Dear Healthy Friend,

I know that I haven't been the greatest advocator of strenuous exercise. I don't have the time to hit the gym. Do you?

But what if I told you that mild exercise could actually improve your libido? I'm sure most of us would make the time... Dr Wright explains the link between the gym and the bedroom. Keep reading...

In the name of good health,

Taryn Strugnell
Managing Editor of Nutrition & Healing

P.S. If you're going away on holiday this Spring and tend to suffer with sinus problems, see what helpful tips Dr Wright has for you.

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Before you resort to pills, patches, or creams there's a simple, effective, proven way to improve your libido.
Dr Jonathan V Wright
Editor of Nutrition and Healing

Exercise.
 
Think of all the things we already know mild exercise could accomplish for your body: Improved blood flow and circulation, better muscle strength and tone, increased flexibility, improved cardiac endurance and function, lower stress levels. It doesn't take a genius, or even a scientist, to figure out that every benefit of exercise could also have a positive impact on your love life. Not to mention the only "side effects" of exercise are better health, and the occasional sore muscle.
 
One of the biggest barriers to performance, particularly in women, is stress and fatigue. Exercise has been shown effective in relieving both these conditions. Endorphins combat the "stress hormone" cortisol and help promote an overall feeling of well being. Studies have also shown that getting in better shape promotes a healthier body image, which in turn could increase your feelings of desirability.
 
Exercise also naturally increases your body's own production of testosterone, which is the primary hormone driving libido in both men and women.
 
So if you've been meaning to start an exercise programme but just haven't found the motivation, perhaps the lure of an improved love life will do the trick. You don't need to go into Olympic training to get the benefit - in fact, heavy exercise can decrease testosterone levels.

But just 10 to 30 minutes a day of moderate to strenuous exercise, along with some stretching and deep breathing, ought to be enough to help you see an improvement.

See you at the gym!

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How to keep foreign bugs at bay

Q: I'm dreading my upcoming holiday because I get a horrible sinus infection nearly every time I travel by plane. I have two questions: Why do I get these infections so often, and do you have any helpful hints for avoiding them?

Dr. Wright: Sinus and other upper respiratory infections occur so often following air travel because the air in the aeroplane cabin is recycled throughout the course of your trip. Any germs floating around in that air are also re-circulated the whole time. Plus, the air on planes tends to be much drier, which means your nose and mouth also become dry. Without the mucous and moisture usually present to "catch" them, bacteria have a better atmosphere for setting in and causing infection.

Here's what upi can do about it: About 1/2 hour before boarding, take 10 to 15 drops of potassium iodide (SSKI) in a few a glass of water. If necessary, repeat the dose every three to four hours while you're in the air. If you're going on a particularly long trip - more than 12 hours - it's best to limit the dose to 10 drops each time. And don't take any more after landing.

The SSKI will initially accumulate in all your respiratory secretions - in your nose, throat and lungs - where it will either kill or severely inhibit any unfriendly germs you may inadvertently inhale. And that means you're not likely to catch a sinus infection. You may or may not notice a slight metallic taste in your mouth, but that's really the extent of the "side effects" for this use of SSKI.

One important note: If you're allergic to iodine, or even suspect you might be, do not use this treatment. True iodine allergy isn't very common, but it's still a good idea to check to make absolutely sure.

SSKI (potassium iodide) is available from health shops. In case you can't find it, contact Health Works - (011) 325-5168.

Discover more tips to boost the immune system and improve all around health!