Recent Blog Posts

  Nine Common Actions and Habits That Can Lower Men's Sperm Count   Though you may not think about your (or your partner's) sperm count very often, it can obviously become center-stage when trying to have a baby. While a normal sperm count is 20 million or more sperm per milliliter of semen, many factors can decrease this amount to 10 million or fewer sperm per milliliter of semen, which indicates low sperm concentration. Low sperm count is a leading cause of male infertility in America. Low sperm count is one of the leading causes of male infertility, and about 10 percent of Americans of reproductive age experience infertility (that's about 6 million couples), so this is a major issue. Whether you are planning to conceive in the near future, or have had trouble getting pregnant in the past, take a look through these common activities that lower men's sperm count (and pass them along to your friends who may also benefit). 1. Exposure to Phthalates Phthalates are widely used industrial compounds used as plastic softeners and in hairsprays, perfumes, [...]

  10 Ways to Make Your Marriage Last -- Even Get Stronger -- During a Recession And a Great Recovery!   Money is at the root of many marital arguments, even in a normal economy. But right now especially, as high unemployment rates sustain and savings accounts are dwindling, the heightened financial stress is taking an extra toll on many relationships. Renew your commitments by keeping lines of communication -- about money and any other topic -- open. This is crucial to keeping your marriage strong. In fact, according to a Harris Interactive poll, 38 percent of men and women said that money was the number-one cause of marital conflict … and that was in 2006 -- before the economy really got bad. The bottom line is when finances get tight, an issue many couples are dealing with right now, it puts extra stress on your marriage. But that doesn’t mean your happiness or intimacy has to suffer. With the tips that follow you can be sure your marriage will survive these tough times, and may even come out stronger. [...]

  Stress Now Proven to Cause Weight Gain in Women: Five Key Stress-Reduction Tips   Stress is as much a part of American culture as a cheeseburger and fries ... and it can be just as risky to your health. Even if you aren't facing any major troubles, just going about your daily routine -- getting the kids ready for school, driving to the office, trying to hook up phone service, etc. - can expose you to loads of it. Stress is more than just a nuisance -- it can lead to physical health symptoms including suppressing the immune system and increasing your risk of heart disease. At the least, stress is a nuisance and just plain doesn't feel good. It can manifest in a number of different ways. You may: Feel distracted or anxious Worry excessively Feel nervous Be tired or irritable Gain weight That's right -- just being stressed out can cause you to gain weight, according to the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation. "Under stress, people conserve more fat, and we think that may be [...]

  Olives: How Healthy are They? Which Olives are Best?   Olives are one of the oldest foods known to man, dating back some 8,000 years in the Mediterranean region. The olive tree was valued as a symbol of peace and happiness, while olives were used as food and a source of oil. Olive soup is a good remedy for a sore throat, according to traditional Chinese medicine (it's also the only time olives are used in Chinese cuisine). Today everyone knows how good olive oil is for health, but the humble olive is often passed up (often because they've unfairly gotten a bad rap for being high in fat). However, olives are actually a very healthy fruit, one that's been lending superb nutrition to mankind for centuries. So there's no need to pass up that tempting olive bar at the market any longer -- olives are good for you! All Olives Start Out Green If you take a look at your local supermarket, you'll see olives in a rainbow of colors, from green to brown to purple to black, [...]

  Aging Gracefully: Enjoy a Vital, Fulfilling Life Regardless of Age   A quick web search on the term "graceful aging" brings up phrases like: "Combat the signs of aging..." "Who said that we have to age..." "Defy the aging process..." More often than not, aging is viewed as something to be fought off for as long as possible. Regardless of how liberated we've become, many women and men still experience aging as a threat to their sense of self--worth and quality of life. It is pretty much expected that middle age will bring a "crisis" and far too often we hear seniors lament that "I thought these were supposed to be the golden years." Whole industries are built on the attempt to stay young - from hair colors to face lifts to Viagra. Women really come into their greatness after menopause. There is a place for all of these things, of course, but if your reaction to the aging process has you racing to beat time, take a deep breath, relax, and give yourself some space to shift into [...]

  Which Home Renovations are Your Best Investments?   If your refrigerator and stove are still a matching shade of avocado green, or you are forced to share a bathroom with your three teenage daughters, it may be time to look into a home renovation. Remodeling your kitchen or bathroom are the best investments you can make, with returns of over 100 percent. Though remodeling can cost a pretty penny, it can provide significant returns when it comes time to sell your home -- if you do it right. Certain home renovations are a win-win situation, providing enjoyment to you, the homeowner, and then making your home more marketable, and worth more, in the future. Other renovations, however, can set you back thousands with no guarantee of future payoff. Smart Home Renovations 1. Kitchen Kitchens have replaced living rooms and family rooms as the new "heart of the home." Whether entertaining or spending time with the family, the kitchen is likely "the place to be." Kitchen remodeling can range from installing granite countertops or tile floors to adding built-in appliances, [...]