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Yes, that’s right. The more fit you are, the better your sex life! This just seems like a natural follow-on article after yesterday’s piece about what women are willing to give up for a 10 pound weight loss. There are many studies that support the fact that being strong and fit will improve your sex life. Just one more reason to be a fit bride!
We all know that exercise is good for you — it keeps your heart healthy and adds years to your life. But exercise does something else — it makes your sex life better. By exercising several times a week, you’ll not only be increasing your health but improving your sex life. Sound good? Find out more.
Exercise Makes You Feel Sexy
A big part of sex is feeling sexy. People who exercise have an improved body image over people who do not exercise. Being more comfortable with your body leads to better and more relaxed sex. A study showed that more physically fit men and women rated their own sexual desirability higher than less active men and women the same age. Eighty percent of men and 60% of females who exercised two to three times weekly rated their own sexual desirability as above average. As the number of days of exercise per week increased, so did the ratings of sexual desirability.
Exercise Improves Sexual Performance
Another study showed that men and women who were more physically fit rated their own sexual performance higher. Among people who exercised four to five days per week, 88% of the women and 69% of the men reported their own sexual performance as above average or much above average. The reason for this could simply be an increase in confidence because of an improved body image, or a physiological reason (such as better circulation and blood flow).
Exercise Means More Sex
People who exercise more have more sex. The reason for this is complicated. People who exercise more are generally healthier, younger and have more attractive bodies than the non-exercisers. Frequent exercisers may also be more physically-oriented people who seek out activities and sensations. Whatever the case, research does show that the more a person exercises, the more sex he or she tends to have.
Exercise Helps Sexual Aging
Sixty-year-olds who exercise frequently report having the same amount of sex and sexual pleasure as people decades younger. One study examined the sexual frequency and satisfaction ratings of swimmers aged 60 and found that they were the same as those 20 years younger. If you exercise a lot, your “sexual age” will be years younger than your chronological age.
Reduces Erectile Dysfunction
There is a saying in the erectile dysfunction world that “penis health is heart health.” Erectile dysfunction is often caused by circulatory problems. In order to have an erection, the penis must swell with blood. Blocked arteries, high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues can interfere with that process. Exercise keeps the heart and arteries healthy, reducing the risk of erectile dysfunction. Researchers looked at men over the age of 50 and found that those who were physically active reported better erections and a 30% lower risk of impotence than men who were inactive.
Endorphin Release
Exercise releases endorphins that give a feeling of pleasure. The classic “runner’s high” is an example. In a “runner’s high,” a seasoned runner may experience a feeling of bliss and contentment during exercise caused by a release of endorphins. Your sex drive and feelings of sexual pleasure also use an endorphin release system. Each time you exercise (or have sex), your body releases these endorphins. The more frequent and intense the releases, the easier it is for sexual arousal and pleasure in the future. In fact, studies have shown that women who frequently exercise become aroused more quickly and are able to reach an orgasm faster and more intensely.
Exercise Adds Options
If you are physically fit, you may have more options for sex. Sex itself is an intense physical activity requiring strength and endurance. As you exercise, both your strength and endurance will increase, opening the possibility for more varied sexual positions that require greater physical control.
The Bottom Line
 If better health isn’t enough motivation to get you into the gym or out for a run, maybe better sex will be. Use the information here to inspire yourself to increase your fitness and just watch what may happen to your sex life.
Sources:
Katherine Esposito, MD; Francesco Giugliano, MD; Carmen Di Palo, MD; Giovanni Giugliano, MD; Raffaele Marfella, MD, PhD; Francesco D’Andrea, MD; Massimo D’Armiento, MD; Dario Giugliano, MD, PhD.Effect of Lifestyle Changes on Erectile Dysfunction in Obese Men. JAMA. 2004;291:2978-2984.
Bacon, C. G., Mittleman, M. A., & Kawachi, I. (2003).Sexual function in men older than 50 years of age: Results from the health professionals follow-up study. Annals of Internal Medicine, 139, 161-168.
 With your wedding right around the corner, here are the items you need to ensure are in motion. You have decided on many items to date and the final pieces are now falling into place. Any questions about last minute things you may be needing- Contact the pros at The Wedding Guide and we’ll give you the answers you require. No need to stress…you are soon going to be married!
THREE TO TWO MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING DAY.
Start your reception seating plan, but allow for adjustments.
Politely chase any forgetful guests for RSVPs in order to finalise the guest list.
Set a ceremony rehearsal time with the minister/registrant/officiant and inform the wedding party.
Meet the hair and make-up stylists to decide on a style for the bride and bridesmaids.
Final dress fittings for brides and bridesmaids.
Order favours for the reception (if required)
Purchase a Guest Book for guest to sign.
Choose a first dance and consider practising.
Make a note of your favourite songs for the DJ or band.
Buy clothes and accessories for your honeymoon.
Reconfirm honeymoon details.
Check that your visas, passports and inoculations are all up to date.
Organise domestic arrangements for the honeymoon period: pets, house-sitting and so on.
Hold you stag and doe parties .
You’re almost at the finish line!!!
bridaltalk.theweddingguide.ca
Please share your unique plans with us and we may print your story.
Until later,
Sheryl Davies
Publisher
519-252-8463
Well, we’ve been to two weddings this summer; both very different and I am somewhat relieved that they don’t resemble what Donald and I have been planning. We have managed to stay to our budget- we used the interactive budget planner in the Planning Section on theweddingguide.ca website.
Our wedding is around the corner, in September. We are holding our breath that the weather doesn’t turn as swampy and humid as these last couple of months have been.
Poor, Marlene; she was wed two weekends ago and she looked beautiful but certainly warm, as she and Bruce smiled their way down the aisle, and then danced the Samba with their friends later in the evening. The temperature registered over 95 degrees, from mid-afternoon to late in the evening.
So back to our last two weeks. We are finalizing our guest list and of course, reviewing all the last minute details that we need to attend to. The caterer wants to have our final numbers and the photographer called to discuss the “secret” location that he wanted to whisk us away to, to shoot some wedding party images after the ceremony. We loved his suggestion but I can’t share it because, after all-it’s a secluded spot, reserved just for our photographs.
My mom and grandma are getting all emotional and also wondering why I opted to have a cupcake tower, instead of a wedding cake with a bride and groom atop it. They are loving the idea of a webcam to broadcast to all who cannot make it to the ceremony. The technology makes us all so happy that our close friends and family will see us married, live- via the internet. Wow… And, then, we can post it on Facebook, so others can see it at the end of the day. How cool is that?
It’s going to be a busy week and I’m getting so excited to be a Mrs! Now, on to organizing the Rehearsal Dinner details.
I’m going to miss using The Wedding Guide- it’s been my saviour in many a situations and gave me the answers to a lot of the planning that I had no previous experiences with.
Be yourself. Above all, let who you are, what you are, what you believe, shine through every sentence, you write, every piece you finish. – John Jakes
 See you there - Invitations by Judene McCalla First and last impressions are the ones that linger, so when it comes to wedding planning, invitations and thank-you notes take on an added importance.
Brides, today, are branding their entire paper suite with signature style and expressing their individuality through their paper products. Invitations are setting a new style trend and there’s nothing more exciting for your guests than receiving your official invitation in the mail.
Save the date cards are the very first peek your guests will have of your future wedding day. They set the tone and are a great way to provide a teaser of your theme. Your wedding invitation is a preview to your ceremony, and sets the stage for what’s to come.
Judene McCalla, owner of See You There Invitations was inspired to start her business five years ago because of her love of paper. Fascinated by different textures and colours, her distinctive design clearly shows her passion for creating custom, hand-made stationery. If you can dream it, she can make it come true and you’ll have a truly custom ensemble of social stationery for your wedding.
Made with style and sophistication, each invitation is cut and made by hand, custom tailored to her clients. She also designs custom favour boxes, favour tags, seating charts, save the date, and thank you cards.
“The art of custom design comes to life with a stationer that is flexible and accommodating,” Judene says. She loves helping her brides-to-be wow their guests, through unforgettable invitations, that are a direct expression of each couple’s personal style.
Whatever the style that you are looking for, traditional, vintage or contemporary, McCalla’s creative ideas, exquisite details and breath-taking embellishments are adored by her brides. They are unique, affordable and distinctive!
Please Like – “See You There” on Facebook
 Bachelorette Erica is heading to Vegas for her bachelorette party. Fun! She mentioned, yesterday, that she was not sure if she would be “up” for class on Monday. She plans to still be in “recovery”. This is certainly a once-in-a-lifetime event, so what are some steps you can take to keep yourself somewhat healthy over your bachelorette weekend?
What are some “truths” and “lies” about hangover relief:
Hair of the Dog
Contrary to popular belief, more of the “hair of the dog that bit you” only delays the inevitable. One of the reasons hangovers are so unpleasant is the liver is still processing the toxins left over from alcohol metabolism. Drinking more alcohol can make the symptoms seem to lessen at first but will only make the situation worse once the liver breaks the alcohol down, because it will have even more toxins to deal with.
Conclusion:
Burnt Toast
At first, the burnt toast remedy may seem that it’s actually based on scientific fact. The culprit behind this fictional cure is the carbon in the charred bread. Carbon can act like a filter in the body. While it’s true that activated charcoal (which is a treated form of carbon) is used to treat some types of poisonings, it’s not currently used to treat alcohol poisoning (something that is vastly different from a regular hangover).
The carbon/charcoal found on burnt toast is not the same as activated charcoal.
Conclusion:
- FICTION – Prevention and Remedy
Black Coffee
Coffee contains a high amount of caffeine, which is a stimulant and therefore helps fight fatigue. But when the caffeine wears off, a drinker may be even more tired than before. Coffee can help alleviate a pounding head because caffeine is a vasoconstrictor, meaning it reduces the size of blood vessels. This counteracts the effect of the alcohol, which makes them swell, making the head hurt in the first place. Unfortunately, caffeine is also a diuretic like alcohol and can make a drinker even more dehydrated than before, thereby increasing the severity of the hangover. Overall, coffee isn’t a good hangover cure.
Conclusion:
Fried or Fatty Foods
Although eating fried or fatty foods the morning after will probably only irritate a drinker’s stomach further, eating them beforedrinking can actually be helpful. Putting anything in the stomach prior to indulging in alcohol helps prevent a hangover, but fatty foods in particular stick to the stomach lining longer and therefore slow down the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream. While that might make it take longer to feel the alcohol’s effects, it also gives the body more time to process the byproducts and will increase a drinker’s chances of feeling decent in the morning. So much so, in fact, that a Mediterranean folk tactic is to take a spoonful of olive oil before drinking alcohol. Eating lighter food such as a fruit smoothie will provide energy and alleviate some symptoms by replenishing the electrolytes the body lost from dehydration.
Conclusion:
- FACT – Prevention
- FICTION – Remedy
Eggs
Eating eggs the morning after provides energy like any other food, which is the primary benefit. But eggs do also contain large amounts ofcysteine, the substance that breaks down the hangover-causing toxin acetaldehyde in the liver’s easily depleted glutathione. Therefore, eggs can potentially help mop up the left-over toxins.
Conclusion:
Bananas
Eating bananas the morning after a night of heavy drinking provides lost electrolytes like any food would, but it also specifically replenishes the potassium lost to alcohol’s diuretic effect. Other potassium-rich foods such as kiwi fruit or sports drinks work just as well.
Conclusion:
Water
Replenishing the body’s water supply after a night of drinking combats dehydration, and it also helps dilute the leftover byproducts in the stomach. Adding salt and sugar to water helps replace the sodium and glycogen lost the night before. Non-caffeinated, non-carbonated sports drinks can achieve the same effect.
As a prevention method, drinking a glass of water for every alcoholic beverage slows down drinking, providing more time for the body to deal with the alcohol (the body can only process about three-quarters of an ounce of alcohol in an hour). Drinking a few glasses of water before going to bed helps fight dehydration after the body finishes breaking down the alcohol.
Conclusion:
- FACT – Prevention and Remedy
Fruit Juice
The fructose — fruit sugar — in fruit juice helps to naturally increase the body’s energy. Studies have proven that it also increases the rate at which the body gets rid of toxins such as those left over from alcohol metabolism. Fruit juice is also a good idea the morning after because it’s high in vitamins and nutrients that were depleted the night before because of alcohol’s diuretic effect. Vitamin supplements high invitamins C and B are also effective.
Conclusion:
Other Remedies – Fact or Fiction?
Painkillers
Certain painkillers are more effective at combating a hangover than others. For instance, Excedrin can be helpful for a headache because it combinesacetaminophen for the pain and caffeine to reduce the size of the pounding blood vessels; however, prolonged combination of alcohol and acetaminophen has been shown to cause liver damage, and caffeine is a diuretic.
Aspirin is a non-caffeinated pain reliever and is also in a class of anti-inflammatory drugs known as prostaglandin inhibitors. High levels of prostaglandin have been associated with increased hangover severity. In one study, participants who took a prostaglandin inhibitor before bed reported less of a headache and less nausea and thirst than those who had drank the same amount of alcohol but did not take the prostaglandin inhibitor before bed. If you have a sensitive stomach, though, beware — taking aspirin after drinking can make your stomach hurt even worse.
Conclusion:
- FACT – Prevention and Remedy if non-caffeinated and acetaminophen-free
Over-the-counter Remedies
Hangover remedies such as Chaser, Sob’r-K Hangover Stopper, RU-21, Berocca and Rebound are highly varied both in price and ingredients, so their effectiveness varies accordingly. They’re classified as dietary supplements, meaning:
- They contain vitamins and minerals.
- They don’t require a prescription.
- They’re usually taken in pill form.
The manufacturers claim these products work because they make use of the effective filtering qualities of carbon to reduce the number of impurities the body has to process (see “Burnt Toast” in the last section for the science on that one). As for RU-21, marketed as a secret KGB pill, the manufacturer says specifically that it is not an anti-hangover pill but a supplement for detoxification. (By the way, its main ingredients — dextrose, L-Glutamine and vitamin C — can be found in high amounts in everyday foods). Rebound has the same ingredients as RU-21 plus a few other vitamins and oddities such as “young barley grass juice powder,” but it’s still basically a multivitamin. Berocca, again, is not a hangover cure — it’s simply a multivitamin that claims to increase energy naturally (through vitamins).
The secret to most of these purported “miracle cures” may in fact be the amount of water a drinker ingests when taking them. Many require taking a pill (or two) with a glass (or two) of water before drinking alcohol, and then continuing to take the pills over the course of the evening with full glasses of water, before bed with a full glass of water, and upon waking with a full glass of water. The hydration alone greatly improves the chances of having little-to-no hangover, and the vitamins in the pills just give it a little, albeit expensive, boost.
Conclusion:
- FICTION – Prevention and Remedy
Time
The only complete cure for a hangover is time. No matter what a drinker does, the body still has to clean up all the toxic byproducts left over from the evening before. But the above factual remedies can help speed up the process.
Conclusion:
Christi Masi and The Healthy Bride
Trevor Booth is an exemplary and innovative award-winning photographer with a great eye for detail; he is meticulous about his work. Full of enthusiasm, he is always on the cutting-edge of any new trends in his field. His work is artistic and his style of digital story telling is unique, beautifully done and well received.
Trevor has been shooting weddings since 1991- full time since 2003 and he estimates that he has taken close to 20 million frame shots throughout the years. He has extensively traveled the world with his camera; always ready for the next great picture!
His motivation comes from seeing and hearing his brides and groom’s ecstatic reaction to his work. He continually tries to “out do” himself every time he is behind the camera, wanting each and every photograph to have the ability to stand on its own merit.
Loving the raw emotion of weddings, Trevor gets to know his couples well, which is of the utmost importance to him. That relationship gives him the clues to their personalities, which only enhances the photographs he takes.
Relaxed and easy going, his ability to transmit that calm, fun-loving nature to his clients is recognized immediately. Having fun is the key to getting those great shots. It is evident when viewing his work that he achieves just that! His couples have fun and they love the final results!
His style is non-traditional, but he will always take some formal portraits for Mom, Dad and posterity. Trevor stresses that there may be a lot of traditional photographers out there that cost less; but what he is able to do, requires a lot more talent and skill. Getting those great shots takes a great eye without disrupting the spontaneity of the moment. Candids, whether in the church or on a dream beach in Mexico are those priceless moments that only a good photographer can achieve.
A concern that Trevor has with new digital technology is that a lot of people think that they are great photographers but, in fact, lack the expertise. He understands that a good majority of the people know the difference between someone with a camera and a professional photographer, yet when it comes to booking photography services, this logic goes out the window. His main concern is that you only get one chance at your wedding day and it can never be recaptured. He hates to hear stories about disappointed couples who traded price for substandard results. After all, memory-making and marking this important milestone is what a wedding day is all about!
Trevor is willing to travel to any wedding destination, locally or around the globe. His enthusiasm for his craft is evident. Booth loves his work and his couples love him! His business has continued to grow with glowing referrals.
The ability to be part of one of his couple’s happiest days gives him great pleasure. “It’s a privilege to be there with their families and friends,” he says. ” I wouldn’t trade my job for anything,” he says with a big smile.
Nutrition: Is eating a low-carb diet good for you? No. Carbohydrate foods, like whole grains, fruits, and starchy vegetables (such as squash and potatoes) all contain a whole host of essential nutrients. Processed carbs, like refined white sugar, white bread, and white rice, have been stripped of many of these essential nutrients and contain just carbohydrate. Granted, this carbohydrate is good fuel for the body and brain, however, eating these whole grain brown counterparts instead (like whole wheat bread and brown rice), is a healthier choice because these foods have not been stripped of essential nutrients and fiber.
Fitness: After vigorous aerobic exercise it is important to take 10 minutes or so to cool down gradually. Do not stop abruptly. For example, after a long run or jog, walk around and keep moving, rather than just stopping.
Cooling down properly (moving around) redistributes the blood that may have pooled in the extremities when you end your workout, and it prevents muscle stiffness because it allows the metabolic wastes to be worked out of your muscles.
He’s proposed and you said, I will. You have dreamed of your wedding day and wearing that perfect gown, since you were a little girl. You want to feel radiant wearing it. It is your day of days!
Now, that day has arrived. It’s time to go bridal gown shopping! If you are considering making the drive across the border to get “something better” or “something cheaper”, think long and carefully. Make sure that your day is not marred by miscalculating what you thought the final cost would be. Remember too, that there’s the cost of the item and then, there’s the actual price. You and your fiancé have sharpened your pencil, setting a budget; but insist that you will have your day, your way. This is a busy time in your lives, one that is high-charged with emotion and a great deal of decision-making. You don’t need any additional pressure.
It may seem inviting to brides-to-be, to travel across the border to purchase their bridal attire, especially since we are so closely tied to the Michigan region. But, buyer beware. That extra, added time, expense and potential aggravation dealing with Canadian and U.S. Customs may jeopardize your most exciting purchase.
You may find yourself paying for alterations or that the “sale” is final. In Windsor/Essex area,when you buy your gown at the bridal salon, the alterations are included. Very few bridal stores, if any, will provide alteration services for gowns purchased from elsewhere.
Windsor and area bridal salons in southern Ontario carry the top bridal lines from all the great designers. They will make your shopping experience memorable . You must remember that the owners of our local stores are your neighbours, family and friends, who have invested time and money into our community. They establish their reputations by living and working here and being accountable.
Purchasing your dream gown usually takes 5 trips to the shop; one to look, one to decide and multiple times with yourself and your bridesmaids for fittings and pick- up. The additional expense of border-crossing fees and 90 minutes of your valuable time driving, excluding any delays at the border, bring any possible savings to zero. Asking your attendants to make these excursions with you can be infringing on their time and good nature.
One most also consider the potential of a crisis, days prior to your wedding. Who wants the aggravation of running across when you need that precious time for more important matters. Imagine finding a small tear in your gown’s fabric or a loose bead or button. What happens if you gain or lose weight due to stress after the alterations have been completed? Who is going to look after it and will be there be time available to remedy the problem? Securing a seamstress at the ninth hour can be a daunting task, when time is of the essence.
Bridal Specialists are dedicated to making the bride’s day beautiful. Buy from your local suppliers with confidence, and know that you are an important consumer to them and not someone transient. A bride’s pleasure translates to valued referrals that continue to make their business viable.
Be a savvy bride and assess the reality of how important your time and energy will be throughout your wedding planning process. Eliminate any possible problems early by being realistic.
We wish you a beautiful day!
Until next time,
Sheryl Davies
Publisher- the Wedding Guide Windsor/Essex County
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If better health isn’t enough motivation to get you into the gym or out for a run, maybe better sex will be. Use the information here to inspire yourself to increase your fitness and just watch what may happen to your sex life.
