One of the more popular urban legends swarming in nightlife and health circles is that hot tubs can lead to male fertility problems. For some, the hot tub legend is a hope. For others, it is a nightmare. So, I’m here to help put a bit of a conclusion to the tale.

According to studies, there is a correlation to hot tubs and sperm count. And, according to those findings, I am thankful to be able to write that the urban legend of hot tubs leading to infertility is absolutely, resoundingly, unequivocally, “oh-thank-you-to-whomever” TRUE. And, even better, long, hot baths, steam rooms and saunas can also lead to a reduction in sperm count.

Because it rests outside the body, a scrotum can stay at a resting temperature of about 94°F – nearly 5 degrees cooler than the body’s normal temperature of 98.6°F. It is because of its position that a scrotum can keep sperm cooled. There have been multiple studies to confirm that exposing male reproductive organs to prolonged heat – 100°F and higher – can lead to decreased sperm counts.

While we’re on the topic, mayoclinic.com lists other activities and habits that can also attribute to a reduction in sperm count:

Factors that could attribute to infertility in healthy males:

• Tobacco use
• Persistent alcohol consumption
• Illicit drug use – be recreation drugs or anabolic steroids
• Avoid toxic atmospheres
• Artificial intimate lubrications – and, yes, this includes saliva
• Extensive use of “tighty-whities” – presses scrotum closer to the body

It’s as if there was a plan in place to keep those who love the nightlife from reproducing, even down to the proviso where the effects of infertility are not always permanent and in some cases, can be reversed. Now, for those on the other side of the coin who would actually like to increase their sperm count, mayoclinic.com also offers a list of little things that can be done to help increase male fertility.

Actions that could increase sperm count in healthy males:

• Avoid the things in the previous list
• Relax – reduce stress levels
• Exercise
• Healthy diet
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Maintain vitamin levels

As for me, I’m going on a long run. Then I’m going to relax in the sauna and take a long, hot bath before going to a friend’s party. If you’re attending the same party, you’ll probably be able to find me somewhere between the bar, the hot tub and the sauna.

Whichever side of this legend you are on, please, may you be blessed by your days.

- Martin

For further information regarding male infertility, symptoms and treatments, please consult the following:
sciencedaily.com
mayoclinic.com
malereproduction.com

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Even small splinters can be painful. Leave one in too long and it can become infected or embedded fully in your skin.

Should you leave it alone or remove it? Depends. If it’s small enough and it isn’t bothering you, you can leave it and your body will eventually push it out on its own. If it’s big enough to cause you pain, you should remove it.

What is a splinter?

A splinter or a sliver is a foreign piece of material that becomes embedded in your skin. Most splinters are wood, but metal, plastic and even glass can turn into a splinter.

How to remove a splinter

If a good portion of the splinter is exposed above the skin, you can use a pair of tweezers to gently pull it out. If it’s not to a point where you can get a solid grip on it, apply some pressure on either side of the splinter with your fingertips.

Some people find that if the splinter is visible above the skin, you can remove it with Elmer’s glue. Spread a thin layer of glue over the area of the sliver. Make note which way it’s lodged in the skin. Wait until it’s completely dry and pull the glue off in the direction the splinter is lodged. The glue will grab it and remove it.

If the sliver is deep in your skin, try making a paste of water and baking soda. Apply this to a dry bandage and cover the area. After 24 hours, when you remove the bandage, the splinter will be sticking out of the skin.

If that doesn’t work, simply soaking the skin can force a splinter to emerge. Take a nice, warm bath and see what happens!

When all else fails, use a sterilized needle to create a hole in the skin just above the splinter. When the end of the splinter is exposed, remove it with a pair of tweezers.

-Magdalena

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Shin splints, I hate. Shin splints and I are not friends. Shin splints stick around like that girl who doesn’t want to be with you but doesn’t want you to leave. “Shin splints, I curse you without fear of metaphysical consequences! “ I lied.

Shin splints are those first warning signs for people trying to get back into shape. “Okay, enough for today. Try to develop the will to do it again tomorrow,” they’ll shout at you. Shin splints are typical in how they show up amongst the active and athletic people, as well as those packing a extra few pounds, but are atypical because, like that girl who won’t let you leave, shin splints are symptoms of several possible problems.

Shin Splint Symptoms

• Pain on the shin towards the inner leg
• Tender areas around the shin
• Pain that flares up in the shin during activity
• Throbbing pain when crunching / flexing the foot
• Bumps on inner shin bone
• General pain on shin

Shin Splint Causes

• A worn or overworked muscle
• Improper footwear when exercising (Don’t run in sandals [not that I would know])
• Bad running technique (hint: lift your legs instead of shuffling your feet)
• Compartment syndrome – swelling or irritation that cuts of circulation

Shin Splint Treatments

• Rest
• Use proper footwear (those designed to absorb shock)
• Tape up your shins to balance out the pressure
• Pain relieving medications – Iburprofren and the like
• Ice and heat treatments – 20 minutes ice / 20 mins heat / 20 mins ice…
• Stretching to release tension

Like the girl who won’t let you leave, if your shin splints start to develop a lack of feeling or discoloration, seek medical attention immediately. I’d find it hard to imagine that anyone would want to run the risk of losing the lower leg due to inaction.

For more online information, please consult the following as well.

• Sportsinjurlyclinic.net
• Wikipedia.org
• Medicinenet.com
• About.com

Please take care of yourself,

- Martin

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I remember this stuffed clown doll named Cookie that my grandmother made me. Cookie the clown kind of looked like this clown doll only without the creepy porcelain face.

I thought my doll looked happy and jovial. My sister, however, did not. Every night my sister would try to fling clothes over Cookie’s head. Finally, I asked her why she was so creeped out and she explained that she thought that Cookie looked like the clown from Stephen King’s It. Even though I hadn’t seen the movie at the time, all I could think of was that clown staring at me all night from across the room.

I’ve always been confused about how a clown—who is supposed to bring joy and laughter to all—could cause such extreme fear. As I’ve grown older, I’ve met more and more adults who completely flip out about clowns.

Coulrophobia is an abnormal or exaggerated fear of clowns. Common among children, coulrophobia can also be found in teens and adults. The degree of fear is different from person to person.

Coulrophobia Theories

There are many theories about how a fear of clowns may develop. Sometimes coulrophobics have had a bad experience with clowns (circus, birthday party, etc.). Another theory is that the way clowns are portrayed in the media can cause fear in children and adults alike. Let us not forget the fright over serial killer John Wayne Gacy, known as The Killer Clown, who dressed as “Pogo the clown” at block parties to entertain children and was convicted for the rape and murder of 33 boys and young men.

Another theory comes from Kathryn Cillick at Phobialist:

I have a theory about the reason for fearing clowns that I thought I would suggest to you. Because clowns have permanent, exaggerated expressions painted on their faces - usually of joy but not always, it renders the observer impotent in measuring facial expression as a precursor of action and for those who are vigilant about their environment, possibly because of past traumatic events, they are unable to interpret and therefore predict what this creature may do to them. This is heightened when we observe the “happy” clown performing some aggressive behavior - it becomes too much to take - creating intense confusion and fear. I don’t know if this is the reason - simply my first thoughts on a very intriguing subject.

Well you don’t need to feel like you’re alone because there are many Hollywood icons who are anti-clown including P. Diddy (he actually had a “No Clowns” clause in his contract), Johnny Depp (he had clown nightmares as a child) and Anthony Bourdain. Let us not forget Bart Simpson’s weary utterance, “Can’t sleep, clown will eat me” as he fears his clown bed will come to life and destroy him.

Treatment for Fear of Clowns

• Consider why you are afraid of clowns and write down your reasons.
• Examine your thoughts and think about whether they are rational.
• Try to find a clown who will help you step-by-step showing you the process he/she takes to put on clown makeup. You may also want to try dressing as a clown to see if you can overcome your fear.

Try different methods work for different people. Only try methods you are comfortable with. If you still have this fear, you may want to consult a health care professional to delve deeper into the root of your fear and overcome it.

–Nolan

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Sometimes at the end of the day my face feels tense from staring at a computer all day or from furrowing my brow as I try to figure out why gas prices are so high. In order to combat stress and relieve my face of its weary appearance, I use the facial relaxation techniques below. Relax one area at a time and then move on to the next one:

1. Massage your temples with both index fingers using small, counter-clockwise circles.
2. Gently grasp your eyebrows between your thumb and your index finger, pinch and elevate your brow (starting at the center) until you reach your temples.
3. Take your middle three fingers and lightly tap around your eye sockets.
4. Move your fingers along the front of your forehead (browline) pressing lightly and lifting upwards toward your scalp.
5. With your middle three fingers, press under your cheekbone and lift upward toward your eyes for a few seconds. As you lift, inhale for a few seconds and exhale for 6 seconds as you release.
6. Use your thumbs and middle fingers to lightly pinch and lift skin along your jaw from your chin all the way up to your ears.
7. Slowly move your head to the right and then to the left a few times to release tension in your neck.
8. Lean back or lie down if possible and cover your face with your hands for a few minutes. You will feel warm and relaxed. Place your elbow on a table and rest the area between your eyebrows on the heel of your hand. Breathe deeply and make small, circular movements with your hand.

You’ll feel more tranquil and less stressed as you relieve your face from unnecessary muscle tension. Forget your everyday frustration and you’ll feel calm and relaxed in no time.
–Nolan

Do you have any facial relaxation techniques? Comment and tell us about them!

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