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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I remember babysitting kids and no matter how health-conscious their parents were or how health-focused their pantry looked, these kids always knew where to find candy. They tried to con me into giving it to them, but I didn’t want them bouncing off the walls. The last thing I needed was hyperactive children running a muck and screaming like banshees—the perfect Friday night.

According to Dr. Bryan Burke, associate professor of General Pediatrics and Neonatology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), there is no evidence that feeding children a high-sugar diet causes hyperactivity. While sugar may provide a brief spurt of energy, it doesn’t create hyperactivity.

Sugary foods should be limited for their lack of nutritive value. Not to mention consuming foods high in calories can lead to obesity and other health issues.

So if your child is screaming his head off over that one magical cookie that will make everything better and you’re wondering why he’s freaking out, consider the following:

Signs of Hyperactivity include:

• Temperament
• Emotional issues
• Learning disorders
• Sleep problems

If you still think that your child is having a reaction to food, consult your child’s pediatrician. He may have a food allergy.

–Nolan

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You’ve probably heard it before, the old saying that you only use 10% of your brain. It makes for good science fiction material surely. Imagine all the possibilities if we could harness the other 90% of our brain power. Why, we could have the powers of telepathy, telekinesis and maybe even successful telemarketing. Right?

No, not really.

Where did the myth begin?

Some say this myth began as a misquoted bit of insight from Albert Einstein or Dale Carnegie. It may have come from William James, an American psychologist who said we only make use of a small portion of our possible mental and physical resources. Or maybe it further stemmed from overzealous wannabe psychics, hopeful for the chance to develop extraordinary powers.

The list goes on and on and the myth of using only 10% of the human brain is further perpetuated… even by the modern media!

We use 100% of our brain

People have tried to justify the seemingly overwhelming lack of tapped brain power within the human brain, but when looked at closely, it’s really hard to justify.

What does it mean to “use only 10% of your brain?” Does this statement imply that only 10% of the brain’s neurons is active at any one time? If so, how could this be measured? Does the statement assume that only 10% of the brain is firing action potentials at one time?
–The Brain Connection

If we use only 10% of our brain, does this mean we can remove the other 90% without consequence? I don’t think so. Even if you mess up a tiny piece and most people are screwed.

I’m sorry(?) to say, but we use all of our brain and not just the 10% we were forced to believe.

When imaging the brain with, let’s say a PET scan or fMRI, you can see activity all over the brain. From an evolutionary standpoint (if you jive with evolution that is) it is doubtful that a brain which was 90% useless would further develop over millennia. Even from a developmental standpoint the 10% myth of brain functioning also fails. Check out Hubel and Wiesel’s case with the body’s visual system.

But why does the media still believe it?

Learn quicker. Read faster. Develop paranormal powers. If they can hook you and spin it with science, they have also bought you. Or rather, you have bought their product. Think twice before grabbing your phone and ordering that brain-enhancing pill you saw on TV. You know, the one that promises to unlock the hidden potential of your brain… the parts you’ve never used before.

The only thing you’ll unlock successfully will be your wallet.

–Magdalena

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We’ve all heard that drinking 8 glasses of water a day can keep us healthy. It seems a little excessive though. An article from the November 2002 American Journal of Physiology explained the lack of evidence behind this popular notion.

The truth is that to stay healthy, your intake of water needs to be enough to replace the amount lost through perspiration, excretion, and other bodily functions. However, the amount lost per day is different for everyone.

Research suggests that we also get water from the foods we eat and our daily drinks—juice, milk, and decaffeinated beverages. Try drinking diluted fruit juice, tea, sparking water and purified water.

The simple rule of thumb for water intake is to make sure that your urine looks like water. Urine should not appear dark yellow or golden brown as this is a sign of dehydration.

To stay hydrated, you should drink water with each meal and between meals. Be sure to drink water before, during and after you exercise. Try to substitute sparkling water for alcoholic beverages at social gatherings.

Although it’s rare, it is possible that you could be drinking too much water. Drinking too much water can lead to water intoxication, an electrolyte imbalance where cells swell up with excess fluid. Your kidneys are unable to excrete the excess water and electrolytes in your blood become diluted. This results in hypoatremia or low sodium levels in the blood.

You doctor or dietician can help you determine the water intake level that’s right for you.

–Nolan

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I’ve heard about people getting rid of their cats because of this myth. Before you give Mr. Fluffykins away, you should know the truth.

Even though there is some level of truth to this myth, there is also a lot of hysteria behind it. Cats can become infected with a parasite called toxoplasma gondii. This organism typically causes mild symptoms and may even go unnoticed in animals and humans. When cats eat contaminated animals such as birds or rodents, they can then spread the parasite through their fecal matter.

A pregnant woman can contract toxoplasmosis by coming in contact with her cat’s litter box (where the infected parasite would live). If the pregnant woman becomes infected her fetus is at risk for developing serious complications such as blindness, cerebral palsy, and deafness.

However, the chances of this happening are highly unlikely especially if your cat always stays inside and receives regular veterinary check-ups. Plus, toxoplasmosis cysts can also be found other places such as garden soil and sandboxes. Raw meat may also become contaminated with the organism.

How to avoid toxoplasmosis:
• Cooking kills the organism
• Do not handle or eat raw or undercooked meat
• Clean counters, plates and utensils that have had meat on them
• Avoid cross-contamination by using different cutting boards for different types of food (red board for red meat, yellow for poultry and so on). Be sure to clean your cutting boards after each use.
• Keep your cat indoors and away from wild animals
• Let another family member clean the litter box
• If you must clean the litter box, be sure to wear rubber gloves and wash your hands thoroughly. Clean the litter box out as soon as possible every day because it can become infectious within 1 to 5 days.
• Only feed your cat commercially prepared cat food.

If you are concerned about the possibility of toxoplasmosis, you should take your cat to a veternarian to make sure there is no infection. Toxoplasmosis is treatable, so if a woman thinks she might have been exposed, she can get tested and treated if necessary.

–Nolan

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