Posted: July 27th, 2009 | Author: Editor | Filed under: Sex, pregnancy, psychology, women's health | Tags: health, intercourse, men, records, Sex, women | No Comments »
Carnal Knowledge: Ten Things You Probably Don’t Know About Sex
By Sean Kenniff, MD
Despite the sexual revolution of the 1960s and 1970s and recent scientific advancements, there is still a lot of mystery surrounding everyone’s favorite physical activity. And if you think you know everything about sex, think again. Take a look at these ten sex headlines you might have missed.
SEX AND THE CITY
People living in New York City have twice the number of sex partners as the average American. NY’s Daily News took a look at the sex lives of the Sex and the City Characters to see how they compared to the real thing. In the 94 episodes of six seasons the four main characters managed to bed 94 men and one woman. Samantha was the most prolific lover, shagging 41 men and 1 woman. Carrie hooked up with 18 men and so did Charlotte. Miranda bedded 17 men. When these fictitious sexual patterns were compared to similar groups of real NY City women, those numbers were right on target.
DIRTY WORDS
The word pornography is a combination of the Greek word for prostitute, or “porno”, and the word “graphia” which means writing. So literally pornography originated as writings about prostitutes.
BREAST IMPLANTS ARE LINKED TO SUICIDE
Several studies have documented an increased risk of suicide in women who have breast implants. A Swedish study published in 2007 found women with breast implants were nearly three times more likely to commit suicide compared to women without the implants. According to the study the increased suicide risk did not appear until 10-years after the breast augmentation surgery. But twenty years after the surgery the researchers found the rate of suicide in women with implants was six times the expected rate. Some studies have found women with breast implants also have triple the risk of dying from drugs or alcohol.
SIZE MATTERS
The largest medically verified human penis measured almost 14 inches. The shortest ever recorded was 0.39 inches long, or just about one centimeter. Today normal size is said to be between five and seven inches. Rorqual whales have the largest penises of any animal; 10-feet long, and 1-foot in diameter. But compared to body size the unassuming barnacle has the largest endowment, with a penis up to 42-times its own body length (below).
MINUTE MEN…AND WOMEN
A 2008 survey of U.S. and Canadian sex therapists say “satisfying sex” lasts anywhere from three-to-thirteen minutes. 7-to-13 minutes was declared “desirable”, whereas 1-2 minutes was deemed “too short”, and more than 14 minutes was deemed “too long”.
VIRGINITY GENES?
Genes may play an important role in determining the age at which a person first engages in sexual intercourse according to a 2009 study. Researchers from California State University in Fullerton studied 48 pairs of twins who were raised apart and found the age of virginity loss was roughly 33% due to genetic influences. Previous studies have found a gene, called DRD4, is associated with impulsiveness, increased risk-taking behavior and a lower age at first intercourse. June is often cited as the most common month for loss of virginity (all those proms and weddings).
RED WINE MAY BOOST A WOMAN’S LIBIDO
Doctors from the University of Florence in Italy say a glass or two of red wine may boost a woman’s level of sexual interest. They studied more than 800 normal women and found women who enjoyed drinking 1-2 glasses of red wine had higher levels of sexual desire compared to women who drank other forms of alcohol or those who abstained. It is possible compounds in red wine increase blood flow to key areas.
HANGING CHADS
In most men the left testicle hangs lower than the right testicle, and although the reason is not entirely clear it makes a lot of practical sense. The oval shape of the testes and their different heights may prevent them from banging into each other when men walk. Both testicles rise with physical exertion or sexual intercourse for the same reason. The cremaster muscle is responsible for this reflex. Plus being further apart may keep the testicles cooler which is important for sperm production.
300 ORGASMS A DAY!
Women suffering from a rare condition called Persistent Sexual Arousal Syndrome, or PSAS, can have 300 orgasms each day or more. The orgasms in women with PSAS are usually unrelated to sexual activity or sexual thoughts, and they often occur at inappropriate and embarrassing times. In fact the orgasms come so frequently they cease to be pleasurable. Brain abnormalities have been found in some cases, but the cause of most cases remains a mystery.
FERTILE STRIPPERS MAKE MORE MONEY
New Mexican psychologist Geoffrey Miller studied female strippers and found they earn more tips in the week before their period than any other time during the menstrual cycle. This is the time of peak fertility, and Miller theorizes pheromones are signaling the men and causing them to tip larger amounts. In fact during peak fertility exotic dancers made twice as much money as they did when they were menstruating. The same study also found women on ‘the pill’ did not experience the monetary increase during this most fertile time.
Posted: April 5th, 2009 | Author: Editor | Filed under: breast cancer, cancer, colds, diet, parenting, pregnancy, women's health | Tags: alzheimer's, asthma, birthday, depression, diabetes, disease, health, heart disease, horoscope, month of birth, schizophrenia | No Comments »
What is Your Health Horoscope?
By Sean Kenniff, MD
The secret to living a longer and healthier life may not be as simple as eating a balanced diet and getting a lot of exercise. Recent research suggests your ‘health horoscope’ may be increasing or decreasing your odds of developing diseases. First-born children in large families tend to live the longest. In fact first-born children are 2-3 times more likely to reach age 100 than later-born children. Babies born to younger mothers may also enjoy an increased lifespan according to some reports. People living in rural environments tend to live longer than those living in urban and suburban environments. Some studies have even concluded that you are more likely to die near your birthday, or in the three months following it. Stress is believed to play a role. So what does your birthday say about your health risks?
JANUARY
Children conceived in the spring and summer months, and born from January through March may be at increased risk of birth defects according to a large U.S. study. In-utero exposure to pesticide residues during the warmer months may be playing a role.
A 2004 study published in the journal Neurology found people born during January and February are at the highest risk for developing malignant and benign brain tumors. Those born in the summer months of July and August had the lowest risk.
Women born in the first 6-months of the year might have a higher risk of developing breast cancer according to a report published in Oncology Reports.
People born in January and December have the highest lifetime risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy and narcolepsy. Those born during the spring and summer months are less likely to develop these conditions.
Lower air temperature at birth has been associated with the development of increased insulin resistance and increased triglycerides as adults. So U.S. babies born during the colder winter months may be at an increased risk of developing coronary artery disease earlier in life.
February
Children conceived in the spring and summer months, and born from January through March may be at increased risk of birth defects according to a large U.S. study. In-utero exposure to pesticide residues during the warmer months may be playing a role.
Lower air temperature at birth has been associated with the development of increased insulin resistance and increased triglycerides as adults. So U.S. babies born during the colder winter months may be at an increased risk of developing coronary artery disease earlier in life.
Women born in the first 6-months of the year might have a higher risk of developing breast cancer according to a report published in Oncology Reports.
A 2004 study published in the journal Neurology found people born during January and February are at the highest risk for developing malignant and benign brain tumors. Those born in the summer months of July and August had the lowest risk.
Studies have shown people born in February and March (late winter to early spring in the northern hemisphere) are more prone to develop schizophrenia. But the difference is small, about a 10% increase compared to the lowest risk months (September and August). It’s been proposed that a lack of sunlight during these months may result in a vitamin-D deficiency. A lack of adequate vitamin-D in a newborn, or a pregnant mother might influence a child’s brain development.
March
Studies have shown people born in February until March (late winter to early spring in the northern hemisphere are more prone to develop schizophrenia. But the difference is small, about a 10% increase compared to the lowest risk months (September and August). It’s been proposed that a lack of sunlight during these months may result in a vitamin-D deficiency. A lack of adequate vitamin-D in a newborn, or a pregnant mother might influence a child’s brain development.
People born in the spring months tend to have the shortest lifespans, about 5-months shorter than those born during the autumn months according to a study of 15-million U.S. death certificates.
Women born in the first 6-months of the year might have a higher risk of developing breast cancer according to a report published in Oncology Reports.
Italian researchers claim that women born in March are more likely to go through menopause earlier than women born in the fall months. On average, women in the study who were born in March went through menopause at age 48-years and 9-months, whereas women born in October went through menopause 18-months later (age 50-years and 3-months).
Children conceived in the spring and summer months, and born from January through March may be at increased risk of birth defects according to a large U.S. study. In-utero exposure to pesticide residues during the warmer months may be playing a role.
April
A study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry examined data from nearly 27-thousand suicides over a 22-year period and found people born during April, May, and June are 17% more likely to commit suicide. The increased risk was higher for women (29.6%) compared to men (13.7%). It’s possible that seasonal hormone fluctuations in pregnant women may influence the developing fetal brain.
A U.S. team of researchers found children conceived during the spring and summer months are more likely to be born with birth defects including cleft lip and palate, club foot, Down Syndrome, and spina bifida. Increased exposure to pesticides may be playing a role the researchers said.
People born in the spring months tend to have the shortest lifespan, about 5-months shorter than those born during the autumn months according to a study of 15-million U.S. death certificates.
Women born in the first 6-months of the year might have a higher risk of developing breast cancer according to a report published in Oncology Reports.
People born during the spring and summer months are more at risk for alcohol dependence, autism, and dyslexia, but are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy and narcolepsy.
May
People born in the spring months tend to have the shortest lifespan, about 5-months shorter than those born during the autumn months according to a study of 15-million U.S. death certificates.
A study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry examined data from nearly 27-thousand suicides over a 22-year period and found people born during April, May, and June are 17% more likely to commit suicide. The increased risk was higher for women (29.6%) compared to men (13.7%). It’s possible that seasonal hormone fluctuations in pregnant women may influence the developing fetal brain.
People born during the spring and summer months are more at risk for alcohol dependence, autism, and dyslexia, but are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy and narcolepsy.
Women born in the first 6-months of the year might have a higher risk of developing breast cancer according to a report published in Oncology Reports.
A U.S. team of researchers found children conceived during the spring and summer months are more likely to be born with birth defects including cleft lip and palate, club foot, Down Syndrome, and spina bifida. Increased exposure to pesticides may be playing a role the researchers said.
Babies born in May have the highest risk of developing multiple sclerosis as adults according to a 2004 study published in the British Medical Journal.
Children born in May and November are the least likely to develop Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL).
June
A U.S. team of researchers found children conceived during the spring and summer months are more likely to be born with birth defects including cleft lip and palate, club foot, Down Syndrome, and spina bifida. Increased exposure to pesticides may be playing a role the researchers said.
A study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry examined data from nearly 27-thousand suicides over a 22-year period and found people born during April, May, and June are 17% more likely to commit suicide. The increased risk was higher for women (29.6%) compared to men (13.7%). It’s possible that seasonal hormone fluctuations in pregnant women may influence the developing fetal brain.
People born during the spring and summer months are more at risk for alcohol dependence, autism, and dyslexia, but are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy and narcolepsy.
Being born in June, April or May is associated with the shortest overall life expectancy.
Women born in the first 6-months of the year might have a higher risk of developing breast cancer according to a report published in Oncology Reports.
July
A U.S. team of researchers found children conceived during the spring and summer months are more likely to be born with birth defects including cleft lip and palate, club foot, Down Syndrome, and spina bifida. Increased exposure to pesticides may be playing a role the researchers said.
Women born in the second half of the year have the lowest lifetime risk of developing breast cancer according to a 2000 study in Oncology Reports.
People born during July and August have the lowest risk of developing benign and malignant brain tumors according to a 2004 study published in the journal Neurology.
People born during the spring and summer months are more at risk for alcohol dependence, autism, and dyslexia, but are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy and narcolepsy.
August
People born in August and September have the lowest lifetime risk of schizophrenia. People born during February and March have the highest risk.
People born during July and August have the lowest risk of developing benign and malignant brain tumors according to a 2004 study published in the journal Neurology.
Children born in August may be at an increased risk of developing a form of childhood leukemia called ALL. The other peak risk is in February and the increased risk may be related to peaks in infectious diseases.
Women born in the second half of the year have the lowest lifetime risk of developing breast cancer according to a 2000 study in Oncology Reports.
People born during the spring and summer months are more at risk for alcohol dependence, autism, and dyslexia, but are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy and narcolepsy.
September
People born in August and September have the lowest lifetime risk of schizophrenia. People born during February and March have the highest risk.
September, October, and November babies have the highest risk of developing asthma according to some studies.
Women born in the second half of the year have the lowest lifetime risk of developing breast cancer according to a 2000 study in Oncology Reports.
People born from September to December may be more prone to developing panic disorder later in life.
October
People born in the autumn months of October and November are most likely to live the longest. A study of 15 million U.S. death certificates published in 1997 found on average people will live roughly five months longer if born in one of these two fall months.
Women born in the second half of the year have the lowest lifetime risk of developing breast cancer according to a 2000 study in Oncology Reports.
People born from September to December may be more prone to developing panic disorder later in life.
September, October, and November babies have the highest risk of developing asthma according to some studies.
Women born in October are also most likely to stay fertile the longest. A study conducted by Italian researchers found women born in October experienced menopause at 50-years, 3-months. Women born in March experienced menopause the earliest at age 48-years and 9-months.
November
People born in the autumn months of October and November are most likely to live the longest. A study of 15 million U.S. death certificates published in 1997 found on average people will live roughly five months longer if born in one of these two fall months.
Women born in the second half of the year have the lowest lifetime risk of developing breast cancer according to a 2000 study in Oncology Reports.
Babies born in November are least likely to develop multiple sclerosis according to a 2004 report in the British Medical Journal.
People born from September to December may be more prone to developing panic disorder.
September, October, and November babies have the highest risk of developing asthma according to some studies.
Children born in May and November may be at the lowest risk of developing acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
December
Babies born in December have a lower risk of developing multiple sclerosis later in life, but November had the lowest risk.
Women born in the second half of the year have the lowest lifetime risk of developing breast cancer according to a 2000 study in Oncology Reports.
People born in December are at increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, narcolepsy. People born during the spring and summer months had the lowest risk of these diseases.
Lower air temperature at birth has been associated with the development of increased insulin resistance, coronary artery disease and increased triglycerides as adults. So U.S. babies born during the colder winter months may be at an increased risk of having heart attacks earlier in life.
People born from September to December may be more prone to developing panic disorder later in life.
