The scariest truth surrounding genital herpes is that there still is no cure for the disease. The closest the medical world has come to a cure has been medications that can clear up outbreaks and reduce their frequencies.

List of Medications According to MayoClnic.com

• Acyclovir (Zovirax)
• Famciclovir (Famvir)
• Valacyclovir (Valtrex)

Natural Cures for Outbreaks of Genital Herpes

• Minimalize contact with infected partners
• Avoid sweeteners
• Ice packs
• Pain relievers
• Hydrogen peroxide to keep infections cleaned
• Use fresh linens and clothes
• Drink plenty of fluids – minimalize pain of urination
• Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)

These same medications may reduce the chances of infecting a partner. Here’s where the situation goes from scary to morbid: nowhere has any organization or professional stepped up and said that medications will reduce risk of spreading, so if you are caring, don’t be so selfish as to not tell your partner. No matter what the conditions were that lead to your contraction, the only way to start breaking the horrific cycle of reckless herpes spreading is to stop yourself.

Ways to Reduce the Chances of Spreading Genital Herpes

• Abstinence – Not the most enviable, but the safest way. The issue is your partner’s health, not your pleasure
• Contraceptives – Worst to worst – covering the genital regions help
• Cleanliness – Keep the area fresh and clean

Ways to Reduce the Chances of Outbreaks of Genital Herpes

• Keep Healthy – Keep a steady supply of vitamin C and multiple vitamins to keep your immune system up. Some researchers believe there is a link to outbreaks of genital herpes and weakened immune systems.
• Keep at peace – a relaxed, happy person with less stress is often more likely to have breakouts than a stressed individual. “Don’t Worry. Be Happy,” and whatnot.

If You Think You Are Infected with Genital Herpes

If you think you are infected with genital herpes, go get it checked out at a clinic. There’s a couple reasons for doing so:
1) Knowing leads to easier treatments and reduces the stress from the fear of not knowing. And, stress can lead to more breakouts, so, once again, relax.

2) Other conditions can look like genital herpes and not be genital herpes. No need trying to go blind researching your condition and getting sick loading up on home remedies for what could be papules or chicken pox (ouch).

Be respectful of those around you. The only way we get through this life is together.

- Martin

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Psoriasis affects both males and females equally and is more common between the ages of fifteen to thirty, although it may appear at any age. Psoriasis is not contagious and you can’t “catch” psoriasis from touching someone who has it.

Psoriasis Symptoms

The following are common symptoms of psoriasis:

• Patches (or plaques) of red, irritated skin (may be slightly raised) that may be covered with bright silvery scales
• Scaling spots
• Itching, burning or soreness of skin
• Dry, cracked skin that may bleed
• Change in fingernails and toenails—thickened, pitted or ridged nails that change color and separate from the nail bed
• Swollen, stiff and painful joints—restricted movement of the joints
• Emotional distress

Psoriasis patches can vary. You may experience dandruff-like scaling in a few areas or there could be major eruptions over large areas. Patches usually occur on the scalp, elbows, hands, knees, feet, chest, back, arms, legs, toenails and fingernails. Although psoriasis is more common in adults, teens and children can also develop psoriasis.

Mild cases of psoriasis can be a nuisance and many people who suffer from it may avoid swimming and other situations where patches can be seen. More severe cases of psoriasis can be very painful and even disfiguring.

Most types of psoriasis involve cycles:

1. Flaring for a few weeks or months
2. Flaring subsides or goes into remission
3. Flaring returns (in most instances)

Psoriasis Causes

Researchers believe that psoriasis is caused by an overactive immune system which results in the inflammation and flaking of skin. The immune system consists of a type of white blood cell called a T call which aids in protecting the body from infection and disease. Scientists think that psoriasis is related to an overproduction of T cells in the skin. The T cells trigger inflammation and increased reproduction of skin cells, which leads to inflammation, and flaking of skin.

Heredity can also play a role in the development of psoriasis. If you have a family history of psoriasis, you chances of having the disease are increased. Read this article from eMedicine Health to find out about 7 new genetic clues for psoriasis to find out more.

Psoriasis Triggers

Psoriasis may occur or worsen due to various triggers. You may be able to figure out what factors triggers your psoriasis and find ways to try and avoid them.

• Stress
• Smoking
• Drinking alcohol
• Hormone changes—disease occurrence may peak during puberty and menopause. Pregnant women with psoriasis may experience an improvement in their symptoms. However, during the postpartum period, psoriasis may flare up.
• Overexposure to sunlight—short periods of sun exposure can help reduce psoriasis in most people, but too much skin can damage the skin and sunburn can cause flare ups.
• Cold weather
• Infections—strep throat, oral thrush
• Skin injuries—cut, scrape, insect bite, sunburn
• Medications—lithium, blood pressure medicines, iodides, antimalarial drugs

Psoriasis Home Remedies

Below are skin care treatments and home remedies to help ease the pain of psoriasis:

• Keep your skin moist by using creams, lotions, pills, baths, or soaks.
• Carefully remove psoriasis crusts by gently putting cream on them and then peeling the loose crusts off. This can help your skin to absorb lotions and creams. Be careful not to irritate the skin.
• Take a bath with hot Epsom salts then apply a little olive oil. Keep your skin clean with dry friction or daily sponging.
• Aloe Vera can help to soothe the skin.
• Cabbage leaves—make sure they are thick and green. Wash the cabbage leaves in warm water, dry with a towel, flatten them (you may want to use a rolling pin), make sure they are warm and apply to the affected area. Put a pad or cloth over them and secure with a bandage.
• Avocado oil has been proven very beneficial in treating psoriasis. Gently rub the oil into the affected areas.
• Buttermilk helps to relieve the pain and itch. You can drink it in liberal quantities or you can use it as a compress over the affected parts.
• Take Vitamin E in doses of 400 mg per day to help reduce itching and scab formation.
• Take 6 to 9 lecithin capsules a day (2 or 3 before or after each meal).

–Nolan

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If you’re worried about how often you’re burping or if you’re belching too much, especially when you’re out in public with others, there are some measures you can take to limit and even stop excessive belching.

Why do people belch?

Burping is the release of air and gas from the digestive track. That means a good belch is natural and will eventually happen. In fact the average, healthy person passes gas about 14 times a day.

Swallowing air by eating or drinking too fast can create gas in the stomach. Foods sometimes cause excessive gas, like refined sugars, beans, milk products, broccoli, potatoes and other sources of fiber.

People with chronic belching may also have an upper GI disorder like GERD or a peptic ulcer.

What to do to relieve excessive belching

If you find yourself burping too much or at inconvenient moments, there are some things you can do to limit belching.

The most obvious one being avoid foods that give you gas. If you find eating broccoli or enjoying a tall, frosty glass of milk make you burp a little more than you’re comfortable with, don’t eat it when you’re dining out.

When eating, savor every bite. Eat your food slow, chew evenly and enjoy your meal. When you do this you will also swallow less air. Less air in your stomach means less gas and fewer burps!

Even while you aren’t sitting down and enjoying a meal, there are activities that can still bring on belching. Chewing gum, sucking on hard candy, sipping pop through a straw and smoking are just a few to name. Limit or cut these activities to cut back on burping even more.

If your gas is a result of Acid Reflux or heartburn, taking an antacid like Tums may help to settle the gas in your stomach.

Enjoying a tea made with a touch of mint extract after your meal can help reduce gas and belching. Herbal teas made with chamomile and mint can also prevent belching and ensure a smooth digestion.

Want something a little more refreshing to drink? Mix a pinch of baking soda into a chilled cup of lemon juice diluted with water.

When to see your doctor

Remember, belching is normal and natural, but if you find yourself burping practically non-stop and experience diarrhea, constipation, nausea, weight loss or persistent heartburn, please check in with your doctor.

–Magdalena

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However there are some people who are crippled mentally to the point where they can’t speak publicly at all or suffer from acute physical distress, nausea and panic with just the thought of a group presentation.

If you find yourself in this second camp, you probably suffer from glossophobia: the fear of public speaking or otherwise called speech anxiety. Don’t let it distress you too much though; nearly 75% of the population suffers from glossophobia. In fact, many people claim they would rather die than give a speech.

Symptoms of speech anxiety

Some of the symptoms felt during the “fight or flight” process when one is confronted with the prospect of speaking to a group of people in public or in the process of giving a group presentation include:

• Physical distress or nausea
• Feelings of panic
• Increased heart rate and blood pressure
• Excessive sweating
• Dry mouth
• Stuttering, quivering voice or speechlessness

How to overcome a fear of public speaking

It sounds cheesy but practice giving your speech or presentation in front of a mirror. Make eye contact with yourself. Even though it’s just your reflection, many people still have problems making eye contact. If you can watch yourself, you’ve taken a big step forward believe it or not.

After you master making eye contact with your reflection and giving your speech in front of the mirror, try it out on a friend or family member. Some people even find it helpful to give their speech to a pet or small child. While they may not understand exactly what it is you’re talking about, you’re able to get comfortable speaking with other bodies in the room.

Don’t over prepare. You probably already know this from high school or college: the more you cram for something the more you are likely to not perform your best. This isn’t to say that you shouldn’t go over your key points and the general flow of your speech, but don’t work on memorizing it line for line. When you put that kind of pressure in yourself, the more likely you are to feel uncomfortable and not perform to your peak potential.

Recruit a cheering section. If you’re speaking in a public forum, it may make you feel better to have people you know and love in the audience. If possible, have them sit near the back of the room. When you make eye contact with someone all the way in the back, it looks as though you’re making eye contact with the entire audience.

Roll with the punches. If you do forget to touch on a point or get some things in your presentation a little bit out of order, just go with it. Odds are the audience doesn’t even know what happened, so why make a big deal out of it.

Perhaps the best thing to remember before getting situated behind that podium is to relax, take a deep breath and give yourself some encouragement. It’s amazing how far the phrase, “You can do it!” can go.

Public Speaking Tips Site

Check out toastmasters.org and learn how you can become the speaker you want to be. There are some interesting stories, tips and techniques you can read about too!

–Magdalena

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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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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 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 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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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

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