Archive for March 2009
SEXUAL NORMS THROUGHOUT HISTORY. INTERRACIAL SEXUAL RELATIONS. VICTORIANS
Thursday, March 12, 2009 | 8:01 amInterracial Sexual Relations
Although common, interracial relationships were taboo during slavery. They still carry a social stigma today. After the Civil War, laws were passed in most states against miscegenation—sex, cohabitation, or marriage between people of different races. People who had interracial sex were punished by imprisonment and fines. If a couple left their state to avoid laws against interracial marriage and returned to that state after marriage, they could be prosecuted.
Laws against interracial sexual relations also reflected the sexual and racial double standards of the times. White men could have sex with African-American, Spanish-American, or Native American women and escape unpunished. If white women had sexual relationships with black men, however, they would experience scorn and social stigma and could be sent to jail. Their partners were the targets of mob violence and lynching. Interracial love relationships were commonly characterized as rape in order to uphold the myth of the pure white woman as victim of the predatory black man.
It wasn’t until 1967 that the U.S. Supreme Court overthrew all miscegenation laws in its decision Loving v. the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Named after the reigning Queen of England, the Victorian period extended from about 1840 to 1900. The economic changes of the Industrial Revolution during this time greatly affected the sexual norms of Europe and America. Factory labor required most men to work away from home. Most women were required to stay at home to provide child care and domestic support for their husbands.
Urban industrial life offered increased sexual opportunities for laborers in the cities. In an effort to protect the family from the effects of this potential promiscuity, extreme social pressures were developed to compel women and men to strictly control their sexuality. Once again, sex and sexuality became regarded as dangerous and dirty, and bizarre myths and practices were fostered.
Leading health authorities suggested that married couples should have sex only once every three years, that men were too frail for sex until they reached the age of 30, that women could take no pleasure in sex, and that masturbation caused insanity. The myth that “good girls” and wives were incapable of sexual excitement led men to the habitual use of prostitutes for sexual pleasure. “Virtuous” Victorian families were headed by men whose secret sex lives included regular visits to brothels. As a result, the sexual double standard grew to enormous proportions and sexually transmitted infections became epidemic.
Torturous methods were sometimes employed to preserve the sexual innocence of children and adolescents. Chastity belts were devised for girls and boys. Parents applied ointments to the genitals of their children to make them painful to touch. Surgeons inserted rings into the foreskin of the penis so boys could urinate without touching themselves. Carbolic acid was used to burn the clitorises of girls who masturbated. Castration was used to cure boys of “excessive” masturbation.
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(posted in Men's Health-Erectile Dysfunction | tagged Erectile Dysfunction, Men’s Health)
OUR SEXUAL TRADITIONS, BELIEFS. MORE QUESTIONS
Thursday, March 12, 2009 | 7:59 amChildhood Sexuality
We can tell a great deal about how a culture feels about sexuality by looking at how it deals with childhood sexuality. The answers to these and other questions about childhood sexuality will reflect a culture’s sexual norms:
• Is children’s sexual curiosity about their bodies accepted?
• Are children allowed to express their sexuality?
• Are children allowed, forbidden, or encouraged to have sex play with other children?
• Are children allowed to observe adult sexual activity?
Sex Laws and the Punishment of Unapproved Sexual Behavior
Every culture regulates sexuality on some level. The answers to these and other questions about sexual law will reflect a culture’s sexual norms:
• Are there laws restricting prostitution, homosexuality, abortion, and sexual abuse?
• What sexual behaviors are considered “normal”?
• What sexual behaviors are considered “deviant”?
• Are the laws in keeping with the ideals, values, and practices of the culture?
• What sexual behaviors does the culture punish?
Prostitution
Prostitution exists in nearly every culture. The answers to these and other questions about prostitution will reflect a culture’s sexual norms:
• Is prostitution an acceptable sexual practice, or is it taboo?
• Do laws force prostitutes to work “underground,” making their work more dangerous and less healthy?
• Are prostitutes treated like others who work to support themselves?
• Are prostitutes penalized more than their customers?
Homosexuality
Homosexuality occurs in every culture and throughout the animal kingdom. The answers to these and other questions about homosexuality will reflect a culture’s sexual norms:
• Is homosexuality respected as a natural way of life for some people?
• Does the culture condemn homosexuality and discriminate against people perceived to be lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender?
• Are lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people able to live openly in heterosexual communities?
Birth Control
People have used birth control since the dawn of time. The answers to these and other questions about birth control and abortion will reflect a culture’s sexual norms:
• Is birth control legal, illegal, or taboo?
• Is abortion legal, illegal, or taboo?
• Are birth control and abortion easy to obtain?
• Do women have contraceptive choices to find the method best suited for them?
• Are women forced to use contraception, have abortions, or bear children against their will?
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(posted in Men's Health-Erectile Dysfunction | tagged Erectile Dysfunction, Men’s Health)
OUR SEXUALITY: PEOPLE WITH PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL DISABILITIES
Thursday, March 12, 2009 | 7:58 amPeople with Physical Disabilities
The sexuality of people with physical disabilities is often denied, but people with physical disabilities have the same needs and desires as able-bodied people—whether they are paralyzed, disfigured, blind, or deaf, or suffer from a congenital illness like cerebral palsy or cystic fibrosis. Because we know that sexual pleasure is in our minds and emotions and all parts of our bodies, it is very sensible to assume that women and men with physical disabilities are sexual.
Disabled people should be encouraged to explore their sexuality and enjoy physical pleasure however they are able. In some instances, attendants of severely disabled women and men may be very helpful. They may assist positioning partners for sex play. On the other hand, some people with disabilities may have limitations or neediness that exposes them to the risk of sexual abuse from partners or attendants. Similar risks face able-bodied women whenever their relationships are greatly imbalanced in terms of power. All bodies are special and should be respected, including those that are disabled.
People with Emotional or Developmental Disabilities
People with emotional or developmental disabilities also have an especially difficult time in enjoying their right to be sexual. Far too often, their families and friends mistakenly think that they are not competent enough to make decisions for themselves regarding how, when, and with whom they may enjoy sex play Paid caregivers, both within the home and in residential facilities, are sometimes under strict orders to stop anyone from engaging in sexual behavior—even masturbation!
Caregivers often fear the consequences of unintended pregnancy in the belief-—founded or unfounded—that emotionally or develop-mentally disabled people in their care may be incapable of caring for children. This fear has often led to forced sterilization. It is often difficult to balance what may be in the best interest of the disabled person with what may be in the best interest of the caregiver, institution, or family. The question of sterilization in such cases should be discussed with a trusted health care advisor.
We all have a right to express our sexuality however we want, just as long as our behavior is consensual. Nobody has the right to hurt anyone else, either physically or emotionally—or by depriving him or her of responsible sexual pleasure.
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(posted in Men's Health-Erectile Dysfunction | tagged Erectile Dysfunction, Men’s Health)
OUR SEXUALITY: WHAT PLANNED PARENTHOOD BELIEVES
Thursday, March 12, 2009 | 7:57 amHere is a brief set of statements that describe the Planned Parenthood point of view. We believe that:
• Sexuality is a natural, healthy, lifelong part of being human.
• Every individual has a right to pursue sexual health information and services without fear, shame, or exploitation. That right involves access to adequate, accurate, and age-appropriate information about sexuality, including the advantages and disadvantages of sexual expression.
• All people, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, have rights that need to be respected, and responsibilities that need to be exercised.
• It is unacceptable to pressure, force, or exploit another person sexually.
• In a pluralistic society, we must respect diverse sexual attitudes and behaviors, as long as they are based on ethics, responsibility, justice, equality, and nonviolence.
• Information about becoming pregnant and about postponing, preventing, continuing, or terminating pregnancy should be easily available; the choice of whether or not to parent should be free and informed.
• Every child deserves to be wanted, loved, and cared for.
• Abstaining from sexual intercourse is the most effective method of preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.
• Young people explore their sexuality as part of a process of achieving sexual maturity; adolescents are capable of expressing their sexuality in healthy, responsible ways.
• There are many healthy ways to express sexual feelings, alone or with a partner; sexual intercourse is only one form of sexual expression.
• Uninformed or irresponsible sexual behavior poses risks.
• Women, men, girls, and boys benefit from fairness and flexibility in gender roles.
• Individuals and society benefit when children are able to discuss sexuality with their parents and/or other trusted adults.
• Individuals and society benefit when childbearing is postponed until maturity.
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(posted in Men's Health-Erectile Dysfunction | tagged Erectile Dysfunction, Men’s Health)
ALL ABOUT SEX: HUMAN SEXUALITY IS DIVERSE AND COMPLEX
Thursday, March 12, 2009 | 7:56 amWe go through a lot of changes while we grow up. Between the ages of eight and 20, we grow from being girls or boys into being women or men. During this process, our bodies change, and our feelings change, too—our feelings about ourselves, our family, and other people.
We go through all of these changes whether or not we are ready, whether or not we want to, and whether or not we know what is going on. Sometimes it seems the changes happen too fast. Sometimes we feel they don’t happen fast enough. It is often very confusing.
Through all of this personal development, almost everyone has profound fears about being “different” from everyone else. What people want most is to be “normal.”
But what most people don’t understand as these changes are happening, and what many adults still don’t realize, is that being different is normal. This is especially true when it comes to our sexuality. No two people are exactly alike in the way they look, think, or feel. Nor should they be. Imagine living in a world where everyone was the same. Think how boring it would be.
Far too often, people fear difference simply out of ignorance. We fear what we don’t understand. But once we realize that it is our differences that give our society its excitement, we see that our diversity should be celebrated!
Sexuality is inherently diverse and complex. In other words, there is no one right way for women, men, or children to be sexual. Instead, human sexuality varies tremendously. Below is a brief explanation of how people differ in their sexuality in four very important ways: gender identity, sexual orientation, sexual tastes, and relationship characteristics. Many of these differences are common, and many of them are less common.
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(posted in Men's Health-Erectile Dysfunction | tagged Erectile Dysfunction, Men’s Health)
THE COMMON COLD: THE CAUSE AND PREVENTION OF COLDS
Wednesday, March 11, 2009 | 11:24 pmColds are a special problem in children, frequently causing ear infections as well as other complications. Also, many childhood diseases start with the symptoms of a cold.
I hope I can convince you that colds can also be serious in adults. Many people feel that there is no need to bother about a cold, and they go their regular way in spite of it. This is dangerous. A cold is potentially serious, because it is frequently accompanied by complications, including diseases such as pneumonia. A cold should be regarded as an illness that must be prevented or treated.
The cause and prevention of colds
Colds are caused by a virus to which the body is particularly susceptible when its resistance is lowered. Although this virus itself is not able to do much damage, it paves the way for more dangerous types of micro-organisms.
People who have this virus in its active form—that is, people who have a cold, especially in its early stages—spread it to others. It can be transmitted by close contact, particularly kissing, by handling contaminated objects such as handkerchiefs, and by using contaminated drinking glasses or utensils. But the main method of transmission is a cough or sneeze. You should keep out of crowds as much as possible during a wave of colds, especially if there is much influenza and pneumonia associated with them. Some immunity follows a cold, but it is usually brief, so do not count on it.
Taking vitamins does not prevent or cure a cold. Of course, it pays to eat a well-balanced diet. People in good physical condition are better able to resist some of the complications that may follow a cold.
Chilling lowers the body’s resistance to colds. This varies a great deal in people, some of whom become chilled very easily. Get into warm, dry clothes as soon as you can after being wet or chilly.
Unfortunately, most people cannot afford to—or do not want to —call the doctor for an ordinary cold. That is why I am going to tell you what to do for one. However, there are certain people who must see a physician. Even mild colds can represent a severe threat to their health, possibly to their lives. A pregnant woman should report a cold to her doctor. A doctor should be called promptly when anyone with one of the following diseases catches a cold:
Tuberculosis
Rheumatic fever or rheumatic heart disease Chronic bronchitis or bronchiectasis Bronchial asthma
Kidney disease, especially Bright’s disease and chronic pyelonephritis Severe liver disease Severe diabetes
Heart disease that is severe enough to cause shortness of breath Asthma
Severe sinusitis
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(posted in General health)
THE KILLER DISEASES
Wednesday, March 11, 2009 | 11:09 pmI am purposely calling the diseases I discuss in this chapter the killers, in order to drive home your need to be on guard against them. These enemies are powerful. But they are not all-powerful. Medical science can, with your help, prevent, control, or cure them. And even when we cannot be victorious, we can force these enemies into an advantageous truce.
Look at the following table showing the leading killers of today, so that you will know your worst enemies.
THE FOUR LEADING CAUSES OF DEATH IN AUSTRALIA
Heart disease
Stroke
Bronchitis, emphysema, asthma
Arteriosclerosis
Here are some general rules to follow in order to minimize the danger of attack and increase your chances of victory.
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Have periodic medical check-ups.
- Recognize and report promptly all warning signals that occur between check-ups
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Keep your weight normal or slightly below normal after you reach middle age.
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If you have, or are threatened by, a disease, study the information about it given in this book. Do this so that you can be a good patient, but not in order to treat yourself. Trust your doctor, and co-operate with him. Follow his instructions. Let him do your worrying.
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Keep in touch with the doctor. Medical science is continually developing new medicines and treatments for diseases.
- Recognize and report promptly all warning signals that occur between check-ups
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Keep away from quacks, faith healers, and advertised ‘cures.’
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SICKNESS IN INFANTS AND CHILDREN: THE THERMOMETER
Wednesday, March 11, 2009 | 10:57 pmA thermometer is a glass instrument about four inches long and as thick as a drinking straw. At one end it has a silver bulb. There are two kinds of thermometers, oral and rectal. Except for the shape of the bulb, there is no really important difference between them. I suggest that you purchase two rectal thermometers, as this type can be used in either the mouth or rectum and is less breakable. Keep them in separate containers marked ‘mouth use’ and ‘rectal use.’
The thermometer bulb is filled with mercury that spreads through the tube when the temperature rises. In reading the thermometer, always hold the end opposite the bulb. Turn the glass between your fingers until you see a silvery bar that marks the top of the mercury. At whatever degree the mercury stops, that is the temperature. For example, if the mercury stops at the first short line after the line marked 100° on a Fahrenheit thermometer, then the temperature reading is 100.2° F.—each short line measures two tenths of a degree.
There is usually an arrow on the thermometer that points to 98.4° (37° on a Centigrade thermometer). This is considered to be the normal temperature. Above this point, some thermometers use red markings.
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(posted in General health)
GUIDELINES FOR A HAPPY MARRIAGE: HEALTH PREPARATIONS
Wednesday, March 11, 2009 | 10:45 pmWhen two people marry, they promise to live together in sickness and in health. To help them start off in good health, the two owe it to themselves and to their children-to-come to see their doctor. Not only will he perform a medical examination, but he will try to answer the couple’s questions about themselves and about the family they are planning to have after they are married.
Two important blood tests
A blood test, such as the Wassermann test, will detect syphilis, a disorder which must be cured before anyone has a right to marry.
You and your partner should also ask a physician to test your blood for blood-group compatibility. It is important to know whether the prospective mother and father have different Rh factors, because this difference could create a health problem for children.
The examination for gonorrhoea
Unlike syphilis, gonorrhoea cannot be discovered by a routine blood test. It starts as a local infection of the genital organs, and its detection requires inspection of these areas and perhaps a microscopic examination of their secretions. Though not transmitted to unborn offspring, it may infect a baby’s eyes during or after birth, and can cause blindness. Gonorrhoea, too, is entirely curable.
Tuberculosis may go undetected for a long period of time, while insidiously injuring the body and being passed on to others, especially those who have close contact with a tubercular person. Children are especially vulnerable to this disease. A chest X-ray often detects hidden tuberculosis. It reveals any suspicious areas that may make further tests necessary.
Do not neglect to have yourself checked for tuberculosis and the other diseases mentioned here before you get married.
Other health precautions
In addition to the blood tests and examinations for syphilis, gonorrhoea, and tuberculosis, you should have a thorough medical check-up to determine whether you are suffering from any ailment that should be corrected before the wedding, or whether you should change some of your plans for the sake of your health. Certain heart conditions, for example, make it foolhardy for a man to stay on some jobs, although he could safely do another kind of work. Some illnesses make it extremely dangerous for a woman to have a baby, although she could do so safely after the disease has been treated and brought under control.
A check-up also provides an opportunity for the prospective bride to discover whether she happens to need a very minor operation in order to prevent difficulty and pain in having sexual intercourse. In some—but by no means all—virgins, the hymen, the membrane at the opening of the vagina, does not rupture easily. This makes intercourse extremely painful or even impossible. In such cases it can be removed by a physician, a procedure so minor as hardly to be called an operation. The hymen can also be stretched, according to the doctor’s directions, prior to marriage.
It is a good idea, especially if you and your fiance are related, to give the physician all the information you possess concerning the physical and mental ailments from which members of your families have suffered. He will probably be able to set your mind at rest regarding the chances of having children who might inherit a defect.
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(posted in General health)
THE THYROID GLAND AND ITS HORMONE SECRETIONS.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009 | 10:33 pmThe thyroid gland is situated in from of the throat, below the Adam’s apple and just above the breastbone. It is roughly U-shaped, each end of the U flaring out to a lobe about the size of the big toe.
The thyroid regulates the rate at which the body uses oxygen taken in by breathing. It also controls the rale at which the various organs of the body function and the speed with which the body uses food.
Myxoedema
This disorder is caused by an underfunctioning thyroid. Some babies are born with this deficiency. The infant may seem to develop too slowly in following objects with his eyes or holding his head erect.
Simple goitre
The thyroid gland needs iodine in order to manufacture the normal quantity of its hormone, called thyroxine. Insufficient iodine causes the gland to become enlarged. This swelling, or goitre, may be large enough to interfere with breathing and swallowing. Anyone with even a small goitre should consult a doctor.
The hormone of the thyroid gland contains about 65 per cent iodine, but the amount of iodine needed in food to avoid a goitre is very small. The amount of iodized table salt we use in meals is sufficient, even in areas where the soil is completely lacking in natural iodine.
Hyperthyroidism
A more serious type of goitre develops when the thyroid manufactures too much hormone. People with hyperthyroidism are nervous and irritable and suffer from insomnia. Heat makes them very uncomfortable. The excess secretion also produces heart palpitation that people frequently mistake for a true cardiac condition. Another symptom is loss of weight—in spite of increased hunger.
Hyperthyroidism is called exophthalmic goitre when the person whose thyroid gland is over-active has protruding eyes.
For many years the only treatment for hyperthyroidism was surgery; about 90 per cent of the gland was removed, and most persons were cured. Today, radio-active iodine is employed in some cases to cut down on the gland’s activity
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(posted in General health)