How oral sex can improve your sleep, reduce stress, and strengthen intimacy according to a sexologist

Oral sex is not just a source of pleasure but may also contribute to stress reduction, better sleep, and overall well-being. Engaging in oral sex can help lower stress hormone levels while increasing hormones like oxytocin and endorphins, which promote relaxation and improve mood. This hormonal release can also enhance sleep quality, helping individuals rest more soundly. Additionally, the muscle contractions during orgasm strengthen pelvic floor muscles, which benefit bladder control and reduce risks like pelvic organ prolapse. Beyond individual benefits, oral sex has been linked to several physical health advantages. Some studies suggest it may play a protective role against conditions such as endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and even certain pregnancy complications like recurrent miscarriage and preeclampsia. This might relate to immune system stimulation through exposure to partner’s bodily fluids, although further research is ongoing. Oral sex also fosters intimacy and emotional connection between partners by encouraging open communication and mutual trust. This closeness can improve relationship satisfaction and psychological well-being. However, safety is crucial; practicing good hygiene, understanding potential risks including sexually transmitted infections, and ensuring consent are essential components for a healthy sexual experience. Open, honest dialogue about preferences, boundaries, and protection helps enhance comfort, respect, and safety. Overall, when approached with consent and care, oral sex can be a meaningful way to enhance physical health, emotional well-being, and partner intimacy. <br /> <br /> It is important to understand both potential benefits and risks and to communicate openly to ensure a positive and healthy sexual relationship.

Pfizer exceeds Q2 expectations and confirms strong 2025 forecast

Pfizer reported strong second-quarter earnings on Tuesday, significantly beating Wall Street expectations. The company posted revenues of $14.7 billion, exceeding analyst estimates of $13.5 billion. Earnings per share (EPS) came in at $0.78, well above the projected $0.58 per share. This marks a notable earnings surprise of over 34%, highlighting robust performance during the quarter. In light of these results, Pfizer reaffirmed its full-year 2025 revenue guidance, expecting to generate between $61 billion and $64 billion. The company also anticipates full-year earnings in the range of $2.90 to $3.10 per share, indicating confidence in its financial outlook and ongoing growth potential. Pfizer's strong quarterly performance is attributed to continued strength in its diversified pharmaceutical portfolio, including vaccines, rare disease treatments, and oncology assets. These results demonstrate the company’s ability to maintain momentum despite challenging market conditions and evolving healthcare demands. The reaffirmation of 2025 guidance reassures investors about Pfizer’s long-term growth prospects and operational resilience. The company’s focus on innovation and strategic investments is likely supporting these optimistic projections. Overall, Pfizer’s second-quarter earnings beat and stable outlook reflect solid execution and market confidence in its business strategy going forward. <br /> <br /> With a 6.35% revenue beat and substantial earnings surprise, Pfizer’s Q2 results highlight its strong market position and effective management. The company’s reaffirmed $61 billion to $64 billion revenue goal for 2025 aligns with its growth trajectory, sustaining investor optimism for the year ahead.

DCPS and Owensboro Health Join Forces to Provide Crucial Life Saving Trauma Training

Officials have announced a specialized hands-on training session designed to equip approximately 150 bus drivers and monitors with essential skills to manage life-threatening bleeding in emergency situations. This training aims to provide these transportation personnel with the ability to respond effectively to severe bleeding incidents, a leading cause of preventable death after injuries. The course covers critical bleeding control techniques that can be applied immediately to reduce blood loss before professional medical help arrives. Such skills may include applying direct pressure to wounds, using tourniquets, and packing wounds — all crucial interventions to stabilize victims and increase the chances of survival. The curriculum is often modeled on widely recognized programs like the Bleeding Control (B-Con) course and the American College of Surgeons' Stop the Bleed initiative, which are designed for individuals with little or no prior medical training but who may encounter traumatic emergencies in their work environment. By training bus drivers and monitors, who are frequently responsible for the safety of children and vulnerable populations during transit, officials intend to enhance the community’s immediate response capacity. This preparedness can be life-saving in situations such as severe accidents or unforeseen incidents causing bleeding. The training typically includes both theoretical knowledge and practical exercises, enabling participants to confidently implement bleeding control measures under pressure. Overall, this effort reflects a growing recognition of bystander intervention as a critical link in the chain of emergency care, emphasizing rapid response to bleeding injuries to prevent shock and death. Equipping bus drivers with these competencies emphasizes proactive public safety measures within everyday environments.

3 Essential Supplements to Pack for a Healthy and Stress Free Vacation

Combining L-theanine, magnesium glycinate, and ashwagandha in the evening can enhance relaxation and potentially promote more restful sleep for some individuals. L-theanine is an amino acid commonly found in tea that promotes relaxation without causing drowsiness. Magnesium glycinate is a form of magnesium known for its calming effects on the nervous system; it helps the brain to relax and the muscles to unwind, supporting the body's natural sleep patterns. This form is particularly effective for reducing anxiety-related sleep disturbances. Ashwagandha, an adaptogenic herb, is traditionally used to reduce stress and promote a sense of calm. Taken together at night, these supplements may help improve sleep quality by addressing both the mind and body’s relaxation needs. Better sleep, in turn, helps individuals feel more rested and can make it easier to unwind during the day. Magnesium, for example, has been shown to contribute to better sleep by regulating brain chemicals linked to relaxation such as GABA and melatonin, while also potentially reducing cortisol, a stress hormone. Clinical studies suggest magnesium supplementation improves subjective insomnia symptoms, including sleep onset latency and sleep efficiency. While these supplements may offer benefits, individual responses can vary, and they are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Consulting a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen is advisable, especially for those with health conditions or on medications. <br /> <br /> In summary, a calming nighttime combo of L-theanine, magnesium glycinate, and ashwagandha can support the body’s relaxation processes and promote more restful sleep, which may help improve overall daytime calmness and wellbeing.

Government cuts prices of 10 popular heart stents by up to Tk 88,000 to make cardiac care more affordable

The health ministry has recently revised the prices of coronary stents from three major US companies—Abbott, Boston Scientific, and Medtronic—lowering the cost of each stent by Tk 3,000 to a new price of Tk 88,000. This significant reduction provides much-needed financial relief to heart patients, making life-saving heart care more affordable. According to an official document from the health ministry, the prices of 11 different types of stents from these companies have been revised as part of this effort. Coronary stents, also known as heart rings, are crucial medical devices implanted in patients whose arteries are blocked or nearly blocked due to fat accumulation or other cardiovascular issues, when medication alone is insufficient to restore blood flow. The price revision comes at a time when the government aims to curb cardiac deaths by expanding care and reducing treatment costs. The steepest price cut is seen in Abbott’s Synergy XD stents, reflecting the ministry’s focus on lowering prices across multiple stent models. This price adjustment is part of ongoing regulatory efforts to keep stent prices in check, as previously the cost of identical stents in Bangladesh was substantially higher than in neighboring countries like India. The Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA) oversees price regulation and has recently formed a committee actively working on these measures to ensure fairer and more accessible pricing for patients. The revised, lower prices will ease the burden on thousands of patients requiring expensive cardiac interventions and signal a positive step forward in improving healthcare accessibility in Bangladesh.

Salisbury councillor and former health consultant Bob Gann passes away

Labour councillor Bob Gann, a retired digital health consultant, tragically took his own life on Thursday, July 31, a fact confirmed by his family. Born in April 1953, Cllr Gann had recently served as the representative for St. Edmund's ward on Salisbury City Council, holding the position from May 2025 until his death in July 2025. During his tenure, he was known in the community not just as a politician but also as a dedicated volunteer and advocate for local culture and environmental stewardship.<br /> <br />Apart from his council duties, Bob Gann was deeply involved with Salisbury Museum, where he served as an honorary museum librarian and social history researcher. His passion for community history and education was reflected in this voluntary role, where he helped preserve and share the rich heritage of Salisbury. Additionally, he contributed his time and effort at River Bourne Community Farm, supporting local agricultural and environmental initiatives. His active membership in these organizations illustrated his commitment to enhancing community life beyond his official responsibilities.<br /> <br />Gann’s background as a digital health consultant brought valuable expertise to his public service, combining a professional understanding of health technologies with grassroots community engagement. His passing has elicited sadness among colleagues and residents alike, reflecting on the loss of not only a public servant but a compassionate community member. His local support, including being a lifelong Southampton FC fan, rounded out a profile of a dedicated, multifaceted individual who impacted Salisbury in many ways. The council and wider community mourn his loss and remember his contributions with respect.