Allergy

Today, we are talking about allergies.

I remember when I was in boarding school most people used them as an excuse to get out of chores but theres more to allergies than that.
Sometimes it is difficult to know when one is having an allergic reaction or a common cold or other illnesses.
Let us talk about it.

What are Allergies?

Allergies result when the body's immune system overreacts to a substance that is normally harmless. The substance, which is referred to as an allergen, could be anything from the pollen of a specific tree to a particular ingredient in a medication. It could be a puppy's dander or a food such as peanuts. While not everyone experiences allergies, some people are allergic to one specific thing, while others suffer a wide variety of different reactions to different allergens.Two of the most common types of allergies are seasonal outdoor allergies (seasonal allergic rhinitis) and year-round indoor allergies (perennial allergic rhinitis).Indoor allergens like dust, mould, mildew, and animal dander can irritate eyes, noses, and throats all year round.

Allergy signs and symptoms

Allergy symptoms may include the following:• sneezing• runny nose• itchy throat, nose, roof of the mouth• itchy, watery or red eyes• congestionAlthough allergies and colds have similar symptoms, there are some telltale signs that can help you differentiate between them. If you aren't sure whether you have allergies or just a cold, Your pharmacist or doctor can help determine the cause of your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment.

Is it an allergy or a cold?

Symptoms of allergies

No Fever
Watery and Clear nasal discharge
Sneezing
Rarely Cough
It usually lasts weeks to months.

Symptoms of Colds

Sometimes Fever
Thick and Coloured Nasal Discharge
Cough
Sneezing
It usually lasts about a week

Avoiding allergens

Sidestep your triggers.
If you know what triggers your allergies, it is best to avoid it.For some people, allergy season lasts all year and its symptoms strike close to home. It can be challenging to avoid your allergy triggers when they're all over your house, but it can be done.

Deal with dust.
Keep the house as dust-free as possible. When dusting, use a damp cloth. The dust will cling to the cloth better this way, keeping it from floating off into the air. Regularly wash bed sheets in hot water, choose sturdy but lightweight fabric blankets that can withstand weekly washings.Wear protective wear when sweeping or vacuuming or ask someone else to vacuum for you.Smooth the surfaces. Dust clings to random clutter like clothes, books, and paperwork. Piles of pillows may please the eye, but they're dust collectors, too, as are stuffed toys. Houseplants seem like they would be good for the air, but they tend to accumulate dust and mould.You can regularly wipe down surfaces to get rid of dust.

Minimize the mould.
A cool, well-ventilated home with low humidity levels will invite less mould. Closed-in spaces such as closets, basements, and especially bathrooms are mould magnets. Shower curtains tend to get mouldy after repeated use and should either be regularly bleached or simply replaced.

Protect yourself from pet dander.
Unfortunately, most experts would recommend removing allergy-causing animals from the house. You may also want to consider implementing a strict "No pets allowed" policy in bed.

avoiding allergens

There are a wide range of treatments available for allergy sufferers, including prescription and non-prescription products. These include:
Nasal medications (decongestants)
Eye drops
Oral medications (example antihistamines)

Hair...You Do Not Want It Here!

There is nothing as distracting as feeling a strand of hair on your chin ( that's if you are a woman). I find that once i feel that strand of hair i become obsessed with getting rid of it. I have to will my fingers away from my face after that.

I might forget it or pretend to forget it but the most annoying moment is when a guy notices the stray hair.



If you have ever felt uncomfortable about been hairier than the average woman, cheer up! You are not alone.

There are simple ways to get rid of unwanted hairs.



*Use tweezers to reduce facial hair.



Sterilize the ends of the tweezers with rubbing alcohol before and after plucking to avoid infection. Stretch the skin gently around the area that you want to pluck. Grip the hair near the root then firmly pull the hair.

Plucking facial hair is inexpensive, but time consuming. It can also be painful and lead to ingrown hairs if the hair breaks off underneath the skin. You can avoid ingrown hairs by pulling the hair gently as opposed to yanking it out with the tweezers.

Hair regrowth after plucking can occur in 3 to 8 weeks.





*Shave unwanted facial hair with a disposable razor.



( For more than a few strands)

Apply a shaving gel or foam to the chin or upper lip. Glide the razor across the skin in the direction that the hair grows. You can also use an electric razor for wet or dry shaving.Hair regrowth after shaving is fast: from a few hours to a few days.



*Try an at home waxing kit.



Waxing removes hair from the root. Warm wax should be applied to the desired area using the applicator that comes the kit then allowed to cool. Use your fingers to pull the cold wax off of your skin in the opposite direction of the hair growth. Regular waxing can reduce regrowth because this technique interrupts the development of hair follicles.

Regrowth can occur in 2 to 3 weeks.



*Try threading



Visit an expert. Hair regrows in 3 to 4 weeks.



*Use a hair growth inhibitor.



Visit your dermatologist to get a prescription for a hair inhibitor. Hair inhibitors

are plant based products that change the structure of hair follicles so that

the hair grows thin and soft and eventually it does not grow at all.

Apply the cream to the areas of your face where you want to reduce hair growth. The cream will remain on your skin. Follow the instructions that accompany the product.

Hair growth inhibitors can be used with other hair reduction methods such as threading, waxing and tweezing.

Results may take 4 to 6 months.



*Try a Laser Hair Treatment.



Laser hair treatments are very useful for getting rid of that unwanted hair. The

Laser gives off beams of heat and light to the roots of the hair and stops the

hair from growing after a period of time.To get the end result it will take 9 or more months but is much more worth it. It is more expensive at first, but in the end you save money



Caution



Shaving can lead to ingrown hairs. It can also result in cuts to the skin. Use a shaving lotion or gel to reduce irritation.



Waxing can be painful and may cause irritation and/or bleeding. Follow the directions provided with the home waxing kit you choose very carefully





See a doctor If:

#The hair grows rapidly

#You also have male features such as acne, deepening voice, increased muscle mass, and decreased breast size.

#You are concerned that medication may be worsening unwanted hair growth

Who are You Calling Fat?

I have always been the fat friend, deep down i know i am not fat. Yes, i know i am not. Its just i am surrounded by skinny friends even one who had a baby had the guts to be slimmer than i am presently during and after pregnancy. I go home and i am reminded how slim my mother was bla bla. I am with my current weight now but i did have times when i was unsure of myself.

I want to ask you a crucial question.



How can you tell if you need to lose weight ?



There are some concrete measures to tell whether your weight is putting you at risk for health problems.



BMI (body mass index): Your BMI is calculated based on your weight and height, and determines whether you are underweight, at a healthy weight, or are overweight or obese.

Weight in kilograms divided by height multiplied by height.



BMI = Weight (kg)/(Height (m) x Height (m))



Underweight = Less than 18.5

Normal = 18.5 - 24.9

Overweight = 25- 29.9

Overweight = 30 and Above



Waist circumference: Don't think your BMI is an accurate reflection of how healthy your weight is? For a few people, it isn't. If you have a high proportion of muscle, your BMI may define you as overweight even if your weight isn't actually a problem. Or, your BMI may say you're at a healthy weight, when in fact, you are carrying a high proportion of dangerous belly fat. For women, waist circumference should be below 88 cm (35 inches), while for men, it should be below 102 cm (40 inches).

The cold, hard numbers don't lie. But even if you know your weight is a problem, do you have to take action now? In a word, Yes!



While you may have the best intentions in the world to start a weight loss plan some time in the not-too-distant future, there really is no time like the present.



It may seem harmless to "weight it out a little" but if you don't take action now, you run the risk of gaining even more weight. Once people are overweight, their weight is more likely to keep increasing, eventually pushing them into obesity territory.



As we grow older, many people slowly gain small amounts of weight, even as little as 1 kilogram. That may not seem like much, but over time it can add up - turning a little excess weight into a "growing" problem.



Need another reason to maintain a healthy weight? A loss of 5% to 10% of your body weight along with 30 minutes a day of moderate exercise can reduce your risk of diabetes by almost 60%.



I hope i have not overwhelmed you with numbers.



Now you know if you need to lose weight or put on weight or stay where you are.



I Care.

Staying Wet

Too much of a good thing?

I have been getting response from the super studs amongst us who have sworn to me that they are so good. They last so long that they have their lady friends worn out.

If the majority of men are long lasting (this has not been proven) in intercourse then I have to prepare the women.

Most women do not stay lubricated for long periods during rigorous intercourse. This does not mean she is not enjoying sex. It is caused by a variety of factors. Vaginal dryness may also result from insufficient excitement and stimulation or from hormonal changes, pregnancy or breast-feeding. Irritation from contraceptive creams and foams can also cause dryness, fear and anxiety about sexual intimacy.

What is lubrication anyway?

Vaginal lubrication occurs by a lubricating fluid that is naturally produced in a woman's vagina. Moistness is always present, but production increases during sexual arousal in anticipation of intercourse. Without sufficient lubrication sexual intercourse can be painful to the woman.

Why are you not “wet”?

* Perhaps you are under stress. It also happens as we age and it happens periodically throughout life as our hormones rise and fall.

* Have you changed any medications recently? Lots of medicines can cause vaginal dryness as a side effect.



What can you do?

*Try having a shower before intercourse. You will feel cleaner, fresher more confident to be adventurous. Note however when washing your nether regions before sex, use cold water as hot water can dry you out.

* Maybe you need a change! Slow down. Do more nonsexual touching, kissing and fondling to enable you to become more fully aroused. What fantasies might you want to try? How about a new toy or position? Maybe have a night of just oral play for both of you for a change. Also, have your partner use his fingers inside you . Some women can even ejaculate during intense orgasms! Then proceed to intercourse! You should be really wet by then.

* How about your diet? It is hot outside and our diet reflects how our body can respond. Are you eating a healthier diet with lots of fruits and veggies, or are you a meat and starch person? Lower the amount of high cholesterol foods, increase fruits and veggies and drink more water. The cleaner, healthier diet keeps all of your parts moving and your sex life benefits too! Take vitamins, especially zinc which helps with lubrication.

* How often are you having sex? Having sex regularly naturally keeps the juices flowing so keep trying to stay connected and let your body relax and enjoy the wonderful sensations!

*Female arousal usually takes more time than male arousal, so foreplay is crucial. Your brain needs to feel sexy so that your body can feel sexy.

* Try using a water-based lubricant for now. It will help to keep you lubricated and make penetration more comfortable. Different lubes have stimulants and flavorings

Try something new and different. Sex should never be the same thing every time so have some fun.

Looking forward to tips and tricks from you.

One Minute Man

Take me back,

show me what you got

Cos i don't want no one minute man!



How long do you last in bed?

Does it matter?

Are you satisfied with your lasting time during intercourse?

Is your partner satisfied?



Premature ejaculation is one of the most common sexual issues.

Do you know it is more common in younger men? Older men may have problems getting it up but with age and experience they are able to control ejaculation.



What is premature ejaculation?

Premature ejaculation is uncontrolled ejaculation either before or shortly after sexual penetration, with minimal sexual stimulation and before the person wishes.



In less fancy words premature ejaculation is when you cum too soon, sooner than you would have liked, before you had the chance to satisfy your partner.



(Side Note: Ladies if a guy comes too quickly it may be a direct compliment to you)





What causes premature ejaculation?

Most cases of premature ejaculation do not have a clear cause. Let us leave the causes to the scientists to figure out the and focus on bringing out the stud, the "energizer bunny", the inner cassanova in you.

Premature ejaculation may occur with a new partner, only in certain sexual situations, or if it has been a long time since the last ejaculation. Psychological and medical issues may contribute.



Tips and Tricks to increase lasting time

In many cases premature ejaculation resolves on its own over time without the need for medical treatment.

For some men, stopping or cutting down on the use of alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs may improve their ability to control ejaculation.



The mind is the most powerful drug



First, you need to learn to calm yourself down and lower your performance anxiety because premature ejaculation is associated with infrequent sex, men with low frequencies of sexual activity often get extra excited and aroused, which can lead to performance anxiety when sex presents itself. Even men with frequent sex can get extra-aroused. Think back on the scenarios you had in mind and let them play (of course those thoughts should not be of you cuming too quick).





Are you comfortable?

During sex, if you’re holding your breath, flexing your abs and muscles, or supporting your weight in certain sexual positions (missionary), you’re creating muscle tension that increases the potential for premature ejaculation.



Tell her how you like it

Men that are comfortable with their body image and with being touched often have lower ratings of sexual anxiety.



Let's Do Some Exercise

Start-Stop Method

The start-stop method is a tested method to learning to control and last longer. A man will stimulate his penis until he is ready to have an orgasm and then cease stop.

Why this self-administered torture? You’re training yourself to find your point of no return. This is the moment before orgasm when you’re about to explode. Instead of ejaculating, you stop the stimulation and allow the feeling of orgasm to subside.

Essentially, you’re teaching your mind and body to get comfortable with being in heightened states of arousal and learning orgasm approaches. At first, masturbate alone using the start-stop method, then use it with your partner (hand job), fellatio (blow job) and finally incorporate the start-stop method with intercourse.





Sex Positions

Who would’ve thought the positions we have sex in can impact premature ejaculation? Oddly enough, the most popular position is missionary, which is also the position associated most with premature ejaculation. For a man looking to cure premature ejaculation try positions that limit muscular tension such as female on top, side-to-side (spooning) and rear entry (doggy style) when both partners are on their knees.



Other Treatments

Personally, I think desensitising creams are a short-term fix. Why would you want to reduce your sensation? Isn’t the whole point of sex to feel sensation and find ways to enhance this? Condoms have similar desensitising aspects but at least protect you from STIs and pregnancy. Ejaculating before intercourse is another way to last longer. The more times we ejaculate in a sexual experience, the longer lasting we become and less semen we produce. Try cumming from a hand job or a blow job before full on sex.



What did i miss ?

How do you pros do it?

Fine Girl; No Bleaching

Is it possible to get rid of spots from your face or any part of your skin without bleaching? Is it possible to have a clear smooth complexion minus unnatural light skin? I have more questions. Are you Suffering From Low Self-Esteem because of how dark or uneven your skin color is? Tired of Wasting Money on Expensive Skin Whitening Products that do NOT Work? Applying strange creams in funny containers waiting to see a new you in the mirror? Feeling less attractive because you have dark skin? Applying excessive foundation or make up to get a false complexion? Frightened of having your picture taken because you hate the way your skin looks? I promise I am not trying to call anyone out. It just happens that for a while now I have searched up and down, high and low for what will give me that creamy Megan Good complexion or Paula Pattons’. I envy their skin tones. I realized I am more of a bronze goddess ( Okay that’s veering off topic and very close to falsehood.) I want great skin but I do not want to bleach( Egyptian milk is not for everyone). Then it came to me, why not just have clear beautiful skin dark or not! In my quest, I noticed that some of what was holding me back from my dream skin were these dark spots on my face. Some from acne, some parts of my face just darker than others. Also some patches on the other parts of my skin. I discovered it was Hyperpigmentation. In dermatology, Hyperpigmentation is the darkening of an area of skin or nail caused by excess melanin. Hyperpigmentation may be caused by sun damage, inflammation, or other skin injuries, including those related to acne and pimples. People with darker skin tones are also more prone to hyperpigmentation, especially if they have excess sun exposure. Many forms of hyperpigmentation occur affecting areas such as the face and the back of the hands. Hyperpigmentation can also be caused by using skin lightening lotions, this becomes obvious especially after discontinuing the use of those creams or lotions. Another form of hyperpigmentation is Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. These are dark and discolored spots that appear on your skin following acne that has healed. Hyperpigmentation is very difficult to treat. It may take months to get the desired results. Laser Skin treatments produce good results but they are quite expensive, if you can afford them, go for it. You can always start with the basics. Cheer up! Long lasting results take time to achieve. You should know by now that quick solutions fail or fade fast. These simple lifestyle changes are a great place to start to treat your dark spot and patches. We know hyperpigmentation is caused by skin cell damage, so you give your body the tools to repair itself! • Exfoliate your face regularly - use a high quality scrub 3 to 4 times a week to encourage cell renewal and remove old, darker skin. New fresh skin will gradually emerge. Use a sponge or loofah for your body. • Use a high SPF sunscreen daily and avoid excessive sun exposure • Drink lots of water, when your skin tissues are hydrated they function properly and a lot of skin problems resolve on their own. • Avoid refined sugar and heavy carbohydrates • Eat lots of high anti-oxidant foods like fruits, vegetables and fibre • Take a daily Omega 3 supplement encourage skin cell repair • Get your daily dose of vitamin C with your diet or a quality supplement. Vitamin C actively reduces the production of melanin, and that means lighter dark spots and patches. We would talk more on this subject soon. Please share any tip orproducts that has worked for you.

You Beat It, You Beat Your Bad Habit?

This question is for my friend. You know yourself. Answer the question.



Have you really quit smoking?



I need answers? Why do people hide their smoking habits from their significant other? From their friends?



How do you really quit a bad habit?



How did you stay smoke free?



I have some textbook ways to help but i would really like to hear what you have tried.



Hang out in places where smoking is not allowed. It makes you feel better about your decision not to smoke, makes not smoking feel more normal for you, and helps you avoid temptation.



Write down in your journal everything positive that happened after you quit. Notice how you can taste your food more, how you can breathe easier, or how much money you've saved. Write the most powerful differences on a card, carry it with you, and read it often to make yourself feel good or use it in situations when you feel tempted to smoke.



Avoid testing yourself with "just one." Your brain will respond immediately to a cigarette and will start pushing you for more.



Avoid criticizing or punishing yourself if you have weak moments. Research shows it doesn't usually help - it only makes you feel bad, which in turn, may make you want to reach for a cigarette even more. Emotions are a natural cause for cravings, so don't spark them yourself.



Keep your personal space (house, car, workplace) smoke-free. Research shows that people who make their personal spaces smoke-free have better success remaining a non-smoker.



Keep cigarettes, lighters, ashtrays, and other reminders of smoking out of your personal space. Research also shows that these things signal your brain to want cigarettes, just like a red light signals you to stop your car.



Find things to keep yourself feeling good. Cigarettes used to help you feel good. It's time to figure out what else makes you feel good - physical activity, work on your house, hobbies, volunteering, playing in a sports league, coaching, cooking, gardening, and many more.



Learn to deal with lack of support. Not everyone is going to support you when you quit. Some people may feel defensive, threatened, left out, believe "things have changed," or feel pressure to change themselves. They may need some time to figure out what your changes mean for them, and how to adapt. Be as supportive of them as you can without ruining your chances of success.



Learn to use problem-solving skills. If you find yourself wavering, write down the details of the problem (don't guess). Write down at least 5 solutions, no matter how far out they are. Don't criticize any of them. Then choose as many as possible. Try them alone and in combination - start right away. Record what happens. Tinker with the solutions until you find the ones that work for each situation.



To prevent relapse, prepare in advance for situations that you know tempt you. Prepare a strategy to deal with each one.



What will you tell yourself to coach yourself through the temptation? Write it on a card. Carry it with you. It's too difficult to remember in the heat of the moment.



Who will you ask for help? What will you ask them to do - distract you, encourage you, go for a walk?



What will you do? Leave the situation, distract yourself, clean a closet, drink cold water, eat a hard candy, run around the block, mow the lawn? Practice your techniques in your mind and for real as often as you can so they become a more natural response than smoking.

I want to hear how you beat your bad habit.

Have a great week.