Health
Sixteen (16) Ways Kissing Benefits Your Health
Is your relationship lacking in kissing? Do you tend to give “air kisses” instead of actual kisses when with your spouse? Do you feel uncomfortable when people goes in for a big kiss at family gatherings? It might be a good idea to start kissing more often!
Recent studies reveal that kissing can bring about a plethora of mental and physical advantages, making it worthwhile to indulge in.
Read on to discover what scientific research has to say about kissing:
1. It boosts your ‘happy hormones’
Kissing triggers your brain to release a cocktail of chemicals that leave you feeling oh so good by igniting the pleasure centers of the brain.
These chemicals include oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin, which can make you feel euphoric and encourage feelings of affection and bonding. It also lowers your cortisol (stress hormone) levels.
2. Kissing helps you bond with the other person
Oxytocin is a chemical linked to pair bonding. The rush of oxytocin released when you kiss causes feelings of affection and attachment. Kissing your partner can improve relationship satisfaction and may be especially important in long-term relationships.
3. Kissing has a tangible impact on your self-esteem
In addition to boosting your happy hormones, kissing can reduce your cortisol levels — potentially improving your feelings of self-worth.
Researchers in one 2016 study found that participants who were unhappy with their physical appearance had higher cortisol levels.
Experiencing a temporary drop in cortisol each time you kiss isn’t a bad way to pass the time.
4. It also relieves stress
Speaking of cortisol, kissing also lowers cortisol levels and stress. Kissing and other affectionate communication, like hugging and saying “I love you,” impacts the physiological processes related to stress management.
5. It reduces anxiety
Stress management includes how well you handle stress and anxiety. There’s nothing quite like a kiss and some affection to help calm you. Oxytocin decreases anxiety and increases relaxation and wellness.
6. It dilates your blood vessels, which helps reduce your blood pressure
Kissing increases your heart rate in a way that dilates your blood vessels, according to Andrea Demirjian, author of the book, “Kissing: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About One of Life’s Sweetest Pleasures.”
When your blood vessels dilate, your blood flow increases and causes an immediate decrease in your blood pressure. So this means that kissing is good for the heart, literally and metaphorically!
7. This can also help relieve cramps
The effect of dilated blood vessels and increased blood flow can help relieve cramps — a boost in feel-good chemicals and relief from period cramps? Getting your smooch on when you’re in the throes of a bad period might just be worth it.
8. Kissing soothe headaches
Kiss the “not tonight dear, I have a headache” excuse goodbye. That dilation of blood vessels and lowered blood pressure can also relieve headaches. Kissing may also help you prevent headaches by lowering stress, which is a known headache trigger.
9. It can boost your immune system
Swapping spit can boost your immunity by exposing you to new germs that strengthen your immune system. One 2014 study found that couples that kiss frequently share the same microbiota in their saliva and on their tongues.
10. It reduce allergic response
Kissing has been shown to provide significant relief from hives and other signs of allergic reaction associated with pollen and household dust mites. Stress also worsens allergic reactions, so kissing’s effect on stress may also reduce allergic response that way.
11. It’s tied to improvements in total cholesterol
One 2009 study found that couples who increased the frequency of romantic kissing experienced improvement in their total serum cholesterol. Keeping your cholesterol in check lowers your risk of several diseases, including heart disease and stroke.
12. It helps prevent cavities by increasing saliva production
Kissing stimulates your salivary glands, which increases saliva production. Saliva lubricates your mouth, aids in swallowing, and helps keep food debris from sticking to your teeth, which can help prevent tooth decay and cavities.
13. It’s a solid barometer for physical compatibility with a romantic partner
One 2013 study found that kissing may help you assess the suitability of a potential partner. According to women surveyed, a first kiss can basically make it or break it when it comes to her attraction.
14. Kissing a romantic partner boosts your sex drive
Romantic kissing leads to sexual arousal and is often the driving force behind a woman’s decision to have sex with someone. Saliva also contains testosterone — a sex hormone that plays a role in sexual arousal. The longer and more passionately you kiss, the more testosterone gets released.
15. The more you kiss, the more you tighten and tone your facial muscles
The act of kissing can involve anywhere from 2 to 34 facial muscles. Kissing often and using these muscles on the regular acts like a workout for your face — and neck if you’re really into it!
This may help firm up your facial muscles. Working out your facial muscles can also increase collagen production, which contributes to firmer, younger-looking skin.
16. It burns calories
Using those facial muscles also burns calories. You can burn anywhere from 2 to 26 calories per minute depending on how passionately you kiss. This may not be the best workout regime if you’re trying to lose weight, but it sure beats sweating on the elliptical trainer!
The bottom line
Kissing, regardless of whom you’re kissing, can have a positive impact on your emotional and physical wellbeing.
Kissing makes both parties feel good about themselves and can help strengthen relationships of all kinds, so kiss and kiss often. It’s good for you!
A cholera outbreak in Sokoto State has claimed the lives of at least 25 people, with 1,160 confirmed cases recorded in three local government areas.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Asabe Balarabe, disclosed this during a press briefing on Monday.
She revealed that 15 patients are currently receiving treatment for the disease, which was confirmed through laboratory tests.
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“Out of 1,160 people affected by the outbreak, 25 have succumbed to the disease,” Dr. Balarabe said.
In response, the state government has ramped up efforts to curtail the spread of the infection, which is caused by consuming contaminated water or food.
“The state rescue teams are collaborating with the government to manage and forestall further spread of the dreaded disease,” the commissioner stated.
To address the crisis, the government has ordered the immediate purchase and distribution of essential drugs free of charge to all 18 local government areas of the state.
Dr. Balarabe urged residents to maintain proper hygiene and seek medical attention immediately if they exhibit symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting.
The outbreak has highlighted the need for improved sanitation and clean water access in affected communities, as health authorities work to contain the spread and prevent further fatalities.
Your body has subtle ways of communicating essential information about your health—and sometimes, one of the simplest clues is the color of your urine.
Urine, which is about 95% water, forms when your kidneys filter out waste and excess water from your blood. Normally ranging from light yellow to amber, it provides insights into your hydration and more.
Changes in urine color, smell, or frequency can serve as early indicators of potential health conditions.
While most color shifts are harmless and temporary, persistent changes could suggest a more significant issue.
“Tracking these signs can be a simple way to monitor hydration and potentially catch health issues early,” says Dr. Jenna Lewis, a nephrologist at Healthline Clinic.
Here’s a guide to what different urine colors might mean for your health:
Clear or Very Light Yellow
This typically shows you’re well-hydrated. While generally a positive sign, consistently clear urine could indicate overhydration, which may lower salt levels in your body.
Light to Medium Yellow
Often considered the “healthy” zone, this shade reflects good hydration without excess water intake.
Dark Yellow to Amber
A darker shade often indicates a need for more water. This is common in the morning or after exercise and can usually be resolved by drinking more fluids.
Orange
Dehydration may lead to orange urine, but other factors can also contribute. High levels of beta-carotene (found in foods like carrots) or certain medications can turn urine orange.
Persistent orange urine might signal liver or bile duct issues, so consult a doctor if it persists.
Pink or Red
While foods like beets or berries can cause pinkish urine, this color can also indicate the presence of blood, possibly signaling kidney problems, infections, or kidney stones. If diet isn’t the cause, seek medical advice.
Brown or Cola-Colored
This shade may suggest dehydration or, in some cases, a more severe issue. Brown urine can indicate liver or kidney problems, or a condition called rhabdomyolysis, where muscle tissue breaks down. Persistent brown urine warrants a visit to the doctor.
Blue or Green
Rarely, certain medications, dyes, or health conditions can produce blue or green urine. While often harmless, persistent blue or green urine should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
Cloudy or Milky
Cloudy urine may indicate an infection or excess minerals. It could be a sign of a urinary tract infection, kidney stones, or mild dehydration. Sometimes, excess proteins or fats may also cause this cloudiness.
Most changes in urine color are temporary, especially when related to hydration, diet, or harmless compounds. However, experts agree that if unusual colors or symptoms persist, a consultation with a healthcare provider is wise.
“Listening to your body’s signals, even through something as simple as urine color, can offer valuable insights into your overall health,” adds Dr. Lewis.
By keeping an eye on these colors, you can stay on top of hydration and potentially catch health issues early.
Members of the Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Health Care Professionals (JOHESU) have announced a seven-day warning strike set to begin at midnight on Friday.
This action follows a 15-day notice of industrial action issued to the Federal Government.
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Addressing journalists in Abuja, JOHESU’s national chairman, Kabiru Minjibir, outlined the union’s primary demands, emphasizing a need for immediate action to address ongoing concerns affecting healthcare workers across the nation.
Key demands include the urgent implementation of the consolidated health salary structure and the payment of a 25 percent review of arrears from June to December 2023.
The union is also calling for an upward review of the retirement age for healthcare workers, a tax waiver on healthcare workers’ allowances, and the immediate disbursement of COVID-19 inducement hazard allowances.
Minjibir urged all union members nationwide to adhere to the strike directive, underscoring that compliance would be essential in pushing for their demands.
Details shortly………….
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