Month: November 2020
Hundreds get wrong results due to Covid test error
Hundreds of people have been wrongly told they have coronavirus by NHS Test and Trace after a laboratory error.
More than 1,300 people who gave samples between 19 and 23 November received positive results, when the tests were actually void.
All of those affected will be told to take another test, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said.
Duncan Larcombe, whose daughter received the wrong result, said it was “more than an inconvenient mistake”.
The PR company director, from Maidstone, Kent, said his two children, aged 14 and nine, were both sent home from school to self-isolate and he was unable to work.
He said his 14-year-old daughter had not left her bedroom for four days, with meals being left outside her door, until the family learned the result was void on Thursday.
“We were taking it very seriously,” he said.
‘Held accountable’
Mr Larcombe, a former royal editor at the Sun newspaper, said the mistake “brings into question for me whether or not this testing system is competent”.
“The entire economy is relying on the competence of the testing laboratories and if they are not doing their job they need to be held to account,” he said.
DHSC said it was an “isolated incident” caused by an “issue with a batch of testing chemicals” which had affected tests taken across the UK.
It is “being fully investigated to ensure this does not happen again,” the department said.
Mr Larcombe’s daughter has now received a negative result after taking a second test on Thursday.
“Given that [the government] have just decided to put the whole of Kent in tier 3, you just wonder, is their modelling flawed,” he said.
Asked if the 1,311 incorrect results would affect regional figures for infection rates, which are represented as the number of cases per 100,000 people, DHSC issued a statement saying: “Any impact on regional figures would be minimal, but in any event this incident was taken into account when the tiering discussions took place.”
Iron Deficiency Symptoms That You Shouldn’t Ignore
Iron is a vital element that our body requires and its deficiency causes several ailments. A fixed quantity of iron is needed in every human body. This is so because iron is a constituent part of hemoglobin and thus it keeps our immunity efficient.
Following are the signs that our body shows when we are lacking iron in our diet-
You Feel Exhausted Easily
We tend to overlook the tiredness or fatigue we feel, labeling them as being a result of stress. But it might be a crucial symptom of your body lacking iron.
You Pant Heavily
Deficiency of iron causes anemia and this, in turn, leads to you feeling breathless soon. Naturally, you will tire out very easily.
You Crave Weird Things
It’s called Pica where people start craving for inedible things like chalk. If the person eats those particular things which they are craving, they might get choked. This is a sign of iron deficiency.
Excessive Hair Fall
Your body meets the lack of iron by culling the less important users of iron. Hair is one of the least important organs and hence it gets rejected. Thus, resulting in excessive hair fall.
You’re Depressed And/ Or Anxious
The above-described symptoms automatically result in a person becoming depressed. On top of that, the person will feel highly irritated due to being fatigued.
You May Have Swollen Muscles
Due to the lack of oxygen, your muscles may get swollen. For getting rid of it you need to consume more leafy vegetables. Even your tongue might feel swollen due to iron deficiency.
How To Intake More Iron
If you experience the above symptoms at an extreme level, then it’s best to visit a doctor. You should eat food rich in iron like mushrooms, green vegetables, and chickpeas.
You may also cook your regular food in iron utensils. This will allow your normal food to acquire some iron. Vitamin C rich food is also crucial for your body as it is a catalyst for iron absorption. For this, you can have a bit of lemon juice every day during lunch.
For the healthy functioning of our body, a sufficient amount of minerals and vitamins is needed. Iron is a very important element for our immunity. You should never ignore the signs your body shows when it’s deficient in iron.
Be careful, be observant, be healthy!
12 NASTIEST THINGS GIRLS SECRETLY DO WHEN THEY’RE TOGETHER
Girls look stylish and beautiful on the outside, but when girls are together, some of them probably do some nastiest things that many would be surprised to know. Because the relationship between women is much different than the relationship between men.
WHEN THESE GIRLS GET TOGETHER THEY COME OUT SECRETLY WITH SOME OF THEIR NASTIEST HABITS. HAVE A LOOK!
1. SHARING BATHROOM STALLS
When girls go out together, they generally go to the washroom in groups and in fact, they will secretly share the bathroom stall with their female friends, while one is relieving herself the other will stand, watch and wait, rather than stand outside. Guys can never wait and watch their buddies relieving themselves, but for girls, this comes naturally to them.
2. HELPING DOWN UNDER
Behind closed doors, they are not ashamed to secretly check out each other’s lower private parts and help out in alleviating, a mysterious mole that has come up, or if a tampon is lodged inside her best friend.
3. SMELL CHECK
A girl will never let her friend go out smelling gross, she will smell check her friend, by blowing in each other’s faces and smell each other’s armpits, to determine whether they need to apply more deodorant, before venturing out.
4. PASS GAS
The nastiest act by a girl is when she secretly has to run and go through some uncomfortable situations to pass gas, but when girls are together, they just go blasting it out in front of each other, which is fun and normal for them. Sometimes they have a competition to see whose gas smells bad and loud.
5. SHARING PERSONAL ITEMS
If a girl forgets her toiletries at home, then she doesn’t hesitate to use her friend’s toothbrush or using her perfume. They share everything with each other from spoon to glasses as they feel it’s not harmful at all, using their best friends things.
6. GRAPHIC DETAILS
When they are together they secretly enjoy sharing details about their love lives and personal lives, behind closed doors. They will share some very embarrassing sexcapades stories, that will make anyone cringe.
7. POPPING ZITS
Secretly behind closed doors they spend a lot of time decking up each other with makeup and styling their hair. They just wish to see their friends look beautiful before going out and if they see a zit on their friend’s face or a pimple on their back, they will just jump to remove it at any cost.
8. COMPARING BOOBS
One of the nastiest things girls do, by removing their bras and panties secretly behind closed doors when they’re together. A lot of comparison with each other’s boobs goes on when they are together. They will dig, push and examine each other’s bodies and show off their nipples size as doing this is very natural to them.
9. PLUCKING
Secretly behind closed doors girl’s love to pluck their friend’s stray hairs off their bodies, and you will find all girls carrying tweezers in their purse. Suddenly somewhere if they spot a stray hair sprouting, out come those tweezers and instant plucking starts off, this act is considered a sign of love between friends.
10. EXAMINE POOP
A very nastiest act which girls do when they are having a poop issue, they secretly call a best friend to check out and take her views, is a very common thing between girls. Well, girls don’t intend or enjoy watching their best friend’s poop, but in a case of emergency, they are always ready to help out in examining, just to make sure the poop is normal and nothing serious.
11. TALKING DIRTY
One of the nastiest habits girls have when they are together is to talk dirty to each other, but lovingly. They often use words like slut and bitch as an adorable term to each other. These words are used teasingly to playfully bug one another.
12. MENSTRUATION STORIES
We all know they menstruate, but not the details, and it’s one of the nastiest things, which these girls secretly share when they’re together, the horror stories and graphic details about their periods. It’s just a very natural topic among girls to get more details, opinions, advice from each other.
GREEN PEA HUMMUS
This green pea hummus is light, refreshing, and perfect for summertime! It’s an easy vegan dip made with green peas, olive oil, lemon, garlic, and fresh parsley. Enjoy it with sliced veggies and crackers, or spread it on sandwiches and toast. It’s ready in 10 minutes with 10 simple ingredients!
Wait, hummus made with PEAS? I know, it may sound odd… but trust me on this one. Green pea hummus is my new favorite dip! We’re saying goodbye to chickpeas (just this once!) and using green peas instead. The result? A vibrant, refreshing, sweet yet savory, light and summery dip.
This green pea hummus is:
- Vegan, dairy-free, soy-free, nut-free, and gluten-free
- Light, refreshing, and subtly sweet
- Ready in 10 minutes
- Made with 10 healthy ingredients
- Unique in its flavor // Subtly sweet yet savory
- Great for summer and warm weather!
WHAT INGREDIENTS ARE IN GREEN PEA HUMMUS?
This green pea dip is made with just 10 ingredients:
- Green peas: Green peas are the center of this dip. Use frozen green peas and let them thaw before preparing the recipe.
- Tahini: Tahini helps to create a creamy consistency. This nut-free spread is made from sesame seeds.
- Olive oil: I recommend using a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- Lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice or store bought lemon juice can be used.
- Garlic: We’ll use a couple of garlic cloves, but you can add more if you’re a big garlic lover.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley lightens the dip and adds some freshness to the overall flavor.
- Seasoning: In particular, we’ll use onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Water: Add more or less water to achieve your desired consistency. More water creates a thinner spread while less water creates a thick + chunky dip.
HOW TO MAKE HUMMUS WITH GREEN PEAS
To view the full recipe and step-by-step instructions, scroll down to read the recipe card below.
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy peasy it is! No pun intended 😉 Start by allowing the frozen green peas to completely thaw. If you’re in a rush, you can microwave them for 2 minutes. Be sure they cool before moving forward with the recipe.
Combine all ingredients in a food processor or a blender. Process the ingredients until a thick paste is formed. Add water, 2 tbsp at a time, until you achieve a consistency that looks good to you. I like mine on the thinner side, so I typically use 3-4 tbsp water.
HOW TO SERVE THIS RECIPE
Dip: Enjoy it with sliced vegetables, like carrots, celery, bell peppers, and cucumber. Also, use it as a dip for crackers and warm pita bread.
Spread: Spread it on sandwiches, toast, veggie burgers, bagels, and homemade pizzas.
Dressing: Toss it in your favorite salad or pasta for a light and refreshing meal.
KAYLIE’S TIPS
Use frozen green peas. I do not recommend canned peas. Stick with frozen green peas and let them thaw before beginning the recipe. If you’re in a rush, you can microwave the green peas for 2 minutes instead of waiting for them to thaw. If you do this, allow the peas to cool down to room temperature afterwards.
Make it thick or thin. Alter the consistency by adding more or less water to the food processor. More water will create a thin consistency, while less water will keep it thick and chunky.
Store in the refrigerator. Saving for later? Transfer the green pea hummus to a lidded mason jar or airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator. It will last for 5-7 days.
GREEN PEA HUMMUS
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 cups 1x
- Category: Dip, Dressing, and Spreads
- Method: Blend
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
DESCRIPTION
This green pea hummus is a healthy vegan dip made with 10 ingredients. It’s light, refreshing, subtly sweet yet savory, and great as a healthy snack!
INGREDIENTS
GREEN PEA HUMMUS
- 2 cups frozen green peas, completely thawed
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2–4 tbsp water, as needed
GARNISH
- Green peas
- Olive oil
- Fresh parsley
INSTRUCTIONS
- Add all ingredients (except water) to a food processor or high-speed blender.
- Process the ingredients until combined. Add water, 1-2 tbsp at a time, to achieve your desired consistency. More water will create a thin dip while less water will create a thick dip.
- Transfer green pea hummus to a bowl. Garnish with peas, olive oil, and fresh parsley.
NOTES
- Store green pea hummus in a jar or airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for 5-7 days.
NUTRITION
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 115
- Sugar: 1g
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
HOMEMADE PEANUT BUTTER
This 5-minute homemade peanut butter is easy, creamy, and requires just ONE ingredient! Enjoy it on oatmeal, toast, smoothie bowls, or any recipe that calls for peanut butter. Once you learn how easy it is, you’ll never want to use store bought nut butter again!
Who else LOVES peanut butter?! If you couldn’t already tell, nut butter is often included in my recipes. Peanut butter, in particular, is my favorite. The rich, peanutty flavor + smooth and creamy consistency brings so many breakfasts, desserts, and baked goods to new heights.
Once you try this homemade peanut butter, you won’t be reaching for the store-bought varieties again. It’s just so quick, easy, and delicious… why not make it at home? Plus, you’ll practically feel like a wizard while you watch the roasted peanuts turn into melty, drippy, liquid gold. (I always make homemade nut butter, but I still stare in amazement every time!)
What else is great about this recipe? You can make it exactly how you like it. You only need one ingredient – and that’s peanuts, of course. I recommend using the roasted and unsalted variety. This allows you to add whatever level of saltiness you enjoy. If you want to use raw peanuts, do your thang. Personally, I think roasted peanuts provide a richer, deeper, and overall better flavor.
This homemade peanut butter is:
- Smooth, creamy, and perfectly peanutty
- Requires only ONE ingredient
- Prepared in just 5 minutes
- Easily adaptable with optional add-ins
- Lasts for several weeks!
HOW TO MAKE PEANUT BUTTER
Scroll down to view the recipe card for the full ingredient list and step-by-step instructions.
Time for the magic to happen! First, add your peanuts to a high-powered blender or food processor. Pulse the peanuts for about 1 minute. They will turn it a crumbled, dry, and gritty flour.
Scrape down the sides of the container with a spoon or rubber spatula. Then, pulse the peanuts again for about 3-4 minutes. They will form into a thick dough and, eventually, into a smooth nut butter. Be patient and continue processing until this is achieved. I promise, your peanuts will turn into a drippy and buttery consistency.
BEST TYPE OF PEANUTS FOR HOMEMADE PEANUT BUTTER
There are various varieties of peanuts: raw, roasted unsalted, roasted salted, sweet and salty, etc. Well, which one creates the best peanut butter? Dry roasted peanuts create the best homemade peanut butter.
Specifically, I recommend using roasted unsalted peanuts. This way, you’re able to add your own salt and achieve the exact level of saltiness you desire. Alternatively, you can enjoy a totally salt-free recipe. I love adding pink Himalayan salt to mine!
OPTIONAL ADD-INS
Feel free to get creative and experiment with your homemade nut butter. Once the nuts have processed into a smooth consistency, you can toss in some salt, sweetener, and other add-ins.
Optional add-ins for homemade peanut butter:
- Ground cinnamon
- Coconut sugar
- Maple syrup
- Ground flaxseed, hemp seeds, or chia seeds
- Cocoa power or cacao powder
- Chocolate chips or cacao nibs
- Finely chopped peanuts (for crunchy nut butter)
- Peanut oil
DOES HOMEMADE PEANUT BUTTER NEED TO BE REFRIGERATED?
If you plan to use up all of the nut butter within a couple days, you can store it at room temperature. However, if it will last you a week or longer, store it in the refrigerator. Why? Natural oils within the peanuts will become rancid and spoiled if left at room temperature for weeks on end.
HOW LONG DOES HOMEMADE PEANUT BUTTER LAST?
Errrr, as long as your willpower allows? Kidding! Kind of. 😉
Homemade peanut butter will keep fresh for several weeks in the refrigerator. Make sure you store it in an airtight mason jar, weck jar, or lidded container.
HOMEMADE PEANUT BUTTER
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup 1x
- Category: Dip, Dressing, and Spreads
- Method: Blend
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
DESCRIPTION
This 5-minute homemade peanut butter is so EASY! Prepare this creamy nut butter with just ONE ingredient and a blender or food processor. Enjoy it on oatmeal, toast, smoothie bowls, and more.
INGREDIENTS
PEANUT BUTTER
- 2 cups roasted unsalted peanuts
- 1/2 tsp salt (optional, but recommended)
OPTIONAL ADD-INS
- 1–2 tbsp sweetener (sugar, coconut sugar, maple syrup)
- 1–2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1–2 tbsp seeds (hemp, chia, ground flaxseed)
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Peanut oil (if needed when using other add-ins)
INSTRUCTIONS
- Add peanuts and salt to a food processor or high-powered blender (like a Vitamix).
- Pulse the peanuts for 1 minute. They will form into a dry, crumbly, and gritty flour. Scrape down the sides of the container with a spoon or rubber spatula. Process the peanuts again for 2-3 minutes. It will start to form into a thick paste. Continue pulsing/blending for 1-2 minutes. Eventually, the peanuts will form into a smooth and creamy butter. If you are including add-ins, add them now and blend together until smooth.
- Transfer peanut butter to a lidded jar or container.
NOTES
- Omit the salt if you’re already using salted peanuts.
- Store peanut butter in the refrigerator. It will keep for several weeks.
NUTRITION
- Serving Size: 2 tbsp
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 1g
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
CASHEW CREAM SAUCE
This vegan cashew cream sauce is a delicious addition to any recipe! It’s super smooth and creamy with a savory, subtly “cheesy,” and tangy flavor. This will be your go-to dairy-free replacement for any creamy sauce or condiment, like alfredo and sour cream. It’s quick and easy, made with 8 healthy ingredients, and ready in under 30 minutes. Let’s do this!
Say hello to your new best friend! If you follow a plant-based diet, this cashew cream sauce will be a very popular recipe in your household. In fact, I make this at least once every single week. It’s commonly referred to as “liquid gold” in my kitchen. I use it on EVERYTHING. (And I really mean everything!)
It’s super creamy, bright and tangy, and perfectly savory. The best part? You can adjust the amount of liquid to make it as thin or as thick as you’d like. Oftentimes, I prepare the recipe as written and use it as a sauce or dressing. Alternatively, you can reduce the amount of water and enjoy it as a replacement for sour cream. You’ll be adding this sauce to pasta, salads, sandwiches, burritos, pizza, soup, chili, curry, tacos, and so much more. Name any meal and this cashew cream will make it 10x better – I guarantee it!
This cashew cream sauce is:
- Vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, and oil-free
- A healthy alternative to heavy cream, alfredo, and sour cream
- Quick and easy // Ready in under 30 minutes
- Made with 8 ingredients and easily adaptable
- Super versatile // Can be enjoyed with countless recipes!
WHAT INGREDIENTS ARE IN VEGAN CASHEW CREAM?
- Cashews: Raw cashews are the main ingredient in this cashew cream. Be sure to use the raw variety instead of roasted cashews.
- Nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast provides a subtle “cheesy” flavor. It’s also loaded with B vitamins, magnesium, copper, and manganese.
- Lemon juice: A dash of lemon juice adds a tartness that mimics real cream.
- Mellow white miso paste: Mellow white miso paste is a key ingredient for flavor depth. It’s a popular “secret ingredient” in dairy-free recipes.
- Seasoning: In particular, we’ll use garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
HOW TO MAKE CASHEW CREAM SAUCE
For the full ingredients list and step-by-step instructions, scroll down to view the recipe card below.
SOAK THE CASHEWS
First, add the cashews to a bowl. Bring water to a boil on the stove, then pour the boiling water over the cashews. Set aside to soak for 20 minutes.
BLEND THE INGREDIENTS
Next, transfer the soaked cashews (along with the water) to a high-powered blender. Add all of the other ingredients. This includes the nutritional yeast, lemon juice, mellow white miso paste, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Blend the ingredients on high speed for a few minutes, or until a totally smooth and creamy sauce forms. Finally, transfer the sauce to an airtight jar or container. Store in the refrigerator where it will keep for 4-5 days.
WHY DO YOU NEED TO SOAK CASHEWS?
First thing’s first: don’t skip the soaking process! It’s super important to soak the cashews before blending. How come? While soaking, the raw cashews will soften, absorb some of the water, and become plump in size. This helps them blend into a super smooth and creamy sauce later on.
WHY IS MY CASHEW CREAM GRAINY?
If your cashew cream is grainy, one of two things likely occurred: the cashews were not soaked long enough or the blades of your blender are getting dull.
I highly suggest using a high-powered blender or food processor for this recipe. Personally, I use my Vitamix blender. Be sure to blend the ingredients for a few minutes or until a completely smooth consistency forms. If needed, a teaspoon of oil (such as melted coconut oil or olive oil) will help you achieve a smoother texture.
WAYS TO USE VEGAN CASHEW CREAM SAUCE
There are endless ways to use this cashew cream sauce! One of my favorite things about this recipe is how versatile it is. By adjusting the amount of water in the recipe, you can make it thinner or thicker (as needed). In other words, create a thin consistency to use it as a sauce/dressing or reduce the water to create a thick cream.
- As a sauce or dressing: Enjoy as a pasta sauce, salad dressing, pizza sauce, or drizzled over roasted vegetables, grain bowls, and buddha bowls.
- To replace sour cream: Add a dollop to your favorite sandwich, veggie burger, chili, burritos, tacos, baked potatoes, and soup.
- As a dip: Use it as a dip for raw vegetables, crackers, baked french fries, and warm pita bread.
CASHEW CREAM SAUCE
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 cups 1x
- Category: Dip, Dressing, and Spreads
- Method: Blend
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
DESCRIPTION
This vegan cashew cream sauce is a delicious addition to any and every recipe! It’s super smooth and creamy with a savory, subtly “cheesy,” and tangy flavor. It will be your new dairy-free replacement for any creamy sauce or condiment, like alfredo and sour cream. Enjoy it as a pasta sauce, salad dressing, or drizzled on pizza. Alternatively, add a dollop to sandwiches, chili, burritos, tacos, and so much more. You can enjoy it with nearly everything!
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup raw cashews
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp mellow white miso paste
- 1 tsp garlic power
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/3 tsp black pepper
INSTRUCTIONS
- Add the raw cashews to a bowl. Set aside.
- In a small pot, bring 1 + 1/4 cups water to a boil. Once boiling, pour water over the raw cashews. Soak the cashews for 20 minutes.
- Transfer the soaked cashews (along with the water) to a high-powered blender. Add nutritional yeast, lemon juice, mellow white miso paste, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Blend on high until smooth and creamy.
- Transfer the cashew cream sauce to an airtight jar or container. Keep stored in the refrigerator.
NOTES
- Cashew cream sauce will keep for 4-5 days in the refrigerator.
NUTRITION
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 1g
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
Over 30 million American Men Affected by These 5 Common Causes of Impotence
It may be a taboo subject, but impotence is a very real and very upsetting condition that affects as many as 30 million American men.
Many men are taken off-guard by this sexual decline and sudden inability to get an erection. Impotence, or erectile dysfunction, could be caused by a whole host of physical and emotional conditions.
Whether you’re concerned about impotence right now or want to learn what to avoid, these five common causes of impotence give you a place to start.
1. Weight-Related Complications
Perhaps the biggest cause of impotence is directly related to weight. If you’re overweight or obese, your likelihood of suffering from erectile dysfunction is higher.
That’s because weight-related complications seriously affect blood circulation. Buildup in arteries restricts blood flow, and without proper blood circulation, there won’t be enough blood to produce an adequate erection. This is more or less the sexual equivalent of a dam blocking a river. Still more weight-related complications damage the blood vessels and nerves that control erection.
The biggest offenders when it comes to weight-related complications are diabetes and atherosclerosis. In fact, some estimates suggest that up to half of men with diabetes also suffer from impotence. Diabetics also experience erectile dysfunction sooner than other men. According to WebMD, men with diabetes develop ED 10 to 15 years earlier than men without diabetes. For diabetics over the age of 70, there’s a 95% likelihood you’ll struggle with erectile dysfunction.
Any way you slice it, that extra weight you’re carrying around is doing serious damage to your love life.
2. Poor Lifestyle Choices
Besides behaviors that lead to weight gain, there are other lifestyle choices that may be hurting your sex life.
Heavy drinking, for example, leads to the condition known as “brewer’s droop” in which men have difficulty attaining an erection. Men with brewer’s droop also experience lower sexual pleasure.
Don’t let yourself think that exchanging temporary impotency for a night of good times is worth it. According to a study in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, men can suffer brewer’s droop for more than a year after giving up heavy drinking.
“It does not seem to be just a temporary problem, because erectile ability was still affected after a year and, according to the results, did not seem likely to improve just with [alcohol] abstinence,” wrote the study authors.
Cigarette smoking also exacerbates existing vascular problems like high blood pressure, worsening circulation and decreasing your ability to achieve an erection.
3. Low Testosterone Levels
As the male sex hormone, testosterone is the driving factor behind a man’s sex drive and performance. Not producing enough testosterone, however, can sap your sex drive in an instant.
These effects were proven in a large study of men in Massachusetts. Of these men, 11% reported a low sex drive. Researchers then tested T-levels in each subject and found that 28% of men with low testosterone levels also had low libido. With an average age of 47, these men were relatively young. You can imagine how the effect worsens with age.
However, low-T levels are rarely the sole cause of impotence. More often than not, there are multiple factors at play. Coupled with conditions like metabolic syndrome, diabetes, endothelial dysfunction, and obesity, low testosterone production can take a sobering toll on romance.
4. Psychological Problems
Of course, not all problems are physical. Sometimes the real reason behind your sexual frustration is knocking around inside your head.
Psychological factors like depression, anxiety, and stress rob you of your sex drive and leave you unable to perform up to expectations. That’s because the process of achieving an erection is controlled by the brain; your dominant mood dictates what impulses are sent from the brain to the penis. If negative impulses are received instead of positive impulses, it will result in poor erection quality or no erection at all.
Even non-diagnosed conditions can affect your sex life. If you’re paralyzed by fear that you’ll fail in bed, it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. And of course, failure in bed once is likely to increase your fears and depression. In this way, psychological problems present a vicious cycle that can be difficult to break out of.
5. Prescription Medication
The sobering truth of psychologically-induced impotence is that treating it via prescription medication may actually worsen impotence. This is also true for beta-blockers and diuretics meant to treat high blood pressure.
Because these drugs alter your hormones, nerves, and blood circulation, they can have a profound effect on sexual health and performance. Paired with substances like alcohol, nicotine, and marijuana, effects of these medications may become worse.
Sexual side effects are not often listed on prescription medication labels, which leaves many men at a loss to explain their sudden difficulties in the bedroom.
References
[1] Adams, Stephen. 2013. “Brewer’s droop can hang around for months.” The Telegraph.
[2] Travison et al. “The relationship between libido and testosterone levels in aging men.” The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism.(2006): Vol. 91, Issue 7.
The Unpleasant And Deadly Truth About Tampons And Menstrual Cups
Organic cotton pads are often advertised as a safer alternative, but a new study has shown that they are no better than the standard in preventing the woman from toxic shock syndrome.
Another popularity product – the menstrual cups – also increases the risk of toxic shock. They should be boiled before each use, says a report by the journal Applied and Environmental Microbiology, an American Society of Microbiology.
It’s Important For Women To Change Tampons Regularly
Women have been advised to change their tampons regularly to avoid the risk of toxic shock syndrome – a rare but life-threatening condition caused by a bacterial infection. Symptoms include fever, vomiting, rash, muscle aches and organ failure.
In recent years, a number of new products for women’s hygiene have plagued the market, including organic cotton tampons and menstrual cups that can be rinsed in every use.
Scientists have tested 11 types of tampons and 4 menstrual cups in a laboratory to investigate the effect on the growth of pathogens called staphylococcus aureus and the production of toxic shock toxin 1 (TSST-1).
The results showed that it does not matter what material the tampons are made of, but rather what is the amount between the fibers, which increases the risk of bacterial growth. Where more air enters the vagina, growth of staphylococci and toxin is detected.
A Reported Case of a Woman Experienced Toxic Shock By Using Menstrual Cup!
“Over the years it has been claimed that if the tampons are made of natural materials, the toxic shock is avoided. The new study, which was recently published, clearly shows that this is not true, “said Adi Davidov, director of gynecological surgery in New York. “Toxic shock may have come from every swab material and even more often from menstrual cups,” he adds.
“If you use tampons and menstrual cups, go to the doctor at the first symptoms of fever, cold waves and rash. And of course, remove the cup or tampon immediately, “advises Jill Rabin, head of hospital treatment for a network of New York healthcare facilities.
Life-Threatening Link Between Diabetes & Blood Clots – What’s in Common?
The increase in the risk of plaque buildup in the arteries is done by diabetes, and this buildup also can cause unsafe blood blots. Blood clots although habitually form as a common function of blood cells which is the reparation of broken blood vessel walls, when clots prevent blood from flowing through an artery or vein clumsily they become a problem.
Exercise is Crucial to Prevent Blood Clots!
Blood clots are prevented by staying mobile, regular exercises and diabetes control. Upon this, it is of great importance to take note of the signs and symptoms of blood clots, in order for you to receive early medical attention. Medically, It is statistically proven that about 80% of diabetes patients will eventually after all die of clot-related causes.
Location oftentimes determine the signs and symptoms of blood clots be it occur in an artery or a vein. The results of a blood clot in an artery which supplies blood to the heart or brain are as follows:
- Transient ischemic attack or mini-stroke
- Stroke
- Heart attack
Whereas, Blood clots that occur in a vein symptoms includes:
- Redness
- Warmth
- Pain
- Swelling
A pulmonary embolus (life threatening) is caused the moment a clot forms in the arm, leg, or in a vein breaks off and travels to the lung.
Pulmonary embolism symptoms are:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
Initially, history and physical exam are the ways in which diagnosis of blood clots are being carried out. The location of the blood clot determines the order of other tests. Occasionally, anticoagulant medications are the treatments administered for blood clots and prevention.
S. Korea agency says N. Korea executed people, shut capital
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has ordered at least two people executed, banned fishing at sea and locked down the capital, Pyongyang, as part of frantic efforts to guard against the coronavirus and its economic damage, South Korea’s spy agency told lawmakers Friday.
Kim’s government also ordered diplomats overseas to refrain from any acts that could provoke the United States because it is worried about President-elect Joe Biden’s expected new approach toward North Korea, lawmakers told reporters after attending a private briefing by the National Intelligence Service.
One of the lawmakers, Ha Tae-keung, quoted the NIS as saying Kim is displaying “excessive anger” and taking “irrational measures” over the pandemic and its economic impact.ADVERTISEMENT
Ha said the NIS told lawmakers that North Korea executed a high-profile money changer in Pyongyang last month after holding the person responsible for a falling exchange rate. He quoted the NIS as saying that North Korea also executed a key official in August for violating government regulations restricting goods brought from abroad. The two people weren’t identified by name.
North Korea has also banned fishing and salt production at sea to prevent seawater from being infected with the virus, the NIS told lawmakers.
There are few ways to independently confirm the reported fishing ban and other information given by the NIS to the lawmakers. Ha didn’t say whether the ban applied to all North Korean waters or whether it was still in effect.
North Korea recently placed Pyongyang and northern Jagang province under lockdown over virus concerns. Earlier this month, it imposed lockdown measures in other areas where officials found unauthorized goods and foreign currencies that were brought in, Ha cited the NIS as saying.
North Korea also made an unsuccessful hacking attempt on at least one South Korean pharmaceutical company that was trying to develop a coronavirus vaccine, the NIS said.
The agency has a mixed record in confirming developments in North Korea, one of the world’s most secretive nations. The NIS said it couldn’t immediately confirm the lawmakers’ accounts.
North Korea has maintained that it hasn’t found a single coronavirus case on its soil, a claim disputed by outside experts, although it says it is making all-out efforts to prevent the virus’s spread. A major outbreak could have dire consequences because the North’s health care system remains crippled and suffers from a chronic lack of medical supplies.
The pandemic forced North Korea to seal its border with China, its biggest trading partner and aid benefactor, in January. The closure, along with a series of natural disasters over the summer, dealt a heavy blow to the North’s economy, which has been under punishing U.S.-led sanctions.
North Korea’s trade with China in the first 10 months of this year totaled $530 million, about 25% of the corresponding figure last year. The price of sugar and seasoning has shot up four times, Ha quoted the NIS as saying.
North Korea monitoring groups in Seoul said the North Korean won-to-dollar exchange rate has recently fallen significantly because people found few places to use foreign currency after smuggling was largely cut off following the closure of the China border.
According to the NIS briefing, North Korea ordered overseas diplomatic missions not to provoke the United States, warning their ambassadors of consequences if their comments or acts related to the U.S. cause any trouble in ties with Washington.
North Korea’s government has remained silent over Biden’s election victory over President Donald Trump, with whom Kim held three summits in 2018-19 over the North’s nuclear arsenal. While the diplomacy eventually stalled, the meetings helped Kim and Trump build up personal ties and stop the crude insults and threats of destruction they had previously exchanged.
Lawmaker Kim Byung-kee cited the NIS as saying that North Korea is displaying anxiety as its friendly ties with Trump become useless and it has to start from scratch in dealing with the incoming Biden administration.
Experts have been debating whether North Korea will resume major missile tests soon to try to get Biden’s attention. During past government changes in the U.S., North Korea often conducted big weapons launches in an attempt to increase its leverage in negotiations with a new U.S. administration.
The NIS expects North Korea will hold a military parade ahead of a ruling party congress in January in a show of force timed with Biden’s inauguration. North Korea is also likely to use the Workers’ Party congress to lay out its basic policies toward the U.S., Kim Byung-kee cited the NIS as saying.
Kim Jong Un has said the congress, the first of its kind in four years, will set new state objectives for the next five years. In a highly unusual admission of its policy failure in August, the Workers’ Party said North Korea’s economy had not improved due to severe internal and external barriers and that its previous developmental goals had been seriously delayed.
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This story has been corrected to show that North Korea closed its border with China in January, not June.