The  fight against HIV must continue. In as much as most people are on the guard about HIV/AIDS, the rate at which people are dying from AIDS is rather increasing.

Despite all the advancement made to prevent people living with HIV from getting AIDS, most people still have wrong information about HIV/AIDS. Due to that, these are some important facts about HIV/AIDS below you need to get updated with.

1.There are people living with HIV who do not look sick because it takes up to two to ten years for the virus to develop to AIDS. And that is when the person shows symptoms of the disease which is AIDS.

.2. HIV can be treated with Anti retroviral tablets (ART). People who undergo treatment live a normal life just like people who do not have HIV.

3.To ensure you do not contract HIV, you must test for it every three months. Use condom anytime you have sex with people who you are not aware of their status.

4.People living with HIV and undergoing treatment can have a family without transferring the virus to their children or their partners who are not positive.

5.Prep can be taken to protect yourself from HIV before sexual intercourse. Pep can be take within 72 hours if you are exposed to HIV by accident or raped.

6.Avoid using drugs or taking alcohol before sex. People who use drugs and take alcohol are more likely to contract HIV than people who do not.

7. HIV can not be contracted by touching or sharing utensils, washroom, bus or furniture with people who have it. Do not draw away from people you know living with it. Stigmatization do not help in any way.

These are basic information about HIV/AIDS you must know to protect yourself and loves ones.

Remember, HIV is only deadly if you do not know your status. So get tested now!

If you’re a lover of chocolate you would have notice that most people consume milk chocolate more  than dark chocolate and to compare sweetness most of us would go for  milk chocolate.

These five facts about dark chocolate will make you consider it especially if you want to be healthier.

1.The higher the percentage of cocoa in dark chocolate the more the benefits. Dark chocolate of high cocoa percentage contains a lot of strong antioxidants more than most foods.

2.Dark chocolate improves blood flow and may  reduce blood pressure as it has elements which helps produce nitric oxide which relaxes the arteries.

3.Consuming dark chocolate reduces the risk you getting heart disease.

4.The flavanols in dark chocolate as proven by study can protect your skin against the sun damage as it increases blood flow to the skin

5.It improves brain function as it increases blood flow to the brain and improves verbal fluency. It  improves the functions of the brain of  elderly people with mental impairment.

Take note that taking too much of it is not healthy. Two squares of dark chocolate and a bottle of red wine can make your day less stressful and healthier.

If there is one thing most people enjoy the most, that will be sex and so when it comes to condoms, people think that everyone knows how to put them on. They’re quite easy to put on, but there has always been a first time for everybody, whether they had to put it on themselves or by a partner. We all aware of the reason for the importance of using condoms, to avoid unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases.
Some people also have issues with wearing condom before intimacy because no one eats a banana with the peel. Yes, but let’s not forget HIV is real and in as much as HIV can be treated, you wouldn’t enjoy sex as much as you used to when going through the process of being on medication if infected. And this is a time when most people fancy multiple sexual partners, and no matter how faithful and loyal you’re or your partner is in a relationship, when its comes to sex, you can’t be so sure, so be sure to always use a condom. Wearing condom during sex is as sensual and pleasurable as sex is supposed to be but when you don’t wear it well, that’s what brings about the discomfort and tearing of it during sex. Condoms are affordable and easily accessible but make sure to always use a latex condom to keep it safe.
1. Condoms last a long time, but you should always check the expiration date printed on the wrapper or box. Use your hands to tear don’t use teeth or scissors, use hands and do it carefully (we all know it seems a long process, but don’t risk your future for just some few minutes of pleasure)
2. Make sure the condom is ready to roll on the right way: the rim should be on the outside so it looks like a little hat, and it will unroll easily. You can unroll it a little bit before putting it on to make sure it’s right-side out. If you accidentally put a condom on inside out, do NOT flip it around and reuse it, get a new one.

3. Pinch the tip of the condom and place it on the head of your penis. Leave a little bit of space at the top to collect semen (cum). If you’re uncircumcised, it might be more comfortable to pull your foreskin back before placing the condom on the tip of your penis and rolling it down.

4. Unroll the condom down the shaft of your penis all the way to the base. You can put a few drops of water-based or silicone lubricant inside the tip of the condom before you roll it on. You can also add more lube to the outside of the condom after it’s on your penis. (Water-based or silicone lube can make sex feel even better, and it helps stop condoms from breaking.)

 

5. Have sex!

6. After you ejaculate (cum), hold onto the rim of the condom and pull your penis out of your partner’s body. Do this BEFORE your penis goes soft, so the condom doesn’t get too loose and let semen out. After ejaculation, hold base of manhood with tissue and take off condom while manhood is still hard, tie the end of condom to avoid spilling and in tissue

7. Carefully take off the condom away from your partner so you don’t accidentally spill semen (cum) on them. Throw the condom away in the garbage — dump in trash can  and not water closet.

Wash your penis and hands with soap and water. You can’t reuse condoms. Roll on a new condom every time you have vaginal or anal sex. You should also use a new condom if you switch from one kind of sex to another (like anal to vaginal).
Practice these steps always when you want get intimate with anyone and remember there are people living with  HIV but don’t show symptoms, one’s status can’t be judged on physical appearance.

 

 

Personal hygiene for most women includes monotonous activities such as brushing, flossing, bathing, and deodorizing. And that is all. However, personal hygiene is more than just keeping bad breath and body odor away.

As a woman, special care should be placed on feminine hygiene care. Taking good care of yourself is an important part of growing up. Maintaining feminine personal hygiene not only helps you to battle infections and detrimental diseases, (In some cases, bacterial infections may lead to sterility, disease, cancer, and other health problems.) but it creates an aura of freshness around, when you get busy with your chores.

So, ladies, just spare a few moments to look through the following 10 steps to maintain your vaginal hygiene.

1. Wear loose, breathable, bottom clothing. Tight pants, shorts, or panties made from synthetic fabrics can reduce the air circulation around your vagina and cause it to sweat, which can increase your chances for odors and infection.

 

2. Wear loose panties that allow for air circulation or that are made from a natural, breathable fabric such as cotton.

3. Eat a balanced diet high in nutrition. A diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains such as brown rice will help prevent your body and vagina from experiencing infections or ailments.

4. Wash your vaginal area daily with mild soap and water. Mild soap will help prevent your vaginal region from becoming irritated or infected due to exposure from harsh chemicals found in antibacterial or astringent soaps.

5. Rinse your vaginal region with fresh water after washing with soap, then dry off immediately with a clean, towel to prevent moisture build-up.

6. Wipe your genital area thoroughly after urination. This will help keep your vaginal area dry and clean throughout the day.

7. Wipe yourself from front to back after experiencing a bowel movement to prevent fecal matter from coming into contact with your vagina, which can cause a bacterial infection.

8. Wash your vaginal area after sexual intercourse. Bodily fluids and residue from condoms and other intimate products can cause infection, irritation, and odors if not removed from your vaginal region following intercourse.

9. Change tampons, sanitary napkins, and pantyliners frequently. When these menstrual products become soiled and are worn for long periods of time, they can cause you to experience foul odors and increase the risk of infection.

10. Use menstrual products that do not contain scents or dyes, as these products contain chemicals that can be harmful to your health.

 

 

Mouthwash plays a very important role in oral care and mind you,  a mouthwash or rinse does not replace a regular oral hygiene routine of twice-daily tooth brushing and daily flossing. It might look like an extra step but it is necessary and important to keep your teeth and gums healthy. There are a lot of mouthwashes in the market but they all contain alcohol and can give you an unpleasant burning sensation. Below is an easy and all natural homemade mouthwash recipe that you need to try:

BENEFITS:

Aloe vera- Aloe vera has great anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. It keeps mouth fresh, clean and free of microbes.

Baking soda- Baking soda helps cleanse your teeth and crevices in the bums and cavities/spaces. It freshens breath and is a great ingredient for oral hygiene.

Tea tree oil- Tea tree oil has anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. It balances the natural microbiota of mouth and keeps odor and bacteria away.

RECIPE FOR ALOE VERA MOUTHWASH FOR HEALTHY TEETH AND GUMS:

Things you need-

  • Aloe vera- 2 tsp
  • Baking soda – 1 tsp
  • Distilled water – 1/2 cup
  • 5 drops of tea tree oil

Method:

Mix all the ingredients in a container and then store it in a bottle and the mouthwash is ready for use. Take a bottle and mix the given ingredients well and it is ready to use. Shake well before you use, take 1-2 teaspoons and swirl around the mouth, split out and rinse the mouth with water to get rid of odor by killing off odor causing bacteria.

Water

Add Aloe vera- 2 tsp

Add Baking soda – 1 tsp

 

*Caution: Patch test before using.

Originally Appeared On: theindianspot

Ladies, I know it’s sometimes tempting to just lay on the sofa and wolf down an entire pizza, watch TV, daydream and sleep over and over instead of hitting the gym and doing something productive with your lives (I know because I have been there too) but we all know that isn’t a sustainable and healthy lifestyle, so darling you need to pick yourself up and break a sweat. Healthy living isn’t all about following a strict regimen however, it’s also about knowing your body and mind as well as practicing a routine that is easy to maintain and energizing. Below are 5 simple ways to energize your lifestyle as a woman.

NO BAD VIBES
Don’t I repeat don’t let your thoughts become your reality. When you start feeling overwhelmed, adopt a strategy I call ‘stop’ because once you start thinking about the negatives, it becomes your reality. Try playing your favorite piece of song or recall a happy experience. Reframe your mindset. For example when your spouse says “we need to talk” instead of fearing the worst, you should think of something more positive. Keep in mind, the aim is to lose the stress. Don’t live for others’ expectations. Alas, too many of us try to please parents, colleagues, a spouse and or even bosses. Stop it now! Aim to achieve what you want. I personally think no one can ever please anyone, for no matter what one does, someone would find a fault.

Last but not the least be mindful of who you spend time with. Don’t hang with people who are constantly complaining about everything instead hang about with people who give you positive vibes and good emotions.

EAT AND DRINK HEALTHY
Always eat before you starve to avoid overeating, try as much as possible to always eat clean (less junk food) and keep it balance but of course once in a while you can indulge yourself just to stay sane (LOL). For those who do the late night eating please put a stop to it. I have a beautiful and lustrous skin because I drink a lot of water, they say water is life and there is no doubt that is true so be sure to drink enough water every day. It keeps the body awake.

EXERCISE AND YOGA
I am not the type that goes to the gym regularly but am an active person and enjoys different kinds of physical activity, like dance, yoga and leisure walks. If you are not one for the gym just like me, you could take up walking, dancing and practice some yoga poses right in the comfort of your room. Yoga however is more than physical exercise; it has a meditative and spiritual core and I find it soothing to the soul and mind. If you are a ‘gymthusiasts’ keep a workout diary, you just have to record the date, what type of exercise you did, and for how long. Remember, have goals that are simple and realistic. If you haven’t been doing much exercise for the past year or more, just don’t pick a goal like running a marathon. First try to see how your body responds to working out three times a week.

BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL
Sometimes to feel good about yourself, you need to reinvent yourself. Makeover! Do something new to your hair, I recently had a haircut and I feel more confident, edgy and even sexier than I felt before. Change your wardrobe if you can afford it….. Go on a shopping spree and spend some money on yourself, you deserve it girl. Go for something chic, colorful; daring and sexy but not trashy. Figure hugging clothes will bring out all those curves you been hiding, trust me at that moment, you will appreciate hitting the gym or taking up some physical activities. Change your routine. Change your look.
You are allowed to change your mind. Mix it up ladies and step out in style and class. I strongly feel that positive self-encouragement also boost your confidence. Look in the mirror and practicing affirmations every morning, celebrate your body inside and out and tell yourself you are ‘THE BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL’

LIFESTYLE
Don’t dwell in the past; you need to keep moving forward. Time waits for no man. If you are a gossip, stop it now and channel your energy into something positive and fruitful. Be sure to be getting enough sleep. Have a positive attitude towards life no matter the number of times it beats you down. You can cry like a baby if you want but you need to get off that pretty butt like the strong woman you are and deal with it, remember this, life is how you make it and believe you me, no one is going to take care of you forever and or make you happy, it’s all you girl, it’s all you!

“It’s not about how long you live; it’s about how well you live”

Gone are the days when there was no air refresher, body odor spray, tooth paste, fridge, water filters etc. how did our grand parents survive that era?  It is important to know right from the get-go that activated charcoal is not the same thing as charcoal for your grill or charred wood from the fire. Please don’t try to substitute or make your own!
Here are some benefits of activated charcoal

Teeth Whitening

Have your teeth become stained from coffee, tea, wine or berries? Activated charcoal helps whiten teeth while promoting good oral health by changing the pH balance in the mouth, helping prevent cavities, bad breath 

To whiten your teeth naturally, wet a toothbrush and dip into powdered activated charcoal. Brush teeth as normal, paying special attention to areas showing the most staining. Sip a bit of water, swish through mouth thoroughly and spit. Rinse well, until spit is clear.

For best results, brush your teeth with activated charcoal two-three times per week.

Note: If you have crowns, caps or porcelain veneers, it’s possible that activated charcoal will stain them. also, if your teeth become sensitive, quit using it.

Odour Prevention And Stain Removal

Activated charcoal is fabulous at absorbing odors, which is one reason it’s used in air filters and even in certain wound care situations where odor becomes an issue. It also serves as stain remover.

Water Filtration

Activated charcoal also helps remove contaminants from water. It is used in the Berkey system that our family used for years and even in most water pitcher systems. The 14-stage filter we have now also uses charcoal to filter water

Poison and Toxin Remedy

Activated charcoal is sometimes used to help treat a drug overdose or a poisoning.When you take activated charcoal, drugs and toxins can bind to it. This helps rid the body of unwanted substances.

When used along with other treatments, activated charcoal may be effective for an acute poisoning. But it is not useful in some cases, including poisoning from:

  • Cyanide
  • Lithium
  • Alcohol
  • Iron tablets

Alleviates Gas & Bloating

One activated charcoal use often overlooked is to alleviate uncomfortable gas and bloating. It works by binding the gas-causing byproducts in foods that cause discomfort.

Most of people want improve their health and to get in shape but have difficulties maintaining a regimen that works for them. These simple steps should help start a workout program that can work for you and enable you to continue.

Get active: If you must sit at school and/or work, then move your legs and body about, but not constantly like a pendulum. Step outside during your lunch break or walk to get a drink of water. If you want to get in shape but you’re too busy to hit the gym, you need to at least get yourself up and active. Walk. Park on the far side of the parking area. There are lots of ways to do such things, and they don’t need to be very time consuming or costly at all. Make a point of taking the stairs rather than an elevator when going home or to work (split between stairs and elevator if you need to go up very high).Do squats while waiting for your food to cook. Walk around on your tiptoes.

Have a good workout schedule: it is important to note the areas of your body that needs increasing and decreasing, that way you can design a daily work out routine to achieve that beach body you have been craving soon enough. You can bike, which is a great way to work out and get yourself outside.Try jogging or speed walking or you can swim, which is a great way to work out your whole body.

Eat right, Eat on time: Bloating is most often a result of indigestion. it is very important to have a time limit where nothing more than water is taken after. Your meals should mainly consist of vegetables, legumes and cereals and fruits and make sure to eat all your calories before 3-4 pm to allow adequate time for digestion. Avoid sugary drinks like soda, and anything which is high in saturated or trans fats (partially hardened or hardened fats, margarine).

 

Drink Up: water is one of the best ways to keep your body soft, healthy, refreshed and hydrated, a hydrated skin is a glowing skin that tends to turn heads. Reduce the caffeine, sugar; alcohol and start drinking more water.

Sleep well: About 6 to 8 hours of sleep a day helps to speed up your metabolism as well as allowing your body to rest and flush out the excess nutrients. sleep is significant, you just can’t cheat nature can you?

Eat light snacks. Eat one snack in between breakfast and lunch as well as between lunch and dinner. This will keep you from getting faint or hungry and will also help you not to overeat when it’s time for meals.

Ditch the artificial: Getting a firm, healthy body demands sacrifices. Carbonated drinks and packed or processed juices may not be as healthy as they are presented. Ditch them and brew some nice green tea with grated ginger and lemon slices in it and have a good healthy time.

ORGASM!……UM…. DON’T BE SHY. YES YOU!

Sex is a pleasurable activity as well as a connecting one. Some people engage just for fun and pleasure but each time you have sex, you give a bit of yourself and take a little bit of the person. Like it or not, this connectivity makes sex a commitment. It is reported that most men have more orgasms than women on a normal sex day. Men release faster than women and sometimes the man goes limp leaving the woman with no orgasm due to the time space.
The art of sex can be much fun and can be frustrating as well. One can Ask, what am I doing or not doing right. Every man likes to have sex with a woman who enjoys it, screams his name and begs for more. If your woman doesn’t reach an orgasm every now and then, boy, you’re not doing something right.

ORAL SEX: Most young women are more likely than men to perform oral sex on their partner even if they don’t want to, according to researchers. Its always been a distasteful and big deal for men to perform oral sex on women. Men, please stop ignoring the clits, its needs some attention too and could help your woman in having orgasm.

NB: Ladies, please keep that cookie clean, fresh and smelling good so it can be properly “taken care of”

EXPERIMENT & SWITCH UP THINGS: Have fun and play. Allow your imaginations run wild during sex. Engage in a variety of sex acts.For example, vaginal sex plus oral sex would be linked to a higher likelihood of orgasm than either one of them alone. Explore all your body parts gainfully to achieve that earth shattering orgasm she deserves.

FIND HER G-SPOT: The G-Spot is an area of the female genitalia which is believed to possess a great amount of nerve endings that aid women to attain a stronger and longer orgasm. The location of the G-Spot varies in every woman. Tip for your quest; the G-Spot is mostly found inside the vagina and mostly surrounded by a rougher texture.

MAKE HER FEEL GOOD ABOUT HERSELF: A lot of women are insecure because some think they’re not good enough or don’t match up to a man’s standards. They’re thinking about how their face looks or what the fat on their belly is doing whether or not their cellulite is noticeable. If you need to make love to make her feel good about herself, take your time. Kiss every inch of her and make her feel she’s all you got. That way, she’ll  forget all her insecurities and allow her fantasies to come to play, then you can take her to her ecstasy and release.

TAKE YOUR TIME: This goes for both parties, it can take anywhere from a few minutes to mostly an hour to have an orgasm (20 minutes is typical, longer is totally normal). Orgasms are like childbirth: they take as long as they take, and each one is different. So just take your time and enjoy the upcoming pleasure.

AVOID DISTRACTIONS: Do not, I repeat do not be distracted by thoughts like, “What if this is taking too long?” or “What if my partner is bored?” or “What if I’m not even doing this right?” Just concentrate on pleasuring her and you will both have a wonderful and satisfying “joyful explosion”

 

NB:Mental exercises can sometimes work for men to delay their orgasm and so can firm pressure around the base of the penis. If premature ejaculation is a concern, you  may want to see a primary care doctor or urologist to find some techniques that might help.

BY PRISCA WOEDEM ABODAKPI (@_palmwine_)

I dare say there is no actual cure for the common cold, in part because there are many different types of rhinoviruses that cause the common cold. Watch for the symptoms such as nasal dryness or irritation, nasal congestion and sneezing that get worse, loss of sense of smell and taste, cough or hoarseness, nasal discharge, A low-grade fever, typically in infants and preschool children. Nevertheless, most can be effectively treated at home, but if you have one that lasts longer than two weeks, you should see a doctor to make sure it isn’t something more serious. The goal of a natural treatment is to support the immune system so it can do its job. I have for you 6 natural ways to get rid of cold easily right in your kitchen.

GARLIC.  This has antibacterial and antiviral properties and is believed to reduce the severity of colds by boosting your immune system. Try garlic for cooking; add a clove or two to your food. You could also wash, crush about two cloves and mix it in honey. Fresh garlic is most effective when used early to treat cold.

 

 

 

 

 

GINGER. Ginger also has antiviral and antibacterial properties. It can help lessen the secretion of mucus. Ginger can be used in cooking, put it in tea, or taken as a supplement by just chewing. It is safe for pregnant women and children, although pregnant women should have no more than one gram per day. Pediatrician should be asked for doses for children.

DRINK LOT OF WARM FLUID. When you find yourself in this situation make sure to stay hydrated by drinking enough water throughout the day. Drink warm water to ease sore throat and also drinking warm fluids helps to loosen the secretions in your sinuses so that your mucus flows more freely. I recommend that you put lemon in the water for a source of vitamin C.

HONEY. Honey contains antiviral properties and strengthens your immune system. Raw honey is solid at room temperature and has a slightly stronger flavor than pasteurized honey. Taking in honey may also help you feel better when you have a cold. You can eat a tablespoon a day when you are sick or you can add it to tea, hot water. Remember; don’t give honey to a child less than one year old

STEAM TREATMENT.
Heat up a pot of water. When it starts producing quite a lot of steam, remove the pot from the fire and place it on a stable surface such as a table.
Lean your head over the pot (but don’t get too close to the steam or the water least you get burned) Cover your head with a light cotton towel. Inhale the steam for 10 minutes.
You can use this treatment two to four times per day and adding a few drops of essential oil to the water is a good way to further decongest your sinuses.try peppermint oil which relieves sinus headaches or eucalyptus oil which help relieve nasal congestion.
NOTE: Tea tree oil when consumed is toxic so make sure not to use.

GET PLENTY OF SLEEP. Your body needs rest in order to heal faster. We require about 8 hours per night, if you are fighting off a cold, you will probably need more. Pushing yourself too hard can weaken your immune system, meaning it takes longer to recover from your cold. Being fully rested will help boost your immune system and enable your body to fight the cold more effectively. If you have trouble breathing while sleeping, elevate your head on a pillow to help you breathe more easily.
Well there you have it. If you have a cold just try any of these simple methods and you will be fine in a jiffy!

NOTE: Before using any herbal remedies, check with your doctor first.