VOLUME 10 • ISSUE 1 • FEBRUARY 2016
Refreshing Your Health
FIERY FEBRUARY • Male prowess • Female prowess • STD (sexually transmitted disease)
myths and facts
Fiery February SEXUAL HEALTH IS AN IMPORTANT ASPECT IN THE LIVES OF MANY PEOPLE. HOW CAN YOU SET YOUR SEXUAL HEALTH ABLAZE? According to the World Health Organization, “Sexual health is a state of physical, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality. It requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having plea-
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surable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination and violence.” Therefore, in this issue, we would like to help bring responsible romance into your life be giving you tips on how to stay on top with your sexual health.
A SLICE OF ORANGE
VOLUME 10 • ISSUE 1 • FEBRUARY 2016
Female fantasies
Male prowess While male sexual prowess is not the center of male satisfaction, the DECLINE in prowess is one of the most disturbing health problems that a man can encounter. Not only does it heavily impact his self-confidence, but it could also be a sign of some underlying illness. Sexual decline in men usually manifests as either erectile dysfunction or low libido. Erectile dysfunction is the inability of a man to achieve an erection during intimate relations with his partner. This is commonly caused by blood flow disorders enountered together with heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. However, in younger men or those without disease, there are psychological causes, such as depression and relationship problems. Bad habits such drug abuse, alcoholism, smoking, obesity and a sedentary lifestyle can all hinder good blood flow and a strong erection. On the other hand, a loss of libido is usually caused by stress, depression, side effects of medication, or relationship problems. In addition, the decrease in testosterone found in aging men can lower libido.
So how do you keep your sexual health in tip-top shape?
Quit smoking. Tobacco makes blood flow sluggish, not just to the heart, but all over the body. Ensure good blood flow where it counts by quitting the pack.
Lay off the booze. Alcohol may temporarily increase sexual desire, but it also causes erectile dysfunction.
Women’s sexual health encompasses a wide range of topics, from sexuality and libido, to STDs, family planning and protection against violence, among others. In this issue, we will focus on the first part—because women should be able to enjoy intimacy just as much as their male counterparts. Problem: Your hormones. Your cycles may cause irritability, unexplained pain or dysmennorhea, or occasional dryness— all of which diminish desire and pleasure.
Solve it: For irritability associated with your menstrual cycles, drink lots of water, and try relaxation exercises. Over-the-counter medicines may help alleviate some of the body pains you may feel. Water-based lubricants can help fight dryness and add pleasure. Problem: Life stress
Solve it: Involve your partner in handling your life stresses. Not only will this help alleviate your stresses, but it will also foster more trust that leads to stronger intimacy. Lastly, take the focus off intercourse. Spend more time on foreplay. Also, enjoy other forms of intimate acts, such as massage and cuddling. Problem: You don’t feel sexy. Many women do not feel sexy because of discontent with their bodies.
Enjoy the foreplay. As men mature, our bodies require more time to get revved up sexually. Take your time and enjoy the foreplay.
Lube up. Water-based lubricants not only help women, but men as well, as it improves the sensitivity of the penis.
Eat healthy. To get a boost of sexually envigorating nutrients such as zinc, B and C vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids, add more fish, oysters, bananas and broccoli.
Solve it: Exercise! Regardless of whether you lose weight or not, a fitter and stronger body ramps up your self-confidence in and out of the bedroom. Exercise also boosts your endorphins, which increase sexual desire and sexual confidence. Also, play around with mood lighting so that you do not feel completely exposed and vulnerable.
A SLICE OF ORANGE
VOLUME 10 • ISSUE 1 • FEBRUARY 2016
STD (sexually transmitted disease) myths and facts Myth: You can tell from a person’s appearance if they have STD. Fact: There are many kinds of STDs, which manifest differently. Some STDs may manifest as discharge or sores, but most STDs do not manifest outwardly in a person’s appearance.
Myth: Condoms are only for contraception. Fact: The reason why condoms are the preferred method for public health programs is that they also serve as protection against STD transmission.
Myth: Unlike HIV, other STDs such as gonorrhea or chlamydia are not dangerous. Fact: STDs such as Chlamydia infection and gonorrhea, both of which present as penile or vaginal discharge, can spread to and damage the pelvic organs, which could lead to infertility or even life-threatening infections. All STDs should be treated promptly. Visit your physician or health center to know more about how to diagnose and treat STDs. This is especially true if you have symptoms of STD (genital sores or discharge), have multiple partners, or practice unprotected sex.
Helping Your People in the Path to Progress Benefits Made Better
Looking to enhance your corporate healthcare benefits? E-mail us at benefits@activelinkbenefits.com. The information in this newsletter is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Consult a doctor for all matters relating to your health, particularly for symptoms that may require diagnosis or medical attention. © 2016 ActiveLink
Benefits Made Better
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A Slice of Orange
is a newsletter designed to help clarify basic health information and offer juicy tips on uplifting your health.
Editorial team Alvin Delfin Christine Llenes-Delfin Ivan Olegario, MD