As an animal owner, it is your responsibility to feed and take care of them. Part of being a good hooman to your pet is knowing ways to communicate with them and knowing why your pet behaves in a particular way. There are people who know reasons why their dogs smell their private areas, but also some people aren’t yet aware what this behaviour pertains. The reason behind dogs sniffing behaviour according to a site named Master Bowie, “is gathering information and saying hello. We have sweat glands, apocrine glands to be precise, which release pheromones that convey all different types of information (eg. age, sex, mood, health). These glands are heavily concentrated in the armpits and genitals. Well… since they can’t reach the armpits, so crotch it is…”. Dogs cannot speak so they have their own ways. Your dog is just trying to know you, but if you’re embarrassed with this innate behaviour, you can redirect it by training your dog; giving treats and saying basic commands such as sit, stay, etc. Their sniffing is equivalent to asking your name, where you live, as well as shaking hands. As non-verbal species, this is their way. Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)

This image is an artistic illustration of a person lying on a bed with a ghostly or translucent figure embracing them from behind. The scene appears somber and intimate, symbolizing a sense of longing, grief, or loss. The person, partially undressed and tattooed, lies in a small, cluttered room. Items such as broken glass, food wrappers, and a chair with a book on it suggest neglect or despair. The ghostly figure conveys a feeling of comfort or memories of a loved one, evoking themes of nostalgia, loneliness, or emotional attachment. The dark color palette adds to the melancholic atmosphere of the scene

As you age, it’s likely that you begin noticing changes in your hair growth. Typically, changes in estrogen and testosterone levels contribute to hair loss and pigmentation changes. According to the Cleveland Clinic, though men and women experience hair loss for different reasons, as every person ages, hair has a shorter life cycle, making it fall out faster than usual. In fact, aging and hormonal changes stop some hair follicles from producing any hair at all. Unless it is a large amount of hair (if it is, you should pay your doctor a visit), growing hair in strange places like your chin, back, chest, face, nipples, abdomen, knuckles, toes, and nose is also completely normal as you age. According to Prevention, the changes in your body’s estrogen and testosterone levels are to blame for the additional hair that might be popping up in strange places on your body, too. Higher testosterone levels are to blame for additional hair growth in your ears Lemonade Serenade/Shutterstock As it turns out, every single person has at least a thin coating of hair covering their ears. According to Healthline, this hair, that resembles peach fuzz, is actually vellus hair and it covers most of our body to help regulate its temperature. Those thicker, darker hairs growing in your ears that have you pulling out your tweezers are called tragi hairs. Similar to vellus hair, tragi hairs provide protection by growing in your exterior ear canal to form a barrier between your inner ear canal and germs, bacteria, and debris. For the most part, only minor issues are accompanied by growing additional ear hair, which includes a clogging of the ear canal that can make you more susceptible to swimmer’s ear. As Healthline reports, the additional hair growth can cause your ear canal to narrow, leaving less room for excess water to drain out of your ears. However, in one study published in Indian Heart Journal in the 1980s (posted at the National Library of Medicine), researchers attempted to establish a connection between ear hair and an ear lobe crease with an increased risk of coronary artery disease in Indian men. Though a few more studies were published that presented this same connection, Healthline reports that sufficient evidence to prove this theory still doesn’t exist.

This is what sleeping on the left side does for our brain, stomach & glymphatic health Side sleeping is the go-to position of many people. However they may not be aware that this comes with certain health benefits. In fact, different sleeping positions could lead to different results in the body, for good and bad. In general, people should sleep however they find themselves most comfortable. Still, if they are experiencing symptoms like back pain, jaw pain, poor digestion, and more, they may want to consider changing their bed positioning. To be more specific, they may want to consider sleeping on their left side.The Benefits of Sleeping on Your Left Side Man, sleeping and bed in morning rest for healthy wellness, peace and quiet on comfort pillow at home. Tired or exhausted male person asleep or dreaming on peaceful holiday or weekend in the bedroom Source: Shutterstock Reduce back pain – Sleeping on the stomach could pressure the spine and cause aching. Side sleeping keeps the spine in a naturally straight position and reduces the pressure in the lower back. Reduce snoring – Sleeping on the back causes the tongue and soft palate to slide backward and partially cover the airway, causing increased snoring. It’s also a common occurrence for people with sleep apnea. But side-sleeping keeps the tongue forward and the airway clear. Improve digestion – Sleeping on the left side, in particular, could ease some gastrointestinal symptoms like bloating, constipation, and heartburn. The stomach is on the left side of the body, so lying on that side allows gravity to aid the digestion process. [1] It may help with brain health. Many people are unaware that the brain eliminates waste during slumber. Studies indicate that side sleeping helps the brain clear metabolic waste more effectively by supporting the glymphatic system, which is similar to our lymphatic system, but in our central nervous system. This may help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s Parkinson’s, and other brain diseases, according to animal studies. More research is needed on humans to expand on these concepts further. [2] Improves blood flow – Good circulation is crucial during pregnancy to allow blood to flow to the placenta. This is why it’s recommended that expecting women sleep in this position. Read More: Sweating In Your Sleep? 7 Possible Reasons for Night SweatsHow to Train Yourself to Sleep on Your Side Woman sleeping. High angle view of beautiful young woman lying in bed and keeping eyes closed while covered with blanket. Stock photo Source: Shutterstock Choose a good pillow and mattressFind a pillow well-suited to your collarbone structure. Ensure the pillow is firm enough to support the neck. Mattresses must often be softer to prevent pressure from building in the shoulders and hips. Use pillows as barriers and supportsPut a pillow between your knees to support your hips and lower back You can also hug a pillow to comfortably rest your upper arm. Invest in body pillows to maintain your position. Sew a tennis ball onto the back of a shirt to prevent yourself from rolling over. Sleep on the couch at first Couches are often narrow and only have room for side sleeping anyway. Disadvantages of Sleeping on Your Side Beautiful young woman sleeping in bed at night Source: Shutterstock Although this position could provide many benefits, it’s not for everyone, especially those who use mattresses and pillows that make side sleeping uncomfortable. These disadvantages include: Pain in the shoulders and hips Side sleeping on too-firm mattresses could increase pressure on the shoulders, hips, and knees. However, too-soft mattresses could cause the spine to go out of alignment and also cause pain. Pressure in the face People with sinus congestion and glaucoma may experience painful or uncomfortable pressure in their faces when they lie on their sides. Additionally, it could worsen a tight or stiff jaw. Read More: The Benefits of CBD for People with Insomnia and Other Sleep Disorders The Benefits and Disadvantages of Other Sleeping Positions Beautiful young woman sleeping in bed at night Source: Shutterstock Ultimately, people should sleep in any way they feel most comfortable. But it’s important to consider how your sleep position could affect your body, for better or worse. You could also begin your nights on your left side and allow your body to assume whatever position it prefers. Also, sleeping on the right side also comes with benefits, so don’t stress about trying to retrain yourself if it’s not coming easily. Similarly, there are pros and cons to sleeping on the back and stomach. Sleeping on your back Young man lying on bed with orthopedic pillow at home Source: Shutterstock Benefits – It may help with: Hip pain Knee pain Arthritis Fibromyalgia Sinus congestion Bursitis Tips: Place a pillow under your knees to support the spine and lower back. Spread the legs and arms out to reduce pressure on the joints. Choose a pillow that offers good support for the neck, and avoid the ones that tilt your chin toward your chest. Elevate the head with extra pillows or a wedge pillow to help reduce heartburn, headaches, and sinus buildups. Sleeping on your stomach Black Guy Sleeping Lying On Stomach On Bed In Bedroom Indoor. Millennial Man Resting Napping Peacefully At Home. Healthy Sleep, Rest And Relaxation Concept. Panorama Source: Shutterstock Unfortunately for those who enjoy this position, experts warn against it. “If you are sleeping on your stomach and notice you are suffering back pain, there probably is a reason,” says Bill Fish, a certified sleep science coach. “Since the majority of the weight of the human body is around your center, that core pushes into the sleep surface further and basically puts strain on your spine in the wrong direction, causing back and neck pain.” Still, here are some tips for those who can’t switch to their side: the back of a woman sleeping on her side in bed Source: Shutterstock Use a flat pillow or none at all. Don’t tuck your arms under … Read more

Kidney disease is a silent but serious condition that can severely impact your overall health. Recognizing warning signs your kidneys are in danger is crucial, as early detection can prevent further complications. If you notice these signs, consult a doctor immediately to protect your kidney health and overall well-being. Understanding the Role of the Kidneys Your kidneys are vital organs that work tirelessly to filter your blood, remove waste products, balance electrolytes, and regulate blood pressure. These bean-shaped organs, located on either side of your spine just below the ribcage, also produce hormones that aid in red blood cell production and maintain bone health. Healthy kidneys filter around 120–150 quarts of blood each day, ensuring the removal of toxins through about 1–2 quarts of urine What Is Kidney Disease? Kidney disease occurs when the kidneys lose their ability to function effectively. Causes include high blood pressure, diabetes, infections, autoimmune disorders, and genetic predispositions. Without proper treatment, kidney disease can progress to kidney failure, requiring dialysis or a transplant. Recognizing warning signs your kidneys are in danger can help you take action before it’s too late. 10 Warning Signs Your Kidneys May Be in Danger 1. Changes in UrinationChanges in urinary habits are among the first warning signs your kidneys are in danger. These include: Increased urination, especially at night Decreased urine output Foamy or bubbly urine, which could indicate protein leakage 2. Fatigue and Weakness Kidneys help produce red blood cells by releasing a hormone called erythropoietin. When kidney function declines, anemia can develop, causing fatigue, weakness, and difficulty concentrating. 3. Swelling (Edema) Fluid retention due to poor kidney function leads to swelling in the: Legs Hands Face Abdomen 4. Persistent Back Pain Severe pain below the ribcage or tenderness in the back could be related to untreated urinary tract infections or kidney stones. 5. Unexplained Weight Loss or Loss of Appetite Kidney disease can cause a loss of appetite and weight due to waste buildup in the blood. You may feel full even when you haven’t eaten much. 6. Nausea and Vomiting Waste accumulation in the bloodstream often causes nausea or vomiting, especially in the morning or after meals. 7. Difficulty Sleeping People with kidney disease frequently report trouble sleeping due to: Nighttime muscle cramps Restless leg syndrome Frequent urination disrupting sleep 8. Metallic Taste in the Mouth A persistent metallic taste is a common symptom of uremia, caused by the buildup of waste products in the blood. 9. Muscle Cramps and Twitching Electrolyte imbalances, especially low calcium or high phosphorus levels, can result in painful cramps and muscle twitching. 10. Itchy Skin The accumulation of toxins due to reduced kidney function can lead to intense, generalized itching. How to Reduce Your Risk To keep your kidneys healthy and avoid the progression of kidney disease: Stay hydrated. Limit salt and processed foods in your diet. Manage chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. Avoid excessive use of painkillers and NSAIDs. Get regular check-ups, especially if you have a family history of kidney problems. When to See a Doctor If you notice any warning signs your kidneys are in danger, don’t ignore them. Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider for a full evaluation, which may include blood tests, urine tests, and imaging studies to assess kidney function. Early intervention is key to preserving kidney health and preventing irreversible damage. Conclusion Recognizing the warning signs your kidneys are in danger can save your life. By staying vigilant and seeking medical advice at the first sign of trouble, you can protect your kidneys and maintain overall health. Don’t wait—listen to your body and act quickly if something feels off.

Warts are growths on the surface of the skin caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). While usually benign, these pesky bumps are in fact contagious. Warts can be stubborn things to get rid of and can sometimes take months to resolve. You may have visited your GP for a wart where just freezing the wart can be an effective treatment. If however it doesn’t go away with a couple of freezing treatments, you may need to see a dermatologist to receive different treatment. The quicker you get on to the wart the easiest it will be to remove it. Warts are contagious and you are more likely to pick them up in warm moist areas such as swimming pools or public showers. People who sweat more may be more prone and it is very common to see in children as they may pick them up at school from others. Treatment in our clinic can involve different strength topicals that illicit the immune system to, in a sense, ‘’wake up’’ and shock the immune system to expel the viral skin lesion. The immune system will then start to fight the virus from the inside; the treatments can also attack the wart from the outside.The topical solutions we use on the wart may provoke a blister to develop and this will typically begin to heal within a week. Once the blister resolves, so does that wart. Sometimes, with in-clinic medication, only one or two treatments are necessary. We will also give you home treatment to do in the weeks after, to make sure the wart doesn’t have a chance to grow back! As we know, warts are stubborn little things and need to be attacked quite regularly to stop spreading and remove them for good!

Wow! Is That Hair in Your Ears? This discussion is not about the hairs (cilia) of the cochlea, where acoustic energy is translated into electrical energy, but about ear hair. You know, the hairy ear growth that one sometimes notices in a person’s ears, but almost never says anything about – as if talking about it were taboo. You can talk about it behind one’s back, but never to their face! There are many jokes made about men having little or no hair on their head, but when is the last time you heard anyone say, “Wow, you have really hairy ears,” unless they have been beyond their third martini. This post is actually a continuation of the current series (Parts 1,2, and 3) relating to the human ear canal and earwax. What does ear hair have to do with earwax? As will be discussed in this, and in later posts, it can have an impact on preventing earwax from being released naturally from the ear canal. This post is not intended to offer suggestions on how to comment gracefully (if even possible) on one’s ear hairs. This may not be one of the most pleasant topics, but is something that hearing professionals should be able to address. Where Do Ear Hairs Fall Histologically? From an histology viewpoint (Perry and Shelly, 1955), the ear canal skin has three appendages (derivatives):Ceruminous glands Sebaceous glands Hairs Last week’s post concentrated on the ceruminous and sebaceous glands in the ear canal skin. In both cases, each empties into the outer portion of the ear canal through hair follicles. This week the focus is on the ear hair itself, hair arising from follicular cartilage of the outer cartilaginous portion of the ear canal or from the tragus, antitragus, or helix portions of the auricle/pinna. Ear Hair The hairs that can be found in and around the ear fall into two different categories: Vellus hair – tiny, short, thin, and almost invisible (Figure 1 left image) that grow in most places on the human body. At the ear, they are present in the very outer portion of the ear canal (in the outer cartilaginous area or on the pinna itself). The density varies among individuals. When short, it is often referred to as “peach fuzz.” Strands are usually short (less than 2 mm), and the follicle is not connected to a sebaceous gland (Marks and Miller, 2006). Marks and Miller also identify other cases of irregular vellus hair growth as shown in Figure 1 right image, with such hairs growing to as long as 20-40 mm. Vellus hair is mostly non-pigmented. However, during and after puberty, dihyrotestosterone (DHT) present in the body causes vellus hairs on the arms, legs, faces, and in other parts of the body to grow thicker and darker, into “terminal” hair – to a greater extent in men than women (Jackson and Nesbitt, 2012). With aging, the normal growth cycles of hair (growth, resting, and falling out phases) get out of whack, and as a result, some hairs grow longer before they are shed.

There’s a scene when a student argues to a teacher that he doesn’t need an orchestra or even any one else to make music. That using a synthesizer, he could make music without anyone else, by himself. “That’s not music, Martelli,” the teacher says. “That’s masturbation.” Which is fine and often more efficient (we’ll get to that), but it’s usually more fun with someone else, isn’t it? Last week I wrote my first piece about sexuality and manhood in the context of our current societal conversation following #MeToo. It was about talking about sex. Here I continue that conversation, delving a little deeper into what men today should be considering, in the sexual realm, of what it means to be a better man. Jokes from the scene from Fame aside, there is a lot for men to think about on the differences between solo sex and sex with a partner. Too often, I’m afraid, men (and yes, I’ve been guilty of this myself) view the goals and purpose of those two kinds of sex as the same, and that can lead to all sort of problems and issues. The goal of masturbation is physical and sexual pleasure for yourself. You do what you need to do to make yourself feel good; you provide yourself with an orgasmic release then go on with your day (or fall asleep for the night). But when you apply that same self-centered approach to partnered sex, you lose out, and so does your partner. The mistake so many men make is they get so excited to have sex, and also so anxious about their sexual performance (getting and staying hard, lasting as long as possible) that they forgot the purpose of what they are there for: to have enjoyable partnered sex. With the key word being partner. And that’s taking the positive spin approach to it. Let’s be honest: some men’s cluelessness towards their partners is intentional, dismissive and abusive. I’m referring to men who are actively oblivious to their partner’s needs, and conscious of using them for their bodies. They know what they are doing. That’s not what I’m talking about here, as bad as that is. I have no patience for men who behave this way. Instead, I’m talking about men who are less conscious of their selfish approach, either through not being taught about being a good partner or simply through inexperience, never thinking about sex this way, or too caught up in the moment to get out of their heads and into the moment that should be shared between two people. The greatest advice men need to hear about sex, the one thing that will make them better at it, that also has the benefit of making them a better man overall, is never forgetting the true meaning of the word partner. When you’ve having sex with someone else, it’s a joint endeavor. It may seem obvious, but so much of women’s sexual frustration with men is due to men not being fully aware of their partner. Don’t believe me? Studies have shown that lesbians give women more orgasms. In short, as a woman, “if you have sex with a straight man, you’ve chosen the demographic least likely to make you come.” When you have a cooking partner, you prepare, cook and enjoy the meal…together. Both of you take part in and responsibility for the meal, both of you then enjoy it and both of you leave the table satisfied. When you go to the gym with a partner, both of you work out, you both sweat, you push and inspire each other, spot them, help each other through your routine…together. You both walk away sated, fulfilled and reaping the benefits of exercise. When you have sex with a partner, you both help each other fulfill each other’s physical and emotional needs (I’m refraining from mentioning orgasm, since while that is often the result of good partnered sex, it is not the inherent goal in itself). You both get touched in ways that you couldn’t do yourself, you both experience the sensation of sex with another person, you both got what you came for (pun intended). Right? Not always. Right? And that’s a shame. Actually, it’s worse than a shame. It’s selfish, toxic and unfair. You would never cook for your girlfriend and then not let her eat the meal. You would never go to the gym together and just have her watch you work out. So why would you engage in sex with a partner and not have her (or him, this idea applies to any kind of partnered sex) get what they need and want? Sex is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. The urges, the heat of the moment, the thrill, the hunger and need for release…there’s a lot of pent up energy in male sexual desire. All normal. And fun. But sometimes we can get a little too far ahead of ourselves, and rush, and then, before you know it, we’re done…and we’ve left our partner in a lurch, frustrated and unsatisfied. While there’s nothing wrong with the occasional quickie, it’s in that moment when your actions as a man will dictate what kind of partner you are. Are you going to roll over and fall asleep…or are you going to remain in the moment and help your partner achieve the satisfaction you just had? I recently read the book “She Comes First.” It’s essentially a treatise, and technical guidebook, on performing oral sex on a woman. I’ll leave the mechanics and your technique of choice to you, but the principle point of the book is essentially the one I’m making here: that in order to be a good lover, a good partner, you need to make sure your partner has the fullest range of physical pleasure as you can. The writer of the book believes oral sex is the way. The idea is to make sure you are not being selfish in your sexual … Read more

Given the overwhelming size and outrageous global reach of the internet, one never has to look too far to find online content that shocks, stuns, amazes or disgusts. The rise of social media sites has meant that photos and videos can be shared worldwide like never before. As a result, trends develop from time to time where there seems to be waves of similar content rolling out during a given period. It probably shouldn’t come as a surprise that content to do with our bodies – and all the weird, wonderful, fascinating stuff it can do – has proven popular online. You’ll likely be all too familiar with videos including pimple popping (gross!), cyst draining (double gross!) and earwax removal. But have you ever heard of tonsil stones? I hadn’t, in any case, so when I saw a video on the subject, I decided to do what I do best… share the information with you lovely folks… I’ll admit to having a high degree of curiosity when it comes to all things related to the human body. I don’t necessarily think they’re nice to watch, but the viral-craze of the so-dubbed “pimple popping” videos hooked me like a fish. That said, when I came across a related video concerning the removal of “tonsil stones”, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. To begin with, I’d probably better tell you what exactly tonsil stones are. I hadn’t heard of them before, let alone seen one. Perhaps I’m alone in this, maybe all you readers out there are familiar with them. Then again, maybe not… As per the Mayo Clinic, tonsil stones are hard white or yellow formations that occur on the tonsils. They’re neither painful nor harmful, and can usually be treated with home remedies. The main causes of tonsil stones are trapped materials and debris in the tonsillar crypts, located in the – yep, you guessed it – tonsils, those oval-shaped, infection-fighting flaps of tissue located at the back of your throat. This can include minerals, such as calcium, food or debris, or even bacteria and fungi. Now, tonsil stones are more common than one might think, though they don’t always cause symptoms. When they do, said symptoms can include bad breath, a cough, earache, and a sore throat, amongst others. According to reports, 3 million Americans a year suffer from tonsil stones, but fortunately removing them is a rather easy and simple affair. In fact, a variety of home methods including gargling with salt water and using a delicate object – like a cotton swab – can be used to dislodge them. Not only that, but simply having a strong cough can actually loosen the stones and bring them up. Did you know tonsil stones existed? Have you ever experienced one before? Let us know in the comments.

In the world of love, actions often speak louder than words. When a man kisses specific body parts, like the forehead or your hand, it’s akin to making a silent promise of forever. From gentle forehead kisses to passionate caresses, each touch conveys deep emotions that go beyond the physical. These loving gestures show a commitment to care and last through thick and thin. Let’s dive into the hidden meanings behind these special kisses and discover the unspoken promises of a love that lasts in every tender moment. Join me on this journey of decoding love’s sweet language! 1. The Forehead Kiss There’s something incredibly sweet about a man planting a gentle kiss on your forehead. It’s like he’s whispering, “I’ll always be here for you.” This tender gesture goes beyond the physical and taps into the emotional realm, signifying a promise of love that transcends the moment. When he kisses your forehead, he’s expressing a commitment that goes straight to the heart.2. The Hand Kiss When a man takes your hand and places a soft kiss on it, he’s showcasing admiration and respect. It’s a gesture that says, “You’re cherished, and I hold you in high regard.” The warmth of this intimate act reveals a deep emotional connection, suggesting that he’s devoted to you not just in fleeting moments, but for the long haul. A hand kiss is a timeless symbol of enduring affection. 3. The Cheek Kiss A simple kiss on the cheek may seem casual, but it carries a profound message of affection. It’s a gesture of friendship, warmth, and fondness. When a man plants a kiss on your cheek, he’s letting you know that he values your presence and cherishes the bond you share. This innocent yet meaningful act speaks volumes about his genuine feelings and the enduring nature of his love. 4. The Neck Kiss The neck is a delicate and sensitive area, making a kiss here incredibly intimate. When a man places a tender kiss on your neck, it’s a passionate expression of desire and deep emotional connection. It signifies a promise of not just physical closeness but a commitment to being emotionally connected. The vulnerability of the neck kiss makes it a powerful symbol of everlasting love and devotion. 5. The Nose Kiss The nose may not be the most conventional spot for a kiss, but it holds a unique charm. When a man playfully kisses your nose, it reflects a light-hearted and tender affection. This gesture is akin to a shared secret or a sweet inside joke, creating a connection that goes beyond words. The nose kiss is a delightful way of expressing love, adding a touch of whimsy to the bond you share.