Seun Adeyeye

<h1>Aunt Flo is in the house, and while she brought along PMS and cramping (major buzzkills), she also brought another (much, much more fun) guest to the party:</h1>

But why do you suddenly need to get it on the minute you bust out the tampons? Despite many women reporting the phenomenon, science still isn’t quite sure.

ALSO READ: <a href="http://www.pulse.ng/hotpulse/article8355526.ece">How to make it smell really good down there</a>

Before delving into your off-the-charts sex drive, a little biology lesson: “A female menstrual cycle involves the cyclical rise and fall of estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and DHEA,” says Adeeti Gupta, M.D., an ob-gyn and founder of&nbsp;Walk In GYN Care.

All of those hormones play an important role in your sex drive. While we know there’s a link, scientists aren’t totally sure how your cycle impacts your sex drive.

In a study published in&nbsp;Hormones and Behavior, researchers explored the connection in a group of undergraduate women. They measured hormone levels over two full menstrual cycles, and compared the results to daily journals where the participants recorded sexual activity and feelings of friskiness.

The researchers found that changing levels of estrogen and progesterone had serious sex drive side effects. Likely because, “estrogen promotes libido and desire,” explains Gupta. “Progesterone is a stabilizing hormone that suppresses libido.”

ALSO READ: <a href="http://www.pulse.ng/hotpulse/3-fabulous-tips-to-turn-a-girl-on-and-make-her-horny-id8349041.html">3 fabulous tips to turn a girl on and make her horny</a>

Before that time of the month, all those hormones reach a heightened state. But right before your period, they crash, says&nbsp;Nan Wise, Ph.D., a cognitive neuroscientist and certified sex therapist. “During week one of your period, when you're bleeding, estrogen starts a steady climb,” she says.

This moment during your cycle can be particularly ripe for gotta-have-it-now desire. “During and right after the period is when progesterone”-the hormone that suppresses your sex drive-"is the lowest,” explains Gupta. Meanwhile, your desire-boosting estrogen levels are building up, making a case for increased horniness.

That said, based on hormones alone, your period probably isn’t the peak of your sexual desire. Research shows that your fluctuating hormone levels prime you to be the horniest around ovulation-about half-way through your cycle or two weeks after your period.

That means there could be other factors playing into your friskier-than-normal feelings during your period, says Wise.

“Some women report that if they masturbate or have sex, the sense of the pelvic congestion or the menstrual cramps is relieved,” she explains. Sex and orgasm can decrease stress and help ease any PMS pain-two things you might be subconsciously craving during that time of the month.

Feeling horny during your period may also just come down to individual differences, says Wise. “Women might like sex more or a whole lot less in that period of time depending on their physical comfort,” she says. For some women, when they’re bleeding and crampy, the last thing they want is sex-however, some women want sexual activity for relief.”

The bottom line: If you don’t feel particularly horny during your period, don’t worry-nothing is off. But if you do suddenly feel sex-crazed, the most likely culprit is your naturally shifting hormone levels. Feel free to&nbsp;send your ovaries a thank you card.

For Women: Why you’re so intensely horny on your period

Yep, if your period often ranks as one of your&nbsp;best sex weeks&nbsp;of the month, you are in fine company.

Why you’re so intensely horny on your period

<h3>A man who raped a lady in Pakistan was pardoned after both his family and that of the victim arrived at a compromise that the perpetrator’s sister should also be made available to be raped by the victim’s brother.</h3>

According to Daily Mail, the rapist’s sister was indeed produced and raped by the victim’s brother on the next day, March 21 as was agreed upon by the 12 member council drawn from the two families.

Reports say all the 12 council members comprising of four women one of whom was the second rape victim was arrested on Saturday after one police officer heard of the incident.

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Sub-Inspector Shaukat Ali Javed with the Pir Mahal Police reported the matter to his superiors leading to the arrest.

Apparently, this particular case is not unprecedented. Other reports suggest that in July last year, a village council ordered that a 16-year old girl be raped in revenge for a similar offence perpetrated by her brother on a 12-year old girl.

The youngster was then <a id="5939c656-e0c9-4380-8c71-365896d3a9bc" href="http://www.pulse.com.gh/news/local/rape-suspect-freed-as-victim-confessed-of-enjoying-sex-id8140597.html">sexually assaulted in the presence of her parents</a> and some other 40 members of the said village in the southern city of Multan in the same Pakistan.

Rape is a first degree crime across the world and in some countries, offenders are not entitled to bail, but ironically it is a tit-for-tat game in some countries like Pakistan.

Woman reports pastor for spraying her with anointing oil before rape

The unthinkable incident reportedly happened in Pir Mahal in the Toba Tek Singh district, Punjab province of Pakistan on March 20.

Rapist set free after offering his sister to be raped by victim's brother

<h1>The 2018 Women’s Health Game Changers are rethinking what it means to be healthy, and they’re shifting the course of wellness for you.</h1>

During medical residency, Berzin, MD, was frustrated with the depth and breadth of care she was able to provide. “I’d get only 15 minutes with people, and yet, at the end of these appointments, I’d be handing out stacks of prescriptions,” she says.

Most of her patients suffered from preventable chronic diseases, “problems that often had to do with what they were eating or how they were living.” In other words, not necessarily an easy fix. Berzin dreamed of founding a clinic that would give her more time with patients and allow her to “look at the whole person.”

In 2015, she opened the first Parsley Health in Manhattan. Today, she oversees three: the original, plus one in Los Angeles and one in San Francisco. And she’s not focused on just those spots; Berzin is working to remake America’s primary-care system. (No small feat!)

“The only way primary-care physicians can survive is by seeing 40 patients a day and keeping visits very short,” she explains. By charging a flat yearly subscription fee, Parsley gets around that problem-and patients get a lot of bang for their buck, including up to five visits with their doctor (the first one lasts 75 minutes, compared to the common appointment duration in the U.S. of 13-15 minutes, according to one report); five visits with a personal health coach; unlimited direct messaging privileges with their care providers; and more.

Parsley is striking a chord: In the past three years, Berzin and her colleagues have treated thousands of patients. And she’s already fielded inquiries from people in Paris and Australia who are interested in opening clinics based on a similar model. “I truly envision building a new operating system for primary care that anyone, anywhere, can benefit from,” she says.

This article originally appeared in the October 2018 issue of Women's Health. For more great advice, pick up a copy of the issue on newsstands now!

These women are sharing their stories, secrets, and strategies so you can make waves in your world. Here, the physician on a mission to transform the way we think about and receive primary care: Robin Berzin.

This doctor is changing the way we see medicine

<h1>Theres no question that Captain America is strong as hell. While were over here busting out bicep curls, hes busy using his upper body strength to move a freakin</h1>

In case you need a refresher, here's the deal with Captain America.

The procedure boosts the frail Rogers into peak human condition, and thus, Captain America is born.

He moves helicopters! He lifts motorcycles! But just how strong is the Marvel superhero? Check out our video, where we do the math behind some of Captain America's most impressive feats. Plus, we break down exactly which muscle groups he uses - and show how you can activate them in your next workout.

After Steve Rogers - played in the MCU by Chris Evans - is rejected from the U.S. military during World War II due to his poor health, he's recruited for a special "super-soldier" experiment with the Strategic Scientific Reserve.

Here's what it takes to be as strong as captain America

<h1>For seven years, Maurice Desjardins lived in excruciating pain after a hunting accident left his face severely disfigured.</h1>

The Canadian man was disfigured in a 2011 hunting accident that damaged his facial nerves, muscles, and bones. A team that included nine surgeons and 100 medical staff led by Dr. Daniel Borsuk at Montreal's Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont completed the remarkable 30-hour operation. The procedure was five years in the making, as Borsuk's team planned, practiced, and waited for a suitable donor so they could transplant one man's face onto another's.

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The hospital performed the operation in May, but just announced it on Wednesday.

"This delicate operation is the result of years of concerted, meticulous work by an incredible team and the incredible bravery and co-operation of the patient and his family," Borsuk said at a at news conference, according to CBC News.

To perform this complex procedure, one group of surgeons removed the face from a recently deceased donor. It took 12 hours. At the same time, another set of surgeons removed Borsuk's face, leaving only his eyes, upper eyelids and forehead - a 17-hour process, The National Post reported.

Their efforts gave Desjardins the one thing he wanted most: to spend time with his granddaughter free from the stares of strangers.

"Already, he's leading more of a normal life," Borsuk said at the news conference. "He comes through to visit me every week and in the waiting room, nobody looks at him. They used to always stare at him, (but now) he's just another face in the crowd."

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Desjardins spent two months recovering in the hospital before transferring to a rehabilitation facility. Prior to the operation, Desjardins had five reconstructive surgeries, but was still unable to eat, breathe, or smell properly, according to La Presse. Now, the 65-year-old grandfather is able to swallow, chew, and even smile. He's still unable to speak, but he's in the process of relearning the skill, according to CBC News.

Desjardins will take immunosuppressants medications to reduce the risk of his body rejecting the transplanted face.

The first full partial face transplant was performed in France in 2005, according to Royal Free London. Since then, 40 partial or full face transplants have been performed worldwide.

At 65, he's become the oldest person to have a face transplant, and it's restored his ability to do simple everyday activities like chew his food, according The National Post.

This man just became the world's oldest person to get a face transplant

<h1>You think you’re on top of your workout game. Youre always in the gym, you mix up your muscle groups - hell, you even make</h1>

Many men apply the “bigger is better” philosophy to working out. But some of the most important muscles in daily life require the least equipment to strengthen. While you’re focusing on the muscles you can see - the lats, pecs, biceps, rectus abdominis, glutes and quads - the muscles that actually help you get things done are being left out. These areas need your attention, too - or you might even face problems down the line.

Here is a list of 5 muscles (or muscle groups) that you’ll want to work into your regular fitness routine, starting now:

Chances are you’ve never thought about these muscles in your life, but they are crucial for proper head positioning.

Deep cervical flexors include the Longus Colli and Longus Capitis, which play an important role in stabilizing the neck and improving your head position and cervical alignment. These muscles are often weak in people who spend many hours at a computer or at a desk, leading to a forward head position or the chin being tilted upwards.

Research shows that strengthening the deep cervical flexors can reduce symptoms in people living with chronic neck pain. Unsure if your neck is weak? Try lying flat on your back. Tuck your chin downward then lift the head up using only your neck. Try and hold this position for 20 seconds. Not so easy, huh? Weakness in these muscles can lead to cervical and thoracic pain, and even headaches.

Try a chin tuck to strengthen these muscles, and try incorporating your new and improved alignment into your lifting routine.

We use our hands for countless tasks every day, but how often do you take time t0 specifically strengthen your grip? Unless you're a rock climber or training for the next American Ninja Warrior competition, the answer is probably not often enough.

Research shows that grip strength might be an early indicator of long-term health and longevity. In fact, it may also be a predictor of disease risk in the future. On top of that, your hands are the connection to those heavyweights you’re lifting at the gym. Make an extra point to ensure those hands are strong, and you'll only see positive results.

If you’re already doing some heavy lifting, strengthen your grip by performing these exercises. Or if you’re just starting out, try low-resistance wrist extension/flexion with a dumbbell, squeezing a soft ball with your hand, or practicing pinch gripping heavy weights to target some important muscles in the fingers.

Our feet connect us with the world. Most of the time, they are our only physical connection, so what happens down there matters. Intrinsic foot muscles are the muscles that start and end in the foot itself. We don’t use our feet for climbing and traversing rocks and sticks like we used to back in prehistoric times, so the role of our feet in daily life has been minimized. But that doesn’t mean we don’t need them to be strong.

Arch support comes from a team of muscles, including the intrinsic foot muscles. By strengthening these muscles, you can help prevent your arches from collapsing. Why does this matter? When those arches collapse, your feet pronate. This can contribute to valgus at the knee (or the knees knocking together or moving inward inward). This stresses the inner knee compartment. Compound the force created by that movement with heavy lifting, single leg leaping and jumping, and you put your knees at high risk for injury.

Try practicing foot doming while you lift to train your feet stay in better alignment. Your knees will thank you.

When people think of the “core” they often imagine the rectus abdominis (RA) muscle, or the muscle that gives you a six pack. But the transverse abdominis (TA) is often left out of training.

If you’ve ever seen a low back brace when someone is lifting at the gym, you should have an idea of the purpose of this muscle. The TA is deeper than the RA and wraps around the lower abdomen and upper pelvis to form your very own built-in low back brace.

The first step is figuring out how to engage this muscles. Once you practice some gentle activation and strength exercises, the TA should be engaged for stability prior to any lifting.

5. Lateral ankle stabilizers (peroneals and tibialis posterior)

If you’ve got wobbly ankles, the more weight you load onto your body the more prone to injury you become. The peroneus longus and peroneus brevis wrap around the outer (lateral) ankle and move your ankle to the side while helping dorsiflex the ankle (lift the toes up - important for not tripping and avoiding turf toe). The tibialis posterior is on the other side of your ankle, wrapping around the inner (medial) ankle and helping to both move your ankle inward and point your toe downward.

But most of the time, these muscles are working together to stabilize your ankle. They are part of an important group that helps to prevent excessive ankle movement during single and double leg activities. To work on ankle stability, try single leg exercises such as standing on one leg and moving the other leg forward, sideways and backwards ten times. If that’s easy, try doing it while balancing on an unstable surface like a pillow or a BOSU.

Look back at this list. If you're lifting heavy with bad head positioning, weak grip strength, turned in knees, and no built-in low back brace, you might be putting yourself at risk for an injury.

Save yourself the setback by focusing on those little muscles you never thought about before. You could even wind up becoming the guy with the strongest cervical flexors in the gym. You'll only see positive results from putting in the extra work, so start focusing on the little things to make the big things even better

Before you Google where those muscles are, let's assume you haven’t made time for them in your regular workout routine. But that’s about to change.

Want to get stronger? Stop ignoring these muscles in your workout

<h1>Extra body weight has been associated with many health conditions, such as heart problems and a low sperm count.</h1>

Many studies show that people who are overweightand obese sleep less than those with lower BMIs.

Here's how (and why) being overweight affects your sleep habits - and what you can do to finally catch some much-needed Zs.

According to neurologist Dr. Gregory Carter of the UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, men have a one in four risk of developing sleep apnea. The condition causes people to stop breathing for up to 30 seconds at a time while they're asleep. In extreme cases, this can happen for upwards of 60 times per hour, as MensHealth.com has previously reported. Often, guys with sleep apnea don't even know they have it, but the symptoms include snoring, fatigue, and dry mouth.

The likelihood of developing sleep apnea increases if you have a BMI higher than 30, says Carter. (For reference, a "normal" BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9.) That's because obese guys generally have more fat in their necks, which means they tend to have more fat lining the airways in the back of their throats. This makes the passage narrower and inhibits airflow, causing breathing problems, Carter says.

Sleep apnea can be dangerous: a 2008 study found that people who had severe sleep apneawere five times more likely to die of cardiovascular problems compared to those who did not. This is because repeatedly depriving your heart of oxygen causes lasting damage, says Carter.

If you have sleep apnea, Carter recommends losing weight or quitting smoking. If you have more severe sleep apnea, you can use a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy device, which helps open blocked airways, according to Mayo Clinic.

Roughly 80 percent of Americans will have lower back pain at some point in their lives, according to the National Institute of Health. "Individuals who are carrying too much weight of course have more stress on their backs," says Carter.

People who are obese tend to experience chronic back and joint pain, or pain that lasts longer than three months. Research by the National Sleep Foundation indicates that chronic pain sufferers often can't find a comfortable position, so they lose about 42 minutes of sleep each night.

If you do suffer from back pain, a good mattress can help. Replacing overly soft or worn-out mattresses with a medium-firm to firm option can reduce lower back pain.

Acid reflux occurs when stomach acids flows into your esophagus, explains the Mayo Clinic. Doctors believe it's caused by extra stomach fat causing the muscle separating the stomach and esophagus to loosen, allowing acid into your esophagus. Smoking, drinking alcohol, and lying down within three hours of eating can trigger or exacerbate the problem.

Carter says that if you have acid reflux, the acid could creep into your esophagus up to several times per hour while you're sleeping, which may cause you to wake up throughout the night. "That certainly disturbs sleep," he says. Fortunately, drinking less alcohol and not eating close to bedtime can lower your chances of developing the condition.

All of these conditions have been linked to excess weight - which means that losing weight can help you manage symptoms. This doesn't mean you need to jump on the Keto bandwagon: you can start by making small dietary changes, such as slightly reducing portion size and eating one serving of oats a day, which are loaded with fiber to keep you full, suggests gastroenterology clinical researcher Bethany Doerfler of Northwestern's School of Medicine.

Be sure to eat three to six servings of vegetables and three to four servings of fruit per day - and of course, cutting out processed snacks will help reduce calories.

But being overweight or obese can affect another crucial area of your health: your sleep habits.

Your BMI affects how you sleep — and here's how

<h1>When it comes to sleep, everyone has their own ideas on how to get a good nights rest. Some people swear by drinking a glass of milk, while others say you should never eat cheese before bed time.</h1>

1) Myth: Everyone Needs 8 Hours of Sleep

Reality: The amount of sleep someone needs depends on variety of factors, including genetics. “Sleep need is like height, we are all different and how much we need is to a large degree, genetically determined,” sleep expert Dr. Neil Stanley explained to The Independent. Tracking your bed time, how many hours you sleep a night, and how well rested you feel each day can help you find the ideal amount of sleep for your body, according to sleep experts at Harvard.

2) Myth: Drinking Warm Milk Makes You Fall Asleep

Reality: Drinking milk to go to sleep is such a popular theory, it's been featured everywhere from dairy commercials to Happy Gilmore.

However, there's no scientific evidence that drinking milk will help you sleep, according to the University of Arkansas. As the university explains in a blog post, the myth began because milk has small traces of tryptophan, an amino acid used to make the hormones serotonin and melatonin in our bodies, which do help us sleep. However, there's not nearly enough tryptophan in milk to make anyone drowsy.

Reality: Although people often blame cheese for their bad dreams, nutritionist Joy Dubost, R.D. previously told MensHealth.com there is no evidence to support this idea.

Researchers believe people who are sensitive to lactose may have trouble sleeping if they consume dairy before bed due to gas, bloating, or cramps - but not due to nightmares.

4) Myth: Napping Makes it Hard to Sleep at Night

Reality: Some believe napping is bad for bed time, but a quick afternoon rest won't disrupt your ability to go to bed, according to the National Sleep Foundation. In fact, our internal clocks are programmed to make us sleepy in the afternoon. A short 20-minute nap is best so you don't enter a REM, or a deeper stage of sleep, as this will only make you tired later in the day.

5) Myth: It's Illegal to Cut off Mattress Tags

Reality: According to The Better Sleep Council, surveys have shown that roughly 122 million American adults think it's illegal to remove mattress tags. But the truth is, you can snip those pesky tags without fear of jail time.

LiveScience explains the tags were created a warning for store owners. In the early 1900s, the government believed companies were using old, discarded mattresses to stuff into "new" ones, so they started requiring manufacturers to list the materials.

6) Myth: Sleepiness is Caused by the Number of Hours You Sleep Each Night

Reality: It's entirely possible to sleep for eight or nine hours a night and still feel fatigued if you suffer from sleep apnea. People with the condition stop breathing while they sleep, which causes them to repeatedly wake up throughout the night. This makes it hard to sleep deeply, which causes daytime sleepiness.

7) Myth: Only Some People Dream at Night

Reality: According to the Better Sleep Council, a whopping 122 million Americans believe that some people don't dream. Ever. But researchers say that everybody dreams each night. In fact, the average person will dream four to six times per night when they enter REM sleep, according to the National Sleep Foundation.

People who think they don't dream simply don't remember, and scientists aren't sure why some are able to recall their dreams better than others.

How can you parse out fact from fiction? We delved into seven common sleep myths, and now we're here to tell you why they're flat-out wrong.

The truth behind 7 common sleep myths

Danielle is a 21-year-old woman with a headache. Her doctor tells her that she needs a CT scan and a spinal tap. Danielle doesn’t want these tests; she knows that she drank too much last night and feels like she has a bad hangover, but should she really say no to her doctor?

Nancy is a 38-year-old woman with vomiting and diarrhea. Her toddlers have the same symptoms. The doctor says she needs to get a CT scan of her belly. He says her blood pressure is “borderline high” and that she should also start taking medication. She’d prefer to avoid drugs if possible-what should she do?

As an emergency physician, I see dilemmas like these every day, yet they get very little attention. For so long, the rhetoric has been about the danger of too little medical care. Newspapers are full of stories about deaths that have resulted from missed diagnoses and lack of access to care. TV shows glorify the detective-doctor who doesn’t give up and persists on ordering test after test in order to solve an esoteric case.

While many people still lack access to care, there’s mounting evidence that many people also receive too much care. The prestigious Institute of Medicine estimates that 30 percent of all medical tests and treatments are unnecessary. This is not only wasted money-an estimated $700 billion of unnecessary spending per year-but also potentially harmful. Every test has risks and possible side effects. A CT scan has a risk of radiation, for example, that may lead to cancer later in life. And one test often leads to another, even riskier, test.

There are many causes of overtreatment. Drug companies and technology manufacturers have their own incentives for wanting people to receive more, rather than less, care. While doctors generally mean well, they also have financial incentives for over-testing.

A study in the New England Journal of Medicine found that 94 percent of doctors have some relationship with a drug company or medical device company, and many are paid more for conducting more tests. On top of that, fear of malpractice can also drive doctors to do more, just to be sure.

The problem isn’t just doctors, though. Patients also believe that more is better. New tests and treatments succeed in part because the general public tends to idolize technology. Unfortunately, this issue is complicated because medical advances can be helpful and save lives in certain circumstances. So how do you know when testing is appropriate-and when it’s simply too much?

There isn’t an easy answer to this question, but I recommend that you ask your doctor five key questions every time he or she recommends you undergo a test:

<h1>What do you think my diagnosis might be?</h1>

Your doctor always has some sense of possible diagnoses before you get any tests done. You should find out what he or she is thinking; that way, you know why the tests are being done and how likely the various possibilities are. If Danielle had asked her doctor this, for example, he likely would have told her that odds are she just has a hangover and that it’s far less than a 1 percent chance that she has brain bleeding.

<h1>What evidence exists suggesting this test or treatment is beneficial?</h1>

This is particularly important for screening tests like checking for high blood pressure, cholesterol, and cancer. Ask your doctor what studies there are to show that a test improves quality of life. If there is no evidence for the test or if the jury is still out, you should ask why your doctor thinks you need the test and keep in mind your doctor’s possible incentives for testing and treatment.

<h1>What are the potential side effects?</h1>

Every single test, even just getting your blood drawn, has side effects-and you should know what they are before you consent to any tests. Without knowing the side effects, you can’t weigh the risks against the benefits.

<h1>Is watching and waiting an option?</h1>

Very few situations are so urgent that a test has to be done ASAP; most of the time, it’s perfectly fine to wait and see if other symptoms emerge or if you get better. With Nancy, for example, it would have been appropriate for her to go home and see if she gets better; she didn’t need to get a CT scan right away.

Learn more about Wen's journey to become president of Planned Parenthood:

<h1>What other treatment options do I have?</h1>

Doctors are trained to “fix” problems with treatments. Many of us don’t have the knowledge or time to counsel patients on other options, like diet and exercise changes and/or alternative treatments. But these other treatments may be just as effective and may help you avoid potentially harmful side effects. Perhaps Nancy’s blood pressure could be controlled with diet alone, for example. There are always alternatives; ask about them.

Ultimately, you should have a trusting partnership with your doctor and feel comfortable asking hard questions. You are your own best advocate, and you have to speak up to make sure you get the right medical care-and avoid unnecessary tests and treatments.

Danielle is a 21-year-old woman with a headache. Her doctor tells her that she needs a CT scan and a spinal tap.

Planned parenthood president Dr. Leana Wen: 5 questions you must ask before any medical test

<h1>“Metabolism” is one of those buzz words that gets thrown around a lot.</h1>

Kind of. But that's easier said than done, friend.

<h1>First things first: What exactly is your metabolism?</h1>

Basically, your metabolism is all the energy (a.k.a. calories) that you burn every day.

But burning calories doesn't just happen when you exercise-you burn calories every minute of every day as your body keeps you alive, says Abbie E. Smith-Ryan, Ph.D., CSCS*D, associate professor and director of the applied physiology laboratory at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

That means all of your body's processes, voluntary or not, contribute to your metabolism-everything from digesting food to breathing to punching out a text message on your phone.

<h1>Your metabolism is made up of 3 factors.</h1>

<h1>Its possible to make your metabolism work more efficiently.</h1>

So, yes, you can "boost" your metabolism, but it's going to take work, starting with your diet.

Remember the part of your metabolism-your BMR-that burns calories just to keep you alive? Part of that is influenced by how much energy your body expends digesting the food that you eat-and some foods take more energy to digest than others.

"Protein burns more calories than carbs and fat,” explains Erik Bustillo, R.D., L/DN, CISSN, CPT.. About 30 percent of the calories in protein go toward its digestion and absorption, whereas that number is only about 10 percent for carbs, and even less for fats.

Fiber's another nutrient that costs a little more energy, says Bustillo-so, getting adequate protein and fiber can definitely help maximize your BMR, and hence, your metabolism.

Of course, doesn’t mean you should shun fat and other carbs-you need a balance of all three to keep your body functioning properly.

Also important: While no vitamin or nutrient has the power to increase your BMR on its own, being deficient in any of the essential vitamins and nutrients can have a negative effect.

<h1>Another thing to keep in mind: Eating too little can actually slow down your metabolism.</h1>

This is known as metabolic adaptation, says Bustillo, but you might know it as your body going into "starvation mode."

When you drastically reduce calories for an extended period of time, your body thinks it’s starving because there’s not enough food available. Its response is to hang onto every calorie by burning as few as possible-and the longer this happens, the further your BMR may drop.

“People who have yo-yo dieted all their lives may experience much difficulty losing weight later in life due to this metabolic adaptation,” says Bustillo.

That’s not to say that anyone with a history of extreme calorie restriction is doomed, though. “Take comfort in knowing the metabolism doesn't just stop working, nor do we ever have a ‘bad’ metabolism” says Bustillo.

You can turn things around by simply amping up your daily intake by about 100 calories each week, until you’re within a healthy calorie range for your body.

Alcohol might also slow down your metabolism a bit. “Alcohol is registered as not good for the body upon consumption, which results in the body seeking to eliminate it as quickly as possible,” says Bustillo.

So, when you’re tipsy (and you order pizza), your body’s first order of business is to break down and get rid of the booze-leaving the pizza to sit around and turn into fat.

<h1>The other effective way to maximize your metabolism? Exercise.</h1>

“Evidence suggests that high-intensity interval training is one of the most advantageous forms of exercise,” says Sharp. “It burns more calories in half the time as steady-state cardio, and your calorie burn may remain elevated for up to 24 hours after exercise-as many as 200 to 300 calories on average, says Bustillo.

The other way that exercise can help boost BMR is by increasing muscle mass. “Resistance training is advantageous for increasing lean mass, which indirectly will increase [BMR],” says Sharp.

How? Because muscle tissue burns more calories at rest than fat tissue. “Previous data suggests about six calories per pound of muscle, versus two calories per pound of fat mass,” says Sharp.

That’s not a huge difference, and adding lean mass isn’t a magic bullet way to boost your daily calorie burn. But those extra four calories can cumulatively make a big impact over time, says Sharp.

Taking enough recovery time between workouts, and getting adequate sleep, are key, says Sharp, because it gives your muscles a chance to rebuild and your hormones a chance to return to their normal state.

The way you strength train matters too: “The most effective approach is to lift heavier loads,” says Sharp.

You’ll also need to eat more, which might mean setting aside weight-loss goals while you build up your muscle mass, says Sharp.

The bottom line: There’s no quick-fix way to boost your metabolism, but you can make small changes to your daily habits to help increase the amount of calories you burn each day.

Effortlessly thin people, for example, are often said to be blessed with "fast metabolisms." And, the key to weight loss is to “boost your metabolism"...right?

Okay, what is your metabolism — And can you actually make it faster?

<h1>You know that old saying "you are what you eat?" Well, theres</h1>

That said, sometimes you just want the damn chocolate (or that extra slice of pizza). Go ahead-enjoy it. Then use these tricks to prevent the post-junk food complexion crash.

<h1>If you just had a ton of sugar...</h1>

The problem: “Foods high in sugar may cause glycation, or the binding of sugar molecules to collagen and lipids in your skin,” says Mostafa Omar, Ph.D., president and founder of Phyto-C Skin Care. “Over time, these collagen proteins, which are responsible for keeping skin firm, smooth, and plump, start to break down.”

The fix: Treatments with retinol (like Neutrogena’s) or alpha hydroxy acids (like glycolic or lactic acid) cause your cells to turn over faster and kick your collagen production into high gear.

<h1>If youre obsessed with making the perfect cheese plate...</h1>

The problem: “Hormones in dairy can increase inflammation and oil production, leading to blemishes within a few days,” says dermatologist Arash Akhavan, M.D., founder of the Dermatology &amp; Laser Group in New York City.

The fix: “Many of my patients have seen dairy elimination lead to significant improvement in their acne,” says Akhavan. Sub in coconut or almond milk alternatives-or if you just can’t quit, try a benzoyl peroxide treatment to prevent and heal breakouts.

For particularly nasty spots, flash this Dr. Dennis Gross device for three minutes daily: Its red light quells inflammation, and its blue light nixes acne-causing bacteria.

<h1>If you always want fries with that...</h1>

The problem: Chips and fries don’t just make you feel bloated. “Salty foods cause your body to retain water and your blood vessels to swell,” says Omar. “In the skin, this appears as puffiness-especially under the eyes and on the tops of your cheeks.”

The fix: After a salty meal, sleep on your back with an extra pillow under your head; the elevation will keep fluids from pooling in these areas.

Fight the baggage by using an under-eye gel with a cooling applicator tip, which will constrict blood vessels to reduce swelling. And use a facial roller to work in your moisturizer, rolling it from the inside of your face outward to shift and drain excess fluid.

This article originally appeared in the October 2018 issue of Women's Health. For more great advice, pick up a copy on newsstands now.

For example, research has shown some evidence that eating dairy products or foods high on the glycemic index can make acne worse if you're already prone to it. Womp, womp.

Here’s what to do if you break out after eating cheese

<h1>Susan Lucci is an Emmy-award winning actress for her role in "All My Children," and her memoir</h1>

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Her secret to maintaining such a diligent workout schedule? "I like to work out first thing in the morning," says Susan. "Because then I know, no matter what happens for the rest of the day, I’ve done something good for myself."

Susan upped her workout game even more while prepping to appear on Dancing With The Stars two years ago. "I knew I’d have to step up my program, to get an even stronger core to be dancing on the show," she says. Now, she says she's very proud of her flat abs.

And to make sure she maintains those abs, Susan notes that she focuses on eating food that will fuel her body, not hurt it.

Susan does most of her workouts using a Pilates Pro Chair (as demonstrated in the video above), which is a workout tool designed to help you target certain body parts like your abs, thighs, and butt-using Pilates moves. She does 10 moves a day on this machine, for 30 to 100 reps each, once through.

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Her next fitness goal? "I want to be 5'8"," she laughs. "And I’m hoping I can get there through stretching-right now I’m five foot two on a good day."

At 71 years old, Susan works out six days a week. "I try to take one day off, because you're supposed to take a day off," she says. "But I’ll always do something, because I find my body craves it."

Susan Lucci works out 6 times a week — And she’s 71 years old

<h1>Love it or hate it, youve probably done it doggy style at some point in your sexcapades. And though the name leaves a lot to be desired (seriously, who came up with that?), this position offers up lots of benefits so you get the most bang for your, um, bang.</h1>

Even with all those sexy perks, sometimes you still want to change things up. So try out some new sex positions from behind that are still in the doggy family.

For starters, this is the perfect angle for some G-spot stimulation with easy access for bonus clitoral stimulation. Plus, it's a super-hot view for both of you (if you face a mirror), andyou can pretty much do it anywhere.

Seun Adeyeye

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