed the penis returns to its normal size.

Are there dangers in attempting to get an enlarged penis?

Improper use of a penis pump can cause tissue or vascular damage, leading to torn skin, permanent injury and even impotence. Pills and potions often contain ingredients unapproved by the FDA. Some herbal ingredients, especially when taken in large doses, can lead to liver and kidney damage. Clamps can become stuck on a penis with devastating results. Complications from surgery always exist.

Is there any truly safe way to get an enlarged penis?

Surgery is the only way to permanently alter the size of the penis, but it definitely is not safe. You can possibly create the appearance of a larger penis by trimming pubic hair and losing weight. The appearance is what it is all about anyway, right?

While most men have a penis that falls into the "average" size category, about 6.5 inches when erect, the quest for an enlarged penis will likely continue. Likewise, manufacturers and vendors who prey on male insecurities continue to raise the level of hyperbole. In the end, suffice it to say, the only way to get an enlarged penis is to be satisfied with the one you have.

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Five Health Benefits Of Happy Relationships

Connecting with people in your life, such as family and friends, provides an opportunity for exchanging ideas, and giving or receiving support. While these interactions may give you pleasure, what you may not realize is that they are also influencing your long-term health. In fact, Harvard medical school research shows that strong relationships are just as important as adequate sleep, a good diet, and refraining from smoking. Here are just four of the ways relationships contribute to your health, and why it might be a good idea to make relationships a priority in your life:

Boosts Happiness

As human beings, we have a need for attachment. We can't survive without some sort of connection with other human beings. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that many studies have shown that people who have meaningful relationships are happier than those with fewer relationships, and that a lack of social ties can be associated with depression. There is also evidence to support that connecting with others triggers a release of stress-reducing hormones, which helps relieve harmful levels of stress that can cause damage to coronary arteries, gut function, insulin regulation, and the immune system.

Lessens Health Risks

Having high-quality relationships can actually lower our risk of health problems. For example, some studies have shown that women in satisfying marriages or marital-type relationships have a lower risk for cardiovascular disease, and that peaceful couples in general have better immune systems. One large study conducted in Sweden concluded that of the subjects they studied, ages 75 and older, those with varying types of satisfying relationships were at a lower risk for dementia than those with few contacts. There is also plenty of other research that indicates disappointing or negative interactions with family and friends leads to poorer health, while positive interactions promote a higher level of health. See: Source

Increases Longevity

A lack of social ties can actually lead to a quicker decline in how long you will live. A study of 309,000 people found that when an individual didn't have strong relationships, their risk for premature death was increased from all causes by 50%, which is comparable to smoking up to 15 cigarettes per day, and is higher than the risk of death from obesity and physical inactivity. This direct connection between relationships and longevity shows that having strong connections with others can have a direct impact on your body and overall health, and will contribute to how long you will live, and the quality of life you will experience.

Opportunity for Self-Care

Taking care of yourself is an absolute must if you want to be healthy. However, with how busy and emotional life can get, this isn't always an easy task. Some research has shown that offers of help or advice, and expressions of affection, all qualify as social support that enhances the life of the giver, as well as the receiver. Having meaningful relationships can actually increase your ability to take care of yourself, thus contributing to your overall health.

Stress Reduction

Marriage has long been associated with health and wellness benefits, however, research headed by Dario Maestripieri, Professor in Comparative Human Development at the University of Chicago, found that people in long-term committed relationships also had the same benefits of happily married couples when it comes to the buffering effects of long-term relationships against stress. See: Source

Creating and maintaining healthy relationships can sometimes feel like a daunting or difficult task. However, it is worth the work and risk to have meaningful relationships, as they contribute to your well being. Consider the relationships in your life, and start thinking of ways to enhance those connections; you will have a healthier and more fulfilling life if you do.

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Sucking Breast While Having Sex Reduces Cancer Risks

Its no longer news that alot of women are dying of various types of cancer more especially Breast .

But a latest research has found out that WOMEN who have sex with their husbands atleast THREE TIMES A WEEK or more, had the least and little or no chance of developing Bosom  cancer. Women who have sex with their husbands once a week or twice in a month have a GREATER CHANCE of developing Bosom  cancer.

Also the research found out the Girls who get their Bosom s sucked regularly by men not their husbands also are at GREATEST RISK of dveloping Breast cancer. Why? The research said once a lady or a guy is having sexual relation with someone not his or her husband or wife, their heartbeat and the pump of blood around their systems become irregular. This triggers the release of some dangerous chemicals which finally deposits itself on the Bosom  region and sometimes on the pelvic region. This sometimes may lead to cervical cancer for the lady or prostrate cancer for the man.

Can you believe this piece of info? If you do then; you know what to do 'cause you're most likely in the act or most likely to be found in the act. But, believe it or not; abstainance from the dirty act I think is best for our safety.

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6 Tips to Keep Your Breasts Healthy

Breast health is every woman's responsibility and you can help yourself by adopting the following habits all year long for optimum breast health: observe, self-examine, screen.

1) Maintain a healthy body weight

Maintain a BMI less than 23 throughout your life. Weight gain after menopause increases your risk of breast cancer.

2) Make time for regular exercise

Adopt an active lifestyle. Aim for 30 minutes or more of moderate aerobic activity at least five days per week.

3) Minimise or avoid alcohol

Alcohol is one of the most well established dietary risk factor for breast cancer. Women who consume more than two glasses of alcohol a day are at higher risk.

4) Quit smoking

The risk of many cancers, including breast cancer, increases if you smoke.

5) Eat more veggies

Consume 7 or more daily servings of cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower), dark leafy greens, carrots, tomatoes, citrus fruits, berries and cherries.

6) Target motherhood

Target to have your first child before 30. Mothers who breastfeed their babies for six months or longer have a significantly lower risk of developing breast cancer.

Watch out for these breast cancer signs

Early detection saves lives. When breast cancer is detected early, there are more treatment options, less radical surgery required and better chances of complete recovery.

The most common symptom of breast cancer is a lump in the breast. It is usually single, firm and often painless.

Other tell-tale signs include:

• Swelling on a part of the breast or underarm; 
• A previously protruding nipple that becomes inverted; 
• A persistent rash at the nipple or areola;
• Bloodstained discharge from the nipple; and
• A change in the size or shape of the breast

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11 Tips on How to Maintain Breast Health

According to a Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center survey, more than 70 percent of cancer patients including women diagnosed with breast cancer decide to enhance their conventional medical treatment with some form of complementary care and almost all report substantial improvements in well-being as a result of using alternative medicine.

Here are 11 tips on how to maintain breast health with Nutrition, Lifestyle, Exercise and Massage based on Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).  

1. Find a release valve for your stress. According to Chinese medicine, stress, frustration, an unresolved anger can play an important part in the development of all types of breast disease, both benign and malignant. Chinese medical theories suggest that one of the best things a woman can do for her breast (and overall) health is to find a way to relax and release stress on a daily basis. Such methods may include yoga, meditation, biofeedback, simple relaxation therapy, or whatever method you use to release the stress and pressures of modern life.

2. Try self-massage for the breasts. According to Chinese medicine, any type of massage will help relieve stress and keep the body part receiving the massage more healthy due to improved flow of blood, body fluids, and nerve impulses. Breast self massage can be as simple as 50-100 light circles in each direction over the breast tissue and gentle rubbing over the entire flank and axilla area (underarm) to circulate the lymph glands and restore the flow of energy in the breast area. These techniques are simple, painless, and require very little time.

Food & Nutrition is one form of treatment in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

3. Eat your veggies! Studies show that women whose diets are high in vegetable based fiber, have lower rates of breast cancer. Especially the cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, and cabbage) seem to have a stronger cancer-preventing affect. So make sure you get 3 or more servings of vegetables every day.

4. Include olive oil in your diet. Studies of Italian, Greek, and Spanish women who include olive oil in their diet on a daily basis had at 25% lower rate of breast cancer than women who ate less or no olive oil. While it is not certain whether it is the mono-unsaturated fat or some other property of the oil which is responsible, it tastes great and can be used for salads, sautés, soups, casseroles, frying, basting, or on bread as a tasty butter substitute.

5. Control overall dietary fats. Cancer studies with a variety of types of cancer indicate that dietary fat is a major player in this disease. It is suggested that dietary fat should be kept under 25%. Some doctors suggest that, for women who have had cancer, overall dietary fat should be limited to no more than 15% of overall calorie intake.

6. Avoid pesticides and "xeno-estrogens". Many studies show that cell abnormalities in animals at the top of the food chain are due to the ingestion of concentrated chemicals such as pesticides which tend to act like concentrated estrogen hormones or "xeno-extrogens". We know that many cancers are estrogen dependent. This is another good reason to eat organic foods whenever possible.

7. Keep alcohol consumption moderate. Many studies have shown that alcohol consumption does increase breast cancer rates by a certain percentage. However, a small amount of red wine and dark beer and ale on a regular basis is also known to lower the risk of heart disease which still kills many more women than breast cancer does. Also, small amounts of alcohol are very relaxing and promote stress reduction. In the final analysis, moderate alcohol consumption may be better than complete abstention, but moderate is best.

8. Consider drinking green tea instead of cola and coffee. There have been many studies on the anti-carcinogenic qualities of green tea. Studies of people in Asia who drink copious amounts of green tea daily show a correlation between green tea consumption and lower rates of a variety of cancers. This type of tea can be purchased in many grocery stores and most all health food stores. It is refreshing and can be drunk iced or hot. Green tea has a small amount of caffeine and can help anyone who is attempting to quit or cut back on coffee, caffeinated colas, or black tea.

9. Exercise regularly and forever! Exercise releases stress as well as improving sleep, appetite, and mood. In a variety of research studies, both aerobic exercise and weight training have been shown to be beneficial in reducing symptoms in women of all ages including sleep disturbances, depression, fibrocystic breast disease, and breast cancer. With all the options we have for exercise today, every woman should be able to find some type of sport, class, activity, or equipment to help her keep this commitment to herself.

10. Don't forget monthly breast self-examination. Most women never do breast self-examination! Perhaps it is because we don't want to search for what we don't want to find. However, women who find a malignant lump when it is still very tiny have a better chance of full recovery than those who wait until it is large. If you have never been taught to do a proper breast self-exam, your gynecologist or health clinic can teach you how to do it. If you do not go to a clinic or health care practitioner, you can get the most up-to-date information on breast self-exam from the Mammacare Personal Training System. Call 1-800-MAM-CARE for more information.

11. Get professional treatment for benign breast diseases. According to some Western studies and Chinese medicine as well, benign breast diseases can signal a predisposition for breast cancer. The good news is that Chinese medicine has many effective treatments for benign breast conditions such as fibrocystic breast disease, mastitis, and premenstrual breast pain. Lumpiness or pain indicate a treatable internal imbalance, so don't hesitate to get help if you have such a condition. It could be important for your long term breast health.

Breast health in particular and overall health in general is a lifelong commitment. Different women will have different health care needs and issues. Decisions about your specific needs should be discussed by you and your primary health care practitioner. However, there is a lot that you can do for yourself to maintain breast health for life!

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