Celeste22

YT: is there a specific Mechanism for this effect? Both alcohol and nicotine increase dopamine. "Dopamine is commonly associated with the 'pleasure system' of the brain, providing feelings of enjoyment and reinforcement to motivate us to do, or continue doing, certain activities." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dopamine Also, because alcohol is both a stimulant and depressant, smokers tend to develop cross- tolerance, ie, alcohol inhibits receptors in the cerebellum leading to loss of coordination and nicotene helps counter-act this effect, nicotene helps mitigate alcohol-induced loss of mental alertness. On the other hand, alcohol usually cancels out the negative effects of excessive nicotene use like nervousness, shakiness, etc. As to "reverse peristalsis" maybe it's moderation that's needed....to much of a good thing (dopamine) leads to bouts of paranoia or may inhibit social interaction? or dopamine overstimulating adrenaline and in turn you have a kind of "burn out" ?

My apologies for not posting back sooner, I've been so busy. I went through numberous studies and research articles and it appears that the general consensus with most of the data indicates that "men do tend to have the higher libido" mainly due to testosterone and genetics as Mokele pointed out. Here are some of the articles. Sorry in advance for the length of this post. Do not make the mistake trivializing this topic - human beings are sexual creatures by nature. In fact, after our sense of humor, we are driven by our sense of sexuality more than any other human trait. Cliff Kuhn, M.D. "40% of women have little or no sex drive." - Dr. Phil (I get a kick out of Dr. Phil's over dramatization on everything. I have no idea how he reached this conclusion, or what studies he based this bold statement on) "The sexual passion in man is ten times stronger than in woman." - Sarah M. Grimkè "...female sexuality is distinguished more by its flexibility than anything else. . .a woman will express her sexuality only when it suits her purposes." - Meredith F. Small Sexual function is complex and not simply a function of hormone levels. Sexual desire involves an intricate interplay of biological changes such as hormones (mainly testosterone and progesterone) brain activity, and psychosocial influences including relationship factors, body image, aging, menopause, social and cultural expectations. Just as there are individual influences on our sexual libido there may also be some differences between men and women when it comes to desire. In general, women prefer being romanced, talking, intimacy and lots of time spent with their partner before sex happens. Men tend to respond to spontaneity, visual stimulation like pornography, and just having a willing partner, primarily an innate instinct. (Sorry guys, I'm not trying to generalize here, just going off what statistics are saying. I don't personally hold the view that all men are the same) Men do not seem to be as affected by a bad day or fatigue when it comes to sex either. This list is far from complete, but I hope it gives you some general information. If you want articles suggesting/showing the genetic point of view, I can add those another time.

I think you'll find that most science stats and reports show that men tend to have the higher libido. Personally, I'd have to agree with you on your observations to a certain degree. Even I tend to have the higher libido in my relationship, even though he is younger (15 years) then me. I believe that part of the problem with alot of the studies (like Johnson & Johnsons) is in the "social stigma's" we've seen in the past. Nowadays, women are/feel more liberated and find it more "appropriate" to express their sexual desires/drives. I still believe the old double-standard stands in alot of instances though, but that's another topic. From what I remember while in med school, the biggest difference in libido might lie in the womens hormonal balances remaining constant. We women tend to have extreme highs and lows in our estrogen, progesterone, FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone), LH (luteinizing hormone) because of menstruation, where as mens Testosterone, Estradiol, SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin), PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen), etc. tend to remain fairly constant across the board until midlife. Albeit, men actually have a cycle similiar to the womens monthly cycle (though not as extreme) and they also go through "andropause", the equivalent of menopause in women. I'll try to look through some of my online literature and post some research and reports later tonight. Maybe that will help explain things abit better then I'm able at this time.

Epidemiology...or does that fall under Ecology, Populations, Habitats, Environment here? I'd also personally like to see a thread really geared at current research , ie promising cancer treatments, stem cells, herbal remedies, etc. Even if it was simply a thread with links that people have come across while researching other things. I spend countless hours researching medical info everyday and any amount of help would be greatly appreciated.

Search engine...I was actually looking for medical research data

I certainly hope not. Maybe it's the sweat factor? The idea that some potential pathogens thrive in or around moist areas? That pathogens colonize and might get trapped under ones nails or transferred to the hands and end up being transmitted to someone who is immunologically compromised or vulnerable? Or perhaps it's all about social stigmas? Like nose picking.... Although we all "itch" at times, the actual visualization of someone doing such, is also considered by some standards "improper etiquette" that denotes uncleanliness. I don't know about the majority of other people worrying about the immediate areas outside of the "pubic triangle" per say, but I know I would lose my appetite if I saw a stranger digging in their bellybuttons, scratching their inner thigh, or "picking a wedgy" before handling or serving my food. I might also be hesitant to shake their hand. Of course, I find other areas of the body equally as taboo without washing ones hands. Like picking toenails, chewing fingernails, popping zits, picking ears and noses etc. I worked in a major city hospital for years, and perhaps seeing the things that I did (like flesh-eating strep) made me an extremist when it comes to cleanliness. Remember, many forms of streptococci live harmlessly in and on the body. Sometimes, even disease-causing streptococci can be found in or on healthy people (carrier state). If it's just you around or loved ones or friends that don't seem to care, I would say go for it. Scratch, touch, and pick away at your own leisure. But if others (strangers, mere acquintances) are around, you might want to wash your hands or try to reframe from touching, scratching certain areas.

Thanks for the laugh. I guess I'm an extremist in that area at times.

I just cringed reading your post. I sure hope that your washing your hands everytime you urinate, at least for the sake of others around you. I almost lost my mother to hepatitis due to someone's ignorance and uncleanliness at a local restaurant years ago. Here's some info on Coliform and some other little "scary" pathogens that you could possibly spread from not washing your hands. Coliform bacteria originate from soils, plants and human and animal wastes. Fecal Coliform is a specific kind of coliform bacteria that are found primarily in the intestinal tracts of warm blooded mammals, humans, and birds. These bacteria are released into the environment through human and animal feces. My guess would be that "wiping" incorrectly might allow for Coliform to be colonized in the areas you described, although normally, fecal coliform by themselves are generally not pathogenic. One species of fecal coliform bacteria is E.coli bacteria. If they are present in high concentrations (usually in bodies of water) and are ingested or enter the skin through a cut or sore, or mucus membranes they may cause infections like typhoid fever, hepatitis, gastroenteritis, dysentery and ear infections. Staphylococcus: These bacteria can live harmlessly on many skin surfaces, especially around the nose, mouth, genitals, and anus. When the skin is punctured or broken for any reason, staph bacteria can enter the wound and cause an infection with serious or even fatal consequences. Staph meningitis is just one of the many terrible infections. Clusters of cases can occur in groups of people who live in crowded conditions (such as in college dorms), often as a result of poor hygiene and sharing of things like linens and clothing. Viral Hepatitis: The Hepatitis A virus is usually shed in the feces of an infected person. Blood and other bodily secretions such as urine may also be infectious. Streptococci: are bacteria that are commonly found harmlessly living in the human respiratory, gut and genitourinary systems. Several species are capable of causing disease. Diseases due to direct infection with streptococcus include: Scarlet fever, toxic shock syndrom, cellulitis, necrotising fasciitis and many other serious manifestations. Fungus called Candida albicans: Also known as "yeast infections, occurs naturally in the intestines, vagina and the skin and are often called an "opportunistic" microorganism. This means that it doesn't ordinarily cause disease, but under special conditions, such as a weakened immune system, it becomes pathogenic—capable of causing disease. I could list many more, but as you can see, Coliform is the least of your, mine, and others worries. Please, please, wash your hands everytime!!!

I'm offering you my body and you're offering me semantics?" -- Caitlin Bree "You're not drunk if you can lie on the floor without holding on." --Joe E Lewis. If you can't live without me, why aren't you dead already? - - - Cynthia Heimel I think gods don't smite people anymore because people of many different religions now live in the same town. No god wants to accidentally smite the wrong person and get sued by another god."

I really wasn't prepared to get this indepth over "kissing", and it really doesn't matter what I believe does it?!! I'll just add these as my last sources. No reply neccessary. You've certainly given me a few things to think about and research. 1. In parts of Japan, Siberia and among the Eskimo culture, rubbing noses was, until modern times, the only kind of kissing that went on. 2. It seems that the wikipedia is a form of gospel here and it says this: "Kissing is a learned behaviour, related to the grooming behaviour seen between other animals. Many non-human primates also exhibit kissing behaviour." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kissing Lastly, if I were to be swayed to believe that kissing was indeed genetic or inherited, it would be under the contingency that: "Changes in the environments generate a need for "new" perceptions on the part of organisms inhabiting those environments. It is now evident that cells create new perception complexes through their interaction with novel environment stimuli. Utilizing "genetic engineering genes," cells are able to create new perception proteins in a process representing cellular learning and memory. (Cairns, 1988, Thaler 1994, Appenzeller, 1999, Chicurel, 2001). Although perception proteins are manufactured through molecular genetic mechanisms, activation of the perception process is "controlled" or initiated by environmental signals. The expression of the cell is primarily molded by its perception of the environment and not by its genetic code, a fact that emphasizes the role of nurture in biological control. http://www.brucelipton.com/nature.php If I understand the research correctly, I will concede, that after millions of years kissing may be inheritable at this point, but was at one time "learned" at a cellular level. (Mokele, any input would be helpful) Genetic/instinctual in nature, but I came with a "how to" manual. Thanks for the mental image. Kissing my man will never be the same somehow. Mokele's the man. I respect both his and your views and opinions, and have enjoyed reading your posts, whether I agree with them or not.

I don't believe that I stated that smiling, frowning, crying etc. were out and out learned behaviors. I know that researchers have found that an fetus has the ability to cry and suck its thumb from somewhere around 13 weeks. I also know that researchers have identified the genes, I believe they are called Hox? genes that control the nerve growth in the face and that these genes likely help control human facial expressions such as smiles and frowns. Smiling, laughing, crying, anger etc. would fall under genetic engineering evolved thru perception complexes in my opinion, but that's off subject here. Kissing is entirely different, its not self-actuated, it normally takes two. If one enjoys it, and the other loathes it, would we have to assume that one of the two was genetically deficit? I haven't found any studies/research or felt anything personally that would lead me to believe/assume it was a genetic trait and its not as cross-acculturated as some might suggest. Here's just a few brief examples: 1. Certain groups/tribes in South America and Himalayans do not kiss. They find it revolting to exchange saliva. Genetic defect or gap? I don't believe so... 2. Finnish tribes believed kissing to be indecent and distasteful. 3. The government of Naples, Italy, once banned the practice of kissing entirely, making it an offense punishable by death. And lastly, as was already stated, anthropologists believe that the act of kissing began with prehistoric mothers chewing up food then pushing it into their children's mouths with their tongues..ie...learned. I believe something along those lines to be more creditable, but that's just my opinion/beliefs.

Like I said, I believe it to be learned. That is simply my opinion. 1. Researchers on all sides of the behavioral genetics debate emphasize that the link between a gene and a behavior is not the same as cause and effect. Bottom line: a gene does not make people do things. It doesn't code for emotions or thoughts. It may not even turn on or off without an instruction from its surroundings. Instead, a gene may trigger a whole cascade of biochemical events in the body, interact with environmental and developmental influences, and - together with these - increase the likelihood that you'll behave in a particular way. http://www.dnafiles.org/about/pgm2/topic.html#overview 2. An important theoretical perspective of primate behavior is presented by sociobiology. This interpretation is based on the premise that natural selection has acted upon behavior patterns in the same way that it has acted on physical characteristics. This does not presume a genetic basis for certain behaviors, but rather that certain behaviors might lead to reproductive success. Some researchers have challenged this theory, yet many primatologists, as well as some anthropologists, see it as a potential explanatory mechanism for some aspects of both primate and human behavior. http://wps.prenhall.com/hss_scupin_globalanth_5/0,8043,878150-,00.html 3. Primates often engage in various kinds of affiliative behavior, such as kissing, hugging, and social grooming. This friendly behavior is coupled with a variety of displays of emotions, from greetings to warnings. 4. Bonobo sex life is divorced from reproduction and also serves the functions of pleasure and conflict resolution. Erotic contacts in bonobos includes oral sex, genital massage and intense tongue-kissing. (Will follow up with article and website) 5. Human beings share between 99.7 and 99.9 percent of DNA. That should mean that if sexual behaviors were the result of genes we would have similar sexual interests. Edit for quote tags

Vaughn Bryant Jr., professor and head of the anthropology department in Texas A&M, said in a Chicago Tribune article, that the first erotic kiss was exchanged about 1500 B.C in India. Prior to that time, there is no evidence: (clay tablets, cave paintings or written tablets) that indicate the history of the kiss. http://www.datingmatchmakers.com/kissing/ Prior to 1500 B.C., perhaps civilization was more apt to keep that part of their mating ritual "between the sheets" so to speak?? I believe kissing is behavioral/learned...if it feels good, do it. I wouldn't walk up to a stranger and plant one on him/her. Nor do I feel an urge/instinct to re-kiss a "sloppy kisser".

I don't know about Michigan, but we usually see dozens here in Utah. In fact, I had two hovering around my outside light tonight. I love bugs and the hummingbird moth is one of my favorites. Quite beautiful for a moth really. This website has listings and many pictures of all the moths in Michigan. http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/distr/lepid/moths/mi/toc.htm Hawk moths (also called Hummingbird moths, clearwing hummingbird moths, and sphinx moths) look quite similar to hummingbirds. They belong to the lepidopteran family Sphingidae.

IMM said it perfectly. Kudos to the men here that cook!

I've been sitting here reading this and for the life of me, I can not imagine where Thomas is coming from. As a child rape victim myself, and as a mother who's daughter was molested at 5 years old, I can only feel bewilderment and anger at the thought of any purposed law(s) protecting or person(s) supporting the rights or freedom of pedophiles. Call it ignorance if you'd like, but I could care less what psychosis or mental state/illness drives an adult to yearn for an child. Let the man that molested my daughter try to defend or explain the mental afflictions that caused his sick attraction and actions, and then I'll try to explain to the top surgeons just how that open umbrella got imbedded so deep in his a**.

Agreed. I hope I didn't come across as if I was implying anything negative about being 'vegan'. I don't know all the commitments of this way of life, I only know that the womens mother stated that "her vegan lifestyle doesn't allow for impurities or additives, especially when it's in vaccinations etc. I can only assume it might be the thimerosal avoidance. I agree also. Very valid point.

How many of you feel that childhood immunizations should be absolutely mandatory? Or should it be left up to the personal choice and/or the beliefs of the parent(s)? I have always thought it should be a personal choice, but I'm seriously rethinking this view. My reason: As I have posted in General Medicine, I have been infected with Bordatella Pertussis, otherwise known as "whooping cough" for about 10 weeks now. My father has had it for 12 weeks, my mother had it for 6, my boyfriend for about 8 weeks now, albeit, his case is not as extreme. Because we became infected through an unvaccinated child, we feel that our contracting the Pertussis aka whooping cough, could have been entirely avoided in our case. NOTE: The immunizations/vaccinations for Pertussis that we get as children only last 5 to 10 years after the last vaccination, at this time, we are left with little or no protection. Thus, my families ability to be infected with the Pertussis bacteria . For those that are laymen to the effects and course of the Bordatella Pertussis bacteria: it actually produces toxins that paralyze the cilia and causes extreme inflammation in the lungs and trachea, which in turn causes copous amounts of mucus, wheezing, etc and ultimately, the fits of the extreme coughing. (My father and I actually had momentarily bouts of loss of consciousness due to the cough) Complications include, pneumonia, seizures, encephalopathy from hypoxia, pneumothorax, epistaxis, subdural hematomas, hernias, urinary inconsistancy, rectal prolapse, otis media, anorexia, dehydration, and rib fractures. The course of the disease can last as long as 4 months in some, with the paroxysmal bouts of coughing lingering longer still. Thankfully, pertussis is not likely to be AS serious, nor as deadly for adults. (Although, I would have to disagree with the disregard some doctors and medical communities appear to have concerning it's possible and obvious serious effects on adults. Dad had complications, ie secondary infection, pneumonia, I fractured my ribs coughing) Anyway, after numberous doctor visits, different diagnoses, ie acute bronchitis, aspiration pneumonia, etc etc. and several antibiotics, cough medicine, the doctors finally confirmed it was pertussis after I fractured my ribs in several places from the notorious coughing spasms it causes. By this time, the antibiotic of choice would not have helped. Source of our infection: The daughter of an family friend from out of town visited my parents with her 4 children, all of which are 10 and under. All 4 children were coughing and as we found out 3 days ago, her youngest, who is 1 yrs. old, was ultimately hospitalized for several days after turning blue while coughing and was confirmed positive as carrying the Bordatella pertussis bacteria. Due to some of her religious and basic "veggan" beliefs, She does NOT believe in or allow her children to receive childhood immunizations/vaccinations. What "her belief's" have cost us even with excellent health insurance: Total amount of regular doctors visits: $210.00 5 Lung x-rays total and their interpretations: $160.00 ER visit for extreme wheezing: $100.00 ER visit for my cough induced fractured ribs: $100.00 Prescription totals: $250.00 Over the counter aids/neccesities: $350.00 Because pertussis is so highly contagious and the cough is so severe, going to work is nearly impossible, risky for others and ill advised. I have missed a total of 36 days of work. Total; $4200.00 My boyfriend missed 5 days of work: $1200.00 Thank goodness my parents are retired!! Missing out on ALL summer activities ie, camping, boating, a family reunion, etc.; PRICELESS TOTAL COST OUT OF POCKET: $6570.00 I have also had to ask friends and neighbors numberous times to pick up groceries, to go pay bills etc. Since fracturing my ribs during a coughing spasm, I've also had to have a friend come 3 times to help me lift my 123 pound dog into the truck and accompany me to get his chemo. I've had to ask a friend or my daughter numberous times to help me clean, and most embarrassing of all, I had to ask a friend for the first week after fracturing my ribs, to come help me wash my hair everyday. After the hell we have been through these past 3 or so months, I can only imagine the possible devastation this disease could have on others too, especially those with no health insurance, no money saved for missed work, having serious complications that require hospitalization and worse yet, complications leading to death. I have always believed that how we live our personal live's should be an personal choice as long as we are not harming others, especially our children in any way. But, as I am seeing now, those personal choices even when made with the best intentions, don't always hold others out of harms way. Like I said, I'm seriously rethinking and in a sense, challenging my own views on whether a parent(s) should have the right to refuse having their children immunized/vaccinated. Although I honor her beliefs and I know she intended no harm, I can't help but think about the old saying... "The road to hell has been paved with the best intentions."

I would bet that you have Tonsil Stones, otherwise known as Tonsilloliths. Tonsil stones (tonsilloliths) form when mucus, sulfur-producing bacteria and debris i.e. food particles, post-nasal drip, etc accumulate and condense into small particles and then collect on the surface of your tonsils. The surface make-up of tonsils include small divots or tonsil crypts that retain and trap debris. The trapped debris combines with volatile sulfur compounds produced by anaerobic bacteria beneath the surface of your tongue and putrefies in the back of your throat. The resulting tonsil stones (tonsiloliths) are expelled when the volume of the "stones" exceed the capacity of the crypt in which it is contained. The residual effects/symptoms of tonsil stones (tonsilloliths) often include one or more of the following: Hard, whitish/yellow, foul-smelling particles that can be coughed up, though they are usually swallowed. Chronic halitosis and other stubborn bad breath and taste disorders Thick, white coating on your tongue. Having an tonsillectomy is radical and should be reserved for those that can't get rid of the stones, or have extreme cases. Lots of people get these during life and don't even notice them. Try salt water gargles and use an ocean salt nasal spray (sold over the counter) for a few weeks or so. You should see improvement. PS. Both my brothers, my daughter, my mom and a few of my friends have had at least one of these in their lives.

MetaFrizzics, Thank you. I had not found a few of those you listed. My main worry right now is the length of time I've had this. I started getting better a few weeks ago with my coughing fits slowing down to about 6 times a day, but now they have increased in intensity again. I feel like I'm starting all over again and wonder if I'm re-infecting myself. My doctors haven't felt that antibiotics were necessary this late in the game, but if re-infection was indeed possible, wouldn't they help??!! Questions I have; Do we build up immunity to the Bordetella bacteria if we contract it as adults? or is immunization the only way? How long does the Bordetella pertussis bacteria survive outside of the body? (ie, coughing while sleeping, bacteria on bedding) Any info would be greatly appreciated!!

I was diagnosed with Pertussis several weeks ago after a coughing fit left me with 3 fractured ribs. I can't seem to find many research-based articles about the possiblity of re-infection during the long drawn out course of the disease. BTW, I'm going on week 10 since I was infected. My dad is at week 12. Can anyone point me in the right direction?