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..... .... .. ........ ... Sexual In*******se Corona Virus......... .... ......

You can't hug or shake hands these days without risking coronavirus infection. While it’s definitely not a 6-feet-away type of activity, researchers at the University of Utah have found that it’s unlikely you can transmit the coronavirus through s*x.

Now all you have to do is figure out how to set the stage for romance with your partner while being stuck at home in the middle of a pandemic.

The U. study, published this month in the medical journal Fertility and Sterility, is part of a wider look at how COVID-19 spreads. So far, scientists have determined that a person catches the disease primarily by breathing in respiratory droplets from someone who is infected, such as through a cough or sneeze or even heavy exhaling — and, yes, kissing.

But the unknown was whether it could specifically be transmitted through other bodily fluids, particularly semen.

Other similar airborne pathogens, such as Ebola or Zika, have also been contracted through s*x. That can dramatically increase the rate of contagion, particularly among people who don’t show symptoms. And it has had medical professionals particularly concerned during this outbreak.

Researchers analyzed semen samples from 34 men in China an average of one month after they were diagnosed with mild to moderate cases of COVID-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus.

Laboratory tests did not detect the coronavirus in any of the semen samples, and there was no evidence of the virus in the men's te**es, according to the study published online recently in the journal Fertility and Sterility.

While this small study suggests that the chances of s*xual transmission of the coronavirus are remote, it wasn't comprehensive enough to fully rule out the possibility, the researchers noted.

"The fact that in this small, preliminary study that it appears the virus that causes COVID-19 doesn't show up in the te**es or semen could be an important finding," said study co-author Dr. James Hotaling, an associate professor of urology specializing in male fertility at University of Utah Health.

"If a disease like COVID-19 were s*xually transmittable, that would have major implications for disease prevention and could have serious consequences for a man's long-term reproductive health," he said in a university news release.

Along with the small number of patients, another limitation of the study was that none of them were severely ill with COVID-19, the authors noted.

"It could be that a man who is critically ill with COVID-19 might have a higher viral load, which could lead to a greater likelihood of infecting the semen. We just don't have the answer to that right now," Hotaling said.

"But knowing that we didn't find that kind of activity among the patients in this study who were recovering from mild to moderate forms of the disease is reassuring," he added.

And despite the findings, Hotaling warned that intimate contact can still increase the risk of spreading the coronavirus through coughing, sneezing and kissing.

He also cautioned that some infected people don't have symptoms and appear healthy, but can still transmit the coronavirus to others.

HOW TO FALL ASLEEP FASTER

Some nights falling asleep doesn’t come easy, and tossing, turning and thinking about not sleeping only makes it worse. Although some guys fall asleep the second their heads hit the pillow, many restlessly stare at the ceiling for hours.

Those who toss and turn each night know how frustrating it is to have trouble falling asleep. But aside from making you tired and cranky, falling asleep fast is good for your health, too. Research has shown you may be at a higher risk of weight gain, diabetes, and depression when your circadian rhythm is thrown out of whack.

"Inadequate sleep and poor quality sleep will affect every organ system," says William Winter, M.D., author of The Sleep Solution: Why Your Sleep Is Broken and How To Fix It.

"Poor sleep makes us want to eat more and eat bad things, it affects digestion, cardiac functioning, hypertension risk, diabetes risk, [and] immune system functioning," he adds.

You probably know the basic ideas of falling asleep quickly like reading a book and turning off Netflix, but when those don’t work what can you do? That's why we rounded up tips from sleep experts, scientific research, and users on r/AskReddit to help you fall asleep faster and avoid another sleepless night.

Try some of these tips, and maybe you'll find yourself conking out quickly tonight.

1. GO CAVEMAN (TURN OFF ELECTRONIC DEVICES).

At one point in time, before the advent of smartphones, Netflix and Snuggies, nights used to be dark and cold. And surprise, modern science finds that both cool temperatures and complete darkness are ideal for sleep, while artificial lighting and light from electronics are major melatonin disruptors. From the lamps in your bedroom to the glow of your electronic devices, lighting affects your ability to sleep.

The melatonin hormone helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle and your exposure to light controls those hormone levels. When it's time to hit the hay, darkness is key. It might seem like the light from your phone or TV isn't messing with your ability to catch some rest, but it is. You should avoid looking at any bright screens up to two hours before you're hoping to fall asleep. It might be worth considering switching out your light bulbs. Smart bulbs like the Philips Hue line take these factors into account and can be customized to your needs to not impact your ability to fall asleep or fall back asleep if you happen to wake up in the middle of the night.

Use blackout shades or an eye mask if your room can’t achieve total darkness, or if your wake up time is well past sunrise. If you need to turn on a light in the middle of the night, dimmer is better.

2. MAKE YOUR BEDROOM COLD.

Ever notice how a cold office seems to leave you ready for nap time? Studies have shown that sleeping in cooler temps is best for sleep. Plus, nothing feels as dreamy as wrapping up in warm blankets in a cold room. For optimal benefits, set your thermostat between 60t to 68 degrees Fahrenheit.

Why does this work? Well, as our circadian rhythms approach the sleep phase, our body temperature drops slightly, and stays lower until a couple of hours before you normally wake up. One Australian study found that insomniacs tend to feel warmer in the evenings due to the inability to maintain their core internal body temperature, which may play a role in their inability to fall asleep.

Another option: bed-cooling products. "Try a product like a ChiliPad on your bed for sleep," says Dr. Winter.

3. SHOWER AT NIGHT

You might want to rethink your daily routine if you're a morning shower person. There's evidence that cleaning yourself off at the end of the day can actually help you sleep better. The key is to time it correctly. Showering with hot water immediately before bed is actually not a good thing because the hot water raises your body temperature. Cold shower immediately before going to bed can be very helpful in this case. Allowing your body to cool down before tucking yourself in for the night is the best way to do it.

So grab your go-to soap of choice and hit the shower if you're looking to get a good night's rest. Some sleep experts also suggest sleeping in the buff, since clothing can inhibit the natural process of evening out your body temperature as you rest.

4. MAKE YOUR BED A PLACE FOR SLEEP

If you've ever found yourself laying in bed unable to sleep, you've experience what researchers call “conditioned arousal,” which is caused by doing things in bed that have trained your brain to keep you awake rather than fall asleep—like checking work email on your phone.

“It's amazing how many people tell me that they go to bed around 9 pm every night and it takes them two hours to fall asleep," says Dr. Winter.
So keep your bed a sleeping-only zone. "I never lay in my bed unless I'm sleeping," says redditor Fibrizzo. "Trains the brain to shut down faster instead of prompting you to grab your phone or a book to kill time."

So do not lay in bed watching movies ( in fact for those that have TV's in their bedroom they might want to reconsider that decision ) , chatting on Whatsapp or Snapchat. Make your bedroom a place solely for sleeping.

5. TRICK YOUR BRAIN .

You know how sometimes, when you try to do something, your stubborn brain backfires and does the opposite? Also called paradoxical intention, telling yourself to stay awake may be a good way to fall asleep faster.

For people — especially those with insomnia — trying to sleep can increase performance anxiety. Turns out, the principle of paradoxical intention (similar to reverse psychology, without the deception) might be useful for sleep as well.

A Scottish study found that the clinical use of paradoxical intention resulted in reduced sleep effort and anxiety for insomniacs compared to doing nothing. Likewise, a different study found that high intention to fall asleep actually resulted in worse sleep quality.

Instead of thinking about trying to go to sleep, tell yourself that you’re trying to stay awake for a few minutes. If a dark, quiet bedroom makes your mind run, you can also try listening to calming sounds or visualize relaxing activities in your mind to take the focus off sleep itself.

6. PRACTICE GUIDED MEDITATION /PURPOSEFUL DAYDREAMING .

Stressed out about your inability to sleep? Meditation has been shown to reduce cortisol levels, helping you feel less anxious and more relaxed — and thus, more likely to fall asleep. A 2015 study in JAMA found that mindfulness mediation helped improve sleep quality in older adults by reducing "worry, rumination, and mood disturbances."

For many people who struggle with falling asleep, rumination or unwanted thoughts can play a big role. Instead of drifting off peacefully, your mind slogs through the day’s events, embarrassing moments from years past, or tomorrow’s to-do list.

One way to break the rumination cycle or disperse unwanted thoughts before bed is to practice visualization or imagery, similar to daydreaming. There are a few ways to do this:
Simply visualize a calming scene in your mind, imagining and exploring it in detail — it could be a serene beach, calm forest or anywhere else. Alternatively, you might visualize yourself doing something positive but repetitive. Shooting free throws is a frequently recommended example. Guided audio visualizations can also be helpful. In these programs, you follow along with the directions to relax and imagine scenes, which some people will find easier. Dartmouth’s Student Wellness Center and the University of Houston both offer free audio tracks to try.

It may sound hippy dippy, but if you focus on it effectively, daydreaming about relaxing scenes can really help ease your mind. During visualization, know that it’s OK if your mind wanders but keep returning your focus to the scene. Try out different methods and audio tracks to see what works best for you. Visualization can also be a helpful mid-day stress reliever to keep in mind.

Try an app or other mediation product to help you get started. Dr. Winter recommends Muse, which allows people to practice using meditation to fall asleep faster.

"I listen to guided mediation sessions on YouTube every night," says Redditor brigie3594. "It’s gotten to the point where sometimes I won’t even hear the end of their introduction I fall asleep that quickly."

You can also try an app to help you get started. Dr. Winter recommends Muse, which allows people to practice using meditation to fall asleep faster.

7. EAT THE RIGHT DINNER

Your grandma knew what she was doing when she'd heat you up a glass of warm milk before bed.

"Milk contains the protein α-lactalbumin. This protein contains high amounts of the amino acid tryptophan, which produces melatonin, the hormone that induces sleep," says Dr. Winter.

Studies show that diets rich in tryptophan (including egg whites and pumpkin seeds) help improve sleep. And an added bonus: "Milk's calcium also benefits tryptophan's absorption into the brain," says Dr. Winter.

In contrast ; Certain foods, like lasagna, spicy tacos, or chocolate ice cream, can trigger acid reflux and keep you awake. You can lower your chances of acid reflux by sleeping in an elevated position. This prevents acid from traveling up the esophagus, according to Gastroenterologist Dr. David Poppers, MD, PhD and associate professor at NYU Langone Medical Center.

Of course, you don't want to be starving either because snoozing can be impossible when you're thinking about food. Generally, experts advise waiting two hours after a meal to sleep.

Caffeine and alcohol can also keep you wide awake. Everyone is different, so there is no prescribed dosage or time to stop drinking the beverages. However, one study found that drinking caffeine within six hours of bed time may deduct an hour from how much you sleep.

8. USE THE "4-7-8" BREATHING METHOD

The “4-7-8” method is a simple but powerful breathing method that promotes calmness and relaxation. It might also help you unwind before bed. The 4-7-8 method was developed by Dr. Andrew Weil. The process is fairly simple, too. It consists of a breathing pattern that relaxes the nervous system. It can be practiced anytime you feel anxious or stressed. Here are the steps:

1. First, place the tip of your tongue behind your upper front teeth.
2. Exhale completely through your mouth and make a whoosh sound.
3. Close your mouth and inhale through your nose while mentally counting to four.
4. Hold your breath and mentally count to seven.
5. Open your mouth and exhale completely, making a whoosh sound and mentally counting to eight.
6. Repeat this cycle at least three more times.

This technique can relax you and help you fall asleep quickly. Dr. Weil recommends practicing the technique by sitting down with your back straight before trying it lying down, and repeating the cycle four times to start until you get used to it.

9. GET ON SCHEDULE

Many people find that setting a sleep schedule helps them fall asleep easier. Your body has its own regulatory system called the circadian rhythm. This internal clock cues your body to feel alert during the day but sleepy at night.

Waking up and going to bed at the same times each day can help your internal clock keep a regular schedule. Once your body adjusts to this schedule, it will be easier to fall asleep and wake up around the same time every day. During the day, exposing your body to bright light tells it to stay alert. At night, darkness promotes feelings of sleepiness.

In fact, research shows that darkness boosts the production of melatonin, an essential hormone for sleep. Get out and expose your body to sunlight or artificial bright light throughout the day and sleep in darkness at night.

It is also important to get seven to nine hours of sleep each night. This has been shown to be the optimal sleep duration for adults.

10. TRY CBD (SLEEP PILLS ).

The recent rise of CBD (cannabidiol) might seem like just another homeopathic trend, but its therapeutic properties shouldn't be ignored if you have sleep issues. Used to treat anxiety, the calming effect obtained from an appropriate dosage of CBD might be just the trick you're looking for.

According to studies, cannabidiol targets a person's endocannabinoid system to address the factors that cause insomnia rather than working as a sedative. Essentially, it can help you fall asleep without making you drowsy.

Avoid taking CBD frequently. It is normally taken once in a while to reset your circadian rhythm. Normally when taken once, you are able to sleep well the days afterwards without the need for another pill.

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NECK PAIN /SPASM - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

A spasm is an involuntary tightening of muscle in your body. It often causes intense pain. This pain can last for minutes, hours, or days after the muscle relaxes and the spasm subsides.

A neck spasm is when your neck muscles suddenly, involuntarily tighten. Your neck becomes painful and stiff, likely affecting your ability to turn your head.

In order to understand neck spasm very well we need to firstly understand the structure of the neck.

Your neck is a complex interlocking structure consisting of bones, joints, nerves, muscles, tendons and ligaments. Its main job is to hold up the weight of your head which, at around 5 kilograms, is no mean task. Add to this the requirement that the head must be able to move from side to side and up and down (and do these simultaneously), plus the fact that the neck has to form a conduit for the spinal cord, carry blood vessels to and from the head, and contain passageways for air and food, and you have quite a complex feat of engineering. No wonder then that our necks cause us pain and discomfort, not only on occasion, but for some people in an ongoing fashion.

The main physical structures in the neck are the seven interlocking vertebrae. They are called the cervical vertebrae, numbered C1 through to C7. C1, also known as the atlas, is the closest one to your head, followed by C2, which is also known as the axis. Each vertebra is connected to the next by facet joints, and between the vertebrae are intervertebral discs — rubbery cushions made mostly of cartilage that act as shock-absorbers.

An awkward neck movement or stress-related muscle tension is often what triggers a neck spasm. While the experience may not last too long, it can be very unpleasant. Neck muscle spasms are a relatively common occurrence, typically occuring when one or more muscles becomes painfully tight and/or fatigued. The muscles feel painful, stiff and knotted. If you have neck muscle spasms, you may not be able to move your neck — sometimes people call it a crick in the neck. Your doctor or physiotherapist may call it acute torticollis or wry neck.

COMMON CAUSES OF NECK PAIN/SPASM

*Whiplash

Whiplash happens when your head suddenly moves in one direction (backwards, forwards or sideways) and then back again. A common cause is a car accident in which the person’s car is hit from behind while it is stationary or slowing down. When this happens, the person's head is first thrown backwards and then when their body stops moving, the head is thrust forward. This type of injury can strain your neck muscles and cause ligaments in the neck to stretch or tear.

The pain from whiplash, which is usually worse with movement, does not always start immediately — it may take several days to come on. Neck pain and stiffness may be accompanied by muscle spasm, dizziness, headaches, nerve pain and shoulder pain.

*Muscle strain

Ongoing overuse of your neck muscles (which can be caused by a poor neck position during everyday activities, particularly computer work) can trigger neck muscle strain, causing chronic neck pain and stiffness. The pain is often worse with movement and may be associated with headaches, muscle spasms and restriction of neck movements. Muscle strain may be caused by:
-straining your neck during exercise
-carrying something heavy with one or both of your arms
-placing a lot of weight on one of your shoulders with a heavy bag
-holding your neck in an unnatural position for an extended period of time, such as when cradling a phone between your shoulder and ear or when sleeping in an odd position

*Emotional Stress

Muscle stiffness and pain can be caused by emotional stress, as well as physical stress. If you develop a neck spasm at a time in your life when you’re coping with high levels of anxiety or stress, the two might be connected.

*Dehydration

Dehydration can cause muscle cramps and spasms.

LESS COMMON BUT MORE SERIOUS CAUSES OF NECK PAIN/SPASM

*Degenerative Disc Disease

As we grow older, the soft gelatinous centre of the shock-absorbing discs in our spines dries out. This causes the discs to become narrowed, and the distance between the vertebrae to decrease.

*Herniated Disc

If the tough outside layer of one of the cervical discs tears, the soft gelatinous centre may bulge outwards — this is known as a herniated disc. Herniated discs can put pressure on nerve roots as they leave the spinal cord, causing pain in the neck as well as pain, numbness and weakness in the arms.

*Cervical Spondylosis

This degenerative condition of the cervical spine is due to normal ageing and wear and tear on the cervical discs and the vertebrae. It is also known as cervical osteoarthritis, and is more common among older people.

The development of bone spurs often accompanies this degeneration of the spine. Bone spurs, also known as osteophytes, are small outgrowths of bone tissue that are formed when the cartilage covering bone is worn away and bone starts to rub on adjacent bone. The bone spur is the body’s attempt to protect the bone surface. Unfortunately, the bone spur can sometimes pinch or press upon the nerve roots as they leave the spinal canal.

There are often no symptoms associated with cervical spondylosis. But sometimes there is neck pain and stiffness that often improves with rest. The pain may radiate to the shoulders or between the shoulder blades. If there is nerve root compression, there may be numbness, pain or weakness in the arms.

*Cervical Spinal Canal Stenosis

Degenerative changes in the vertebrae can lead to narrowing of the canal in which your spinal cord lies — this is known as cervical spinal canal stenosis. As the canal becomes narrower, it can put pressure on the spinal cord. The associated neck pain is usually worse with activity, and may radiate to the arms or legs. Arm or leg weakness can also occur.

Sometimes people with cervical spinal canal stenosis have no symptoms. Occasionally, it may give rise to Lhermitte's sign — an electric shock-like feeling down the body when the neck is bent forward.

HOW TO TREAT NECK SPASM/PAIN

*Neck Spasm Exercises

Most common, nonserious causes of neck spasms can be treated without medical intervention. If you think you might have a serious neck injury or medical condition, make an appointment with your doctor.

In most cases, gently stretching your neck can help ease stiffness, soreness, and spasms.

Try these three easy neck stretches at home or work:

>>Simple neck stretch

1. Sit or stand with your head looking forward.
2. Gently turn your head to the right.
3. Lightly place your right hand on the back of your head and allow the weight of your hand to push your chin down toward the right side of your chest.
4. Relax your muscles and hold your head in this position for 15 seconds.
Repeat this stretch three times on each side.

>>Scalene stretch

1. Sit or stand with your arms hanging down at your side.
2. Reach your hands behind your back and grasp your left wrist with your right hand.
3. Gently pull your left arm down and tilt your head to the right side until you feel a light stretch in your neck.
4. Hold this stretch for 15 to 30 seconds.
Repeat this stretch three times on each side.

*Over-The-Counter Pain Relievers

To reduce neck pain from a neck spasm, it might help to take an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever, such as:

aspirin (Bufferin)
ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
naproxen sodium (Aleve)
acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Many OTC pain relievers ease muscle tension by reducing inflammation that can worsen the pain of a neck spasm. Read and follow the dosage directions provided on the package of the pain reliever. Some pain relievers can be harmful if used in excess.

*Ice Pack

Applying an ice pack or cold compress to sore muscles in your neck might provide relief from pain, especially in the first couple of days after you experience a neck spasm.

Don’t put ice or ice packs directly on your skin. Instead, wrap an ice pack or bag of ice in a thin cloth or towel. Apply the wrapped ice to the sore part of your neck for a maximum of 10 minutes at a time.

Reapply the wrapped ice as often as once an hour for the first 48 to 72 hours after a neck spasm.

*Heat Therapy

Heat therapy might also help soothe pain in your neck. For example, you might find it helpful to take a warm shower or press a warm cloth, warm water bottle, or heating pad to your neck.

To avoid burns, always check the temperature before you apply heat therapy to your neck. If you’re using a warm water bottle or heating pad, place a thin cloth between it and your skin. Avoid falling asleep with a heating pad on your skin.

*Massage

Massage is another home treatment that might help relieve neck pain and spasms. Applying pressure to your neck muscles can promote relaxation and relieve tension and pain. One 2014 study found that even short massage treatments can greatly reduce neck pain.

You can give yourself a massage by pressing gently but firmly into the tight part of your neck muscle and moving your fingers in a small circular motion. Or ask a friend or family member to help massage the area.

*Light activity

Rest is an important part of the recovery process, but total inactivity is rarely recommended.

Try to keep moving, while taking time off from strenuous activities. For example, avoid lifting heavy objects, twisting your neck or upper back, or taking part in contact sports until your symptoms subside. Stick with gentle stretches and other light activities that you can do without making the pain in your neck worse.

*Sleeping With The Right Posture

To minimize strain on your neck, try to sleep on your back or your side instead of your stomach.

Consider using a feather or memory foam pillow that conforms to the contours of your head and neck. Your pillow should be supportive but not too high or stiff. A firm mattress might also help.

*Meditation and Relaxation

If your neck spasm is linked to anxiety or stress, relaxation techniques might help ease your symptoms. For example, it might help to:

-meditate
-practice deep breathing exercises
-take part in a session of yoga or tai chi
-get a massage or acupuncture treatment
take a relaxing bath
go for a walk
-It’s normal to feel anxious sometimes. But if you frequently experience anxiety, stress, or mood swings that cause significant distress or interfere with your daily life, talk to your doctor.

WHEN SHOULD YOU SEEK MEDICAL HELP FROM A DOCTOR WHEN YOU ARE EXPERIENCING NECK PAIN/SPASM?

Some causes of neck spasms are more serious than others. Be sure to call your doctor if you observe the following symptoms:

Severe neck pain that occurs after a neck injury can be a serious problem, and you should see your doctor immediately. Also, if you have problems with neck pain and experience symptoms such as loss of bladder or bowel control, shooting pains, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs, especially if these symptoms come on suddenly or get worse quickly, you should see your doctor straight away.

Neck pain and stiffness that’s associated with headache and fever can be a sign of meningitis (an infection of the membranes surrounding your brain and spinal cord). Meningitis is a serious disease, and you should seek immediate medical treatment if you or your child are experiencing these symptoms.