Smileband Health issues

  

• Some medicines and health conditions can affect your sex drive
• Nutritionist Sarah Flower explains how certain foods can kick-start your libido
• While we all know about oysters and chocolate, Flower explains why sweet potatoes, celery and avocados will give your sex life a boost

Both men and women can fall victim to a lack of libido at some point during their adult lives. More often than not, this dip in desire is a temporary glitch which can be safely resolved by re-evaluating our general health and adjusting lifestyle habits. 

Unfortunately some medications such as opioids, anti-psychotics, cancer treatments and beta blockers can directly affect sex drive, as do some health issues including depression, fluctuating hormones, arthritis and ageing. 

However, where possible there are some changes you can make to help you get back in the mood, specifically with your diet. 

Nutritionist Sarah Flower reveals her top tips on what foods you can consume to help turn you on and what foods to avoid to prevent turning off. HOW DOES NUTRITION AFFECT LIBIDO? 

1) Fats affect nerve transmission

Increase fats such as essential fatty acids, omega-3 and natural oils by filling up on oily fish, eggs, nuts, seeds and flaxseeds. Good healthy fats such as oily fish act as anti-inflammatories and supports nerve transmission and neurotransmitter actions.

2) Alkaline lowers libido-crushing inflammation 

Reduce body inflammation by opting for an alkaline diet – fill up on dark green leafy vegetables and avoid processed foods, sugar and refined grains. This will be of particular help to those who have a health issue that is affecting their libido such as arthritis, obesity, hormone imbalances, diabetes and heart disease.

3) Minerals get your blood rushing

Boost blood flow and support micro-circulation by eating plenty of vitamin C-boosting berries as well as rich and leafy greens including kale and broccoli. You can also aid blood flow by eating plenty of zinc-rich foods such as pumpkin seeds, pine nuts, red meat, chickpeas and spinach. Zinc is particularly vital for healthy sperm and boosting male fertility. Cocoa also contains zinc, making dark chocolate which is also rich in phytonutrients, a good option.

4) Vitamin B crushes stress and boosts your mood 

Enhance your mood by eating plenty of foods rich in B vitamins, such as pork, poultry, bread, wholegrains, eggs and pulses. I would also recommend taking a B-Complex which can help combat feelings of stress, lack of energy or depression. They are also vital in supporting the adrenal glands, which produce a variety of hormones. 5) Vitamin D primes your hormones for stimulation

Vitamin D is fast becoming the star vitamin and must-have for our overall health including our immune system, blood pressure and even cholesterol, but it also plays an important role in our sex drive. vitamin D deficiency can lower hormones (estrogen for woman and testosterone for men) which affect mood, sexual desire and performance. To improve mood and libido, I would advise taking a vitamin D supplement daily from October to April and for those who don’t spend much time outside, throughout the year.

5) Antioxidants protect sperm from damage 

Spirulina has been found to protect sperm and testes from the damaging effects of mercury poisoning, safeguarding male fertility. You can buy spirulina in powder or capsule form. It is also a little powerhouse of antioxidants.

FOODS TO GET YOU IN THE MOOD 

Goji berries. Goji berries are believed to be a strong sexual stimulant, as they increase testosterone levels which stimulates libido in both men and women. They also improve overall stamina, mood and wellbeing, all of which are vital components for an exciting sex life.

Avocados. Avocados contain high levels of folic acid which helps metabolize protein, therefore giving you more energy. Avocados also contain vitamin B6, a nutrient that increases male hormone production, and potassium which helps regulate a woman’s thyroid gland, two elements that help get both men and women in the mood.

Bee pollen. Not only is bee pollen great for sex drive, it also gives you a boost of confidence, sustainable energy, increases your endurance, relieves stress, and enhances your immunity. It also has a huge effect on sperm count and is even believed to increase fertility.

Celery. Celery is not your average libido inducing food, but a number of studies have found that eating celery can actually increase the pheromone levels in a man’s sweat, making him more attractive to women. 

Smileband General News

PAEDOPHILE hunters are becoming an ever greater feature in police child grooming investigations — despite top cops warning that vigilante groups could ruin evidence.

But who are these groups of perv-snaring volunteers and how popular are they becoming, They often pose as underage children and wait for potential paedophiles to get in touch.

Key to the process is clearly spelling out that the “child” is underage, so it is vital that a paedophile hunter makes an obvious that the “child” is very young.

Messages tend to be saved both with screenshots and with digital chat logs to provide concrete evidence that what was said during online conversations was actually said.

Next in their process is to gather evidence of grooming. It is vital that hunters do not appear to be “fishing” for salacious comments, so they wait until the suspected groomer makes worrying advances on their own.

Paedophile hunters often snare their targets by allowing them to arrange a meeting with the “child. 

What have the police said about paedophile hunters?

Top police officers have warned in the past that vigilante paedophile hunters should stop because they risk tampering with probes into child grooming.

But in September 2017 a top child protection cop said investigators may have to consider working with the groups.

Figures revealed a huge increase in the number of cases where evidence gathered by paedophile hunters is being used.

More than 44 per cent of cases of meeting a child following sexual grooming used this evidence in 2016, compared to just 11.3 per cent in 2014.

But Norfolk Chief Constable Simon Bailey, in charge of child protection at the National Police Chiefs’ Council, still said vigilantes put kids’ lives at risk.

He said: “I don’t condone their activities and would encourage them to stop, but I recognise I am not winning that conversation.

“I think (working with vigilantes) is something we’re going to have to potentially look at.”

Mr Bailey warned that paedophile hunters could hamper existing police operations.

He said: “They don’t take into consideration the safeguarding risks to children.

“So I don’t believe that vigilantes are the answer to this problem. 

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A group called the British Renaissance Policy Institute claimed responsibility for the posters, which said 'Fight Grooming Gangs' (in Arabic typography).

Jack Sen, founder of the BRPI, said the group had 25 members in Worcester.

He said: "I am pleased my men have taken the initiative to do something on their own."

Ethan French, a member of Hope not Hate, saw one of the posters in Tallow Hill, Worcester, while walking to work on Saturday, August 26. Mr French, aged 41, said: "I can't say it was a big decision [to report it]. You see something's wrong and you report it.

"They are suggesting that all Muslims are child groomers, the fact that it was an Arabic style infers that.

"I was taken by surprise when I first saw it, I couldn't quite believe it. It was right by the mosque and Wyld's Lane, where the Muslims live.

"I popped into the police station when I finished work. I thought 'don't assume someone else will report it'. I think it's really important that you do stand up.

"By the time I went back home again it had gone. 

Dr Shazad Amin, the CEO of Muslim Engagement and Development (MEND), said: "Such posters are thus clearly intended to inflame tensions between Muslims and non-Muslims in Worcester.

"Although we would not have any issue with the subject matter of the poster, the fact it is intentionally written in a stylised Arabic font is clearly divisive.

"Robinson’s support for such actions simply demonstrate his continued agenda of demonising Muslims. Dr Amin added that stirring up racial hatred is an offence under the Public Order Act 1986 and the 2006 Racial and Religious Hatred Act.

He said Islamophobia impedes the progress of peaceful and tolerant British Muslims in society.

Fiyaz Mughal, the founder of Tell Mama, an Islamophobia reporting campaign, said the posters were 'intimidating' to Arabs and Muslims.

He added that the fake Arabic symbols on the posters associated grooming gangs with these communities.

"The use of the British flag - which all communities celebrate - is appropriated into a ‘them and us’ narrative," he said.

"Rightly, someone has reported this material. It is devised bluntly on nationalistic and divisive lines.

"We need to challenge behaviours that affect the wellbeing of young girls and boys in our country.

"But this is not the way to help any community or segment of our population.”

Mr Robinson was unavailable for comment.

Inspector Tanya Beckett, of West Mercia Police, said police received a report of an offensive poster in Tallow Hill, Worcester, on Saturday, August 26 and were treating the incident as a hate crime. 

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What Is Mental Illness?

Mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of. It is a medical problem, just like heart disease or diabetes.

Mental illnesses are health conditions involving changes in thinking, emotion or behavior (or a combination of these). Mental illnesses are associated with distress and/or problems functioning in social, work or family activities.

Mental illness is common. In a given year:

• nearly one in five (19 percent) U.S. adults experience some form of mental illness
• one in 24 (4.1 percent) has a serious mental illness
• one in 12 (8.5 percent) has a substance use disorder*

Mental illness is treatable. The vast majority of individuals with mental illness continue to function in their daily lives. 

• About Mental Health

  Mental Health...

  involves effective functioning in daily activities resulting in

  • Productive activities (work, school, caregiving)
  • Healthy relationships
  • Ability to adapt to change and cope with adversity

  Mental Illness...

  refers collectively to all diagnosable mental disorders — health conditions involving

  • Significant changes in thinking, emotion and/or behavior
  • Distress and/or problems functioning in social, work or family activities

  Mental health is the foundation for thinking, communication, learning, resilience and self-esteem. Mental health is also key to relationships, personal and emotional well-being and contributing to community or society.

  Many people who have a mental illness do not want to talk about it. But mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of! It is a medical condition, just like heart disease or diabetes. And mental health conditions are treatable. We are continually expanding our understanding of how the human brain works, and treatments are available to help people successfully manage mental health conditions.

  Mental illness does not discriminate; it can affect anyone regardless of your age, gender, income, social status, race/ethnicity, religion/spirituality, sexual orientation, background or other aspect of cultural identity. While mental illness can occur at any age, three-fourths of all mental illness begins by age 24.

  Mental illnesses take many forms. Some are fairly mild and only interfere in limited ways with daily life, such as certain phobias (abnormal fears). Other mental health conditions are so severe that a person may need care in a hospital. 

  
  

Smileband Health issues

Temperatures will start dropping in 2021, according to a mathematical model of the Sun's magnetic energy.

This, they say, will lead to a phenomenon known as the 'Maunder minimum' - which has previously been known as a mini ice age when it hit between 1646 and 1715, even causing London’s River Thames to freeze over. The study says that between 2020 and 2030 solar cycles will cancel each other out.

The model of the Sun's solar cycle is producing unprecedentedly accurate predictions of irregularities within the Sun's 11-year heartbeat.

It draws on dynamo effects in two layers of the Sun, one close to the surface and one deep within its convection zone.   

Researchers, led by maths professor Valentina Zharkova at Northumbria University, built up on previous research that predicts magnetic waves produced by the sun.

However, she has warned her model could not be used as proof of a mini ice age - in part because of global warming.   

'I hope global warning will be overridden by this effect, giving humankind and the Earth 30 years to sort out our pollution', she told sky news. 

The model predicts that the pair of waves become increasingly offset during Cycle 25, which peaks in 2022.

During Cycle 26, which covers the decade from 2030-2040, the two waves will become exactly out of sync and this will cause a significant reduction in solar activity.

Predictions from the model suggest that solar activity will fall by 60 per cent during the 2030s to conditions last seen during the 'mini ice age' that began in 1645, according to the results. It is 172 years since a scientist first spotted that the Sun's activity varies over a cycle lasting around 10 to 12 years.

But every cycle is a little different and none of the models of causes to date have fully explained fluctuations.

Many solar physicists have put the cause of the solar cycle down to a dynamo caused by convecting fluid deep within the Sun.

'In cycle 26, the two waves exactly mirror each other – peaking at the same time but in opposite hemispheres of the Sun,' said Dr Zharkova in 2015.

'Their interaction will be disruptive, or they will nearly cancel each other.

'We predict that this will lead to the properties of a 'Maunder minimum.'

Dr Zharkova and her colleagues found that adding a second dynamo, close to the surface, completes the picture with surprising accuracy.

Dr Zharkova and her colleagues derived their model using a technique called 'principal component analysis' of the magnetic field observations from the Wilcox Solar Observatory in California.

They examined three solar cycles-worth of magnetic field activity, covering the period from 1976-2008.

In addition, they compared their predictions to average sunspot numbers, another strong marker of solar activity.

All the predictions and observations were closely matched.

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Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of colon cancer include:

• A change in your bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation or a change in the consistency of your stool, that lasts longer than four weeks
• Rectal bleeding or blood in your stool
• Persistent abdominal discomfort, such as cramps, gas or pain
• A feeling that your bowel doesn't empty completely
• Weakness or fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss

Many people with colon cancer experience no symptoms in the early stages of the disease. When symptoms appear, they'll likely vary, depending on the cancer's size and location in your large intestine.

When to see a doctor

If you notice any symptoms of colon cancer, such as blood in your stool or an ongoing change in bowel habits, do not hesitate to make an appointment with your doctor.

Talk to your doctor about when you should begin screening for colon cancer. Guidelines generally recommend that colon cancer screenings begin at age 50. Your doctor may recommend more frequent or earlier screening if you have other risk factors, such as a family history of the disease. 

Causes

In most cases, it's not clear what causes colon cancer. Doctors know that colon cancer occurs when healthy cells in the colon develop errors in their genetic blueprint, the DNA.

Healthy cells grow and divide in an orderly way to keep your body functioning normally. But when a cell's DNA is damaged and becomes cancerous, cells continue to divide — even when new cells aren't needed. As the cells accumulate, they form a tumor.

With time, the cancer cells can grow to invade and destroy normal tissue nearby. And cancerous cells can travel to other parts of the body to form deposits there (metastasis).

Inherited gene mutations that increase the risk of colon cancer

Inherited gene mutations that increase the risk of colon cancer can be passed through families, but these inherited genes are linked to only a small percentage of colon cancers. Inherited gene mutations don't make cancer inevitable, but they can increase an individual's risk of cancer significantly.

The most common forms of inherited colon cancer syndromes are:

• Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC). HNPCC, also called Lynch syndrome, increases the risk of colon cancer and other cancers. People with HNPCC tend to develop colon cancer before age 50.
• Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP).FAP is a rare disorder that causes you to develop thousands of polyps in the lining of your colon and rectum. People with untreated FAP have a greatly increased risk of developing colon cancer before age 40.

FAP, HNPCC and other, rarer inherited colon cancer syndromes can be detected through genetic testing. If you're concerned about your family's history of colon cancer, talk to your doctor about whether your family history suggests you have a risk of these conditions.

Association between diet and increased colon cancer risk

Studies of large groups of people have shown an association between a typical Western diet and an increased risk of colon cancer. A typical Western diet is high in fat and low in fiber.

When people move from areas where the typical diet is low in fat and high in fiber to areas where the typical Western diet is most common, the risk of colon cancer in these people increases significantly. It's not clear why this occurs, but researchers are studying whether a high-fat, low-fiber diet affects the microbes that live in the colon or causes underlying inflammation that may contribute to cancer risk. This is an area of active investigation and research is ongoing.

Risk factors

Factors that may increase your risk of colon cancer include:

• Older age. The great majority of people diagnosed with colon cancer are older than 50. Colon cancer can occur in younger people, but it occurs much less frequently.
• African-American race. African-Americans have a greater risk of colon cancer than do people of other races.
• A personal history of colorectal cancer or polyps. If you've already had colon cancer or adenomatous polyps, you have a greater risk of colon cancer in the future.
• Inflammatory intestinal conditions.Chronic inflammatory diseases of the colon, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, can increase your risk of colon cancer.
• Inherited syndromes that increase colon cancer risk. Genetic syndromes passed through generations of your family can increase your risk of colon cancer. These syndromes include familial adenomatous polyposis and hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer, which is also known as Lynch syndrome.
• Family history of colon cancer. You're more likely to develop colon cancer if you have a parent, sibling or child with the disease. If more than one family member has colon cancer or rectal cancer, your risk is even greater.
• Low-fiber, high-fat diet. Colon cancer and rectal cancer may be associated with a diet low in fiber and high in fat and calories. Research in this area has had mixed results. Some studies have found an increased risk of colon cancer in people who eat diets high in red meat and processed meat.
• A sedentary lifestyle. If you're inactive, you're more likely to develop colon cancer. Getting regular physical activity may reduce your risk of colon cancer.
• Diabetes. People with diabetes and insulin resistance have an increased risk of colon cancer.
• Obesity. People who are obese have an increased risk of colon cancer and an increased risk of dying of colon cancer when compared with people considered normal weight.
• Smoking. People who smoke may have an increased risk of colon cancer.
• Alcohol. Heavy use of alcohol increases your risk of colon cancer.
• Radiation therapy for cancer. Radiation therapy directed at the abdomen to treat previous cancers increases the risk of colon and rectal cancer.

Prevention

Get screened for colon cancer

People with an average risk of colon cancer can consider screening beginning at age 50. But people with an increased risk, such as those with a family history of colon cancer, should consider screening sooner.

Several screening options exist — each with its own benefits and drawbacks. Talk about your options with your doctor, and together you can decide which tests are appropriate for you.

Make lifestyle changes to reduce your risk

You can take steps to reduce your risk of colon cancer by making changes in your everyday life. Take steps to:

• Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Fruits, vegetables and whole grains contain vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants, which may play a role in cancer prevention. Choose a variety of fruits and vegetables so that you get an array of vitamins and nutrients.
• Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all. If you choose to drink alcohol, limit the amount of alcohol you drink to no more than one drink a day for women and two for men.
• Stop smoking. Talk to your doctor about ways to quit that may work for you.
• Exercise most days of the week. Try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise on most days. If you've been inactive, start slowly and build up gradually to 30 minutes. Also, talk to your doctor before starting any exercise program.
• Maintain a healthy weight. If you are at a healthy weight, work to maintain your weight by combining a healthy diet with daily exercise. If you need to lose weight, ask your doctor about healthy ways to achieve your goal. Aim to lose weight slowly by increasing the amount of exercise you get and reducing the number of calories you eat.

Colon cancer prevention for people with a high risk

Some medications have been found to reduce the risk of precancerous polyps or colon cancer. However, not enough evidence exists to recommend these medications to people who have an average risk of colon cancer. These options are generally reserved for people with a high risk of colon cancer.

For instance, some evidence links a reduced risk of polyps and colon cancer to regular use of aspirin or aspirin-like drugs. But it's not clear what dose and what length of time would be needed to reduce the risk of colon cancer. Taking aspirin daily has some risks, including gastrointestinal bleeding and ulcers, so doctors typically don't recommend this as a prevention strategy unless you have an increased risk of colon cancer.

Smileband General News

Rihanna's cousin has been shot dead in Barbados just hours after they spent Christmas Day together. The 29-year-old singer posted a series of photos of her and Tavon Kaiseen Alleyne together and called for an end to gun crime as she mourned his death.

Alleyne, 21, was walking through a track in the St Michael's area of the holiday island at around 7pm on Tuesday night when he was approached by a man and shot several times.

'RIP cousin... can't believe it was just last night that I held you in my arms!' the heartbroken Wild Thoughts singer wrote to her 59million Instagram followers. 

'Never thought that would be the last time I felt the warmth in your body!!! Love you always man! The eight-time Grammy award winner added the hashtag, '#endgunviolence,' at the end of the post.  

Earlier this month, Barbados Police said there had been a significant increase in gun-related crimes on the island compared to 2016. Of the 28 murders committed so far this year, 22 were gun-related, figures revealed. 

According to national news  Alleyne's killer, who has not been identified, shot several times before fleeing the scene. 

The 21-year-old was rushed to a nearby hospital in a private vehicle but eventually succumbed to his injuries.

Rhianna later added a memorial panel to her Instagram Stories, with a black background adding his handle - @merka_95.  

'Rest up lil cuz,' she wrote, with emojis of praying hands, a crying face and a broken heart.

The Work singer shared four shots along with the post, illustrating how close she and her cousin were.

A woman named Tanella also posted a photo of herself with Alleyne at the hospital, putting an emoji of an angel over his face. She referred to him as 'my  brother,' suggesting she may be another family member.

'I never thought the day would come that I would have to bury you my love , omggg!!!' Tanella wrote. 

'This was our first Christmas together we clean we decorate and everything!! Tavon I know you was trying to be a better person!! I loveee you soooo muchhhhhhhhh brother omg!'