Your sense of smell is an important survival tool that can alert you to threats such as rotten food, gas leaks, and other hazards that might otherwise be undetectable. Impairments in this sense not only distort your appetite and food preferences but can also potentially compromise your body’s ability to…
Annie Gonor
Writer
Entries Annie Gonor
To some, commitment might as well be the “cold, clammy hands of death” (thank you Hyde from That 70s Show for that lovely description). Being tied down means literally being tied down. To an alter. With a cable. By a very large, scary father-in-law. Named Earl. I mean, when you…
Maybe John Lennon was onto something when he courted Yoko Ono (a woman seven years’ his senior) at her gallery opening on that fateful November day...Must’ve smelled her ripe wisdom in one of the avant-garde work she was famous for. Aside from this artsy gal, though, other celebrity “cougars” such…
We might say we want that The Fault in Our Stars-level romance, but when it comes down to it, we’re not willing to do that The Fault in Our Stars-level communication. Many of us have a fear of emotional intimacy because it threatens to leave us looking unreasonable, dramatic, and…
The year is 2040. Jane Doe is interviewing for the position of her dreams. The hiring manager starts: “Jane, great resume. You have just the expertise we’re looking for.” *Long pause* “Just one question though.” Uh oh, Jane panics. “Can you please explain what’s going on in this photo from…
When you laugh, do you: “HA HA HA” “hehehe” “HAAAAAAA HAAAAAaaaaaaaaaaaAHAH” Stay silent because nothing is funny. What is a “joke”? Generally speaking, certain kinds of people gravitate towards certain kinds of laughing “practices” (some of which I will mention here). However, what you laugh at is often much more…
Dr. John Gottman is a world-renowned therapist, researcher, and professor on marital stability and divorce prediction. He has conducted over 40 years of breakthrough research with thousands of couples, and now gives his incredibly valuable professional advice to others via in-person workshops and online training. In 1992, he performed a…
When you get rich and famous and start signing autographs for your adoring fans, just beware that your handwriting might reveal a thing or about who you really are. So caution: rise to prominence at your own risk! Graphologists have been studying the link between behavior and handwriting since the…
It’s with us from day one (well, from the ninth week of gestation to be exact) and it will be with us till the end. That’s right folks. We’re talking about the vagina. The most iconic lady part. The ole honey pot. The hoo-haa. The Vag. Although we can count…
Just because you can’t hear that earthquake doesn’t mean it isn’t shaking all that’s in your presence. Silence is often a woman’s loudest scream, and it can mean everything to her if you tune into the static. 1. She’s Taking the High Road When everything has been said,…
Abnormal changes in the color, odor, and quality of your urine are generally a pretty good marker of your overall health. Although everyone’s standard urine attributes are different, there are a number of universally applicable signs that point to health concerns. We will mention four of the most common ones…
Beep, beep, beep! Omigod was that my alarm?? I thought I turned that thing off!!! Wait, I did turn it off. Was that...my brain?? Did my noggin really just make ALARM CLOCK noises? Wow, I’ve ascended to a new level of crazy. If the above inner monologue is one that…
Losing someone you love can upend your life and leave you feeling completely desolate. If you have ever experienced a loss, you know how difficult and turbulent it can be to accept this distressing change. Although the only thing that will ever heal your pain entirely is time, here are…
Although much of the readily available online information on narcissism equates this personality disorder with psychopathy, it is actually a bit more nuanced. There is a distinction between “good” and “bad” narcissism, which lies in the intention. “Good” versus “bad” narcissists “Good” narcissists are aware of their selfish…
When nature calls, you really have no choice but to answer. We know having her on your “top callers” list can be pretty frustrating, so here are five exercise you can try to bump her way down. Kegels You can do this exercise in any position, although you…
Chad and Vanessa are both on Tinder again. I saw their profiles the last time I logged on. Wait, they’re not on the app anymore? Are they back together? Yes, yes they are. Wait — nope, spoke too soon. If you have ever been in or know a couple that…
Sometimes the luster and excitement of making a new friend can blind us from being able to identify their true nature. However, spotting toxic traits early is imperative as it can prevent us from involving ourselves with people who negatively affect our headspace. With that being said, here are five…
When we see our favorite seemingly perfect, well-manicured celebrities on stage and on the big screen, it can be difficult to imagine that they might ever experience the same emotional struggles the rest of us do. But as it turns out, even fame and fortune doesn’t make us immune to…
Dreams are hallucinations that occur most often during the rapid eye movement (REM) stage of sleep. Although the physiological purpose of this deep rest itself is well-known, the purpose of dreams is still relatively unconfirmed. Some widely held theories, however, are that these often nonsensical musings allow us to better…
The imminent weekend heatwave has us all yearning for a sixth ice age (and an eighth Ice Age movie, perhaps entitled Ice Age: Just Kidding, It’s Global Warming, You Guys). Before we petition for this cinematic masterpiece, though, let’s talk about five ways to beat the heat this weekend. [adrotate…
Although we might recognize that everyone has different sexual appetites, it can be incredibly frustrating and disheartening to experience a mismatch in desire with our exclusive sexual partners. It’s important, however, to understand that low libido can usually be attributed to underlying psychological or physical factors, neither of which are…
Does your body seem to set itself ablaze when someone cuts you off in traffic? Do your ears release toxic steam into the ozone layer when someone double charges you for your fuzzy sock purchase? Does your blood begin to boil when Starbucks puts milk into your coffee even though…
So girl, congrats! Chad from Retro Fitness has finally popped the big question: will you be his girlfriend?? And you of course, pop an answer right back: yes! I mean come on, you’ve been drooling over this guy’s overhead triceps extensions for weeks. It’s about time y’all started a partner…
Ingrown hairs are the dermal equivalent of friends who severely overstay their welcome at your apartment. They just don’t want to leave and tend to inflame you with their persistence. If you want to know how to gently boot these pesky companions out of your space, read on! …
Sometimes we get so vexed by the micro-stressors of daily lives that we can really start swatting at flies with sledgehammers and making mountains out of molehills. When I look very candidly at my own experience, I notice that my stress or irritation is often a result of the “snowball”…
Although the Hollywood theatrics of drowning make for great blockbuster movies, they can often deceive us about the reality of these events. It is important to be aware of the true symptoms and signs of drowning because many of them deviate from what we think they look like. Here are…
Sometimes, the monotony of everyday life can redirect us from the bigger, more meaningful purposes of our time here. For that reason, it is important to periodically remind ourselves of our truest values and desires and to make sure that we are living according to them. Ultimately, we will leave…
Libidoh no! You haven’t had sex in nine months and you aren’t even bothered by it. Could you be doing something to damage your libido? Read on to find out. Not catching enough Z’s If you are hitting the hay at such ungodly hours of the night that…
It’s been two days since you’ve ripped my heart out, tossed it in a blender with the mixtapes I made you, and poured the resulting cocktail all over the white chiffon bedding we used to share ... I have yet to see the light of day...Except for maybe the kind…
If you are starting to feel unreasonably jealous of Sid the Sloth from Ice Age because of his 18-hour sleep schedule, you might be experiencing extreme fatigue for one of the following reasons. Lack or excess of physical activity Although it may seem counterintuitive that not expending energy…
When our daily concerns infiltrate our precious headspace, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed and very much alone. However, we must bear in mind that other women are constantly dealing with similar struggles, and take comfort in knowing that we are “All in This Together” (cue High School Musical…
Let me preface this guide by saying that you can wear anything you want, regardless of your body type. If you feel comfortable in whatever it is that’s draping over your lovely frame, continue wearing it. With that being said, these are the five most common body types and pieces…
Whoever said that sex is a great workout really wasn’t kidding. Apparently though, the accuracy of their analogy doesn’t just halt at the surface. It applies wholistically to the athletic comparison, injuries and all. Muscle cramp Again, having sex is great cardio. And it, just like any other…
With the 4th of July rapidly approaching, the fireworks are getting ready to blaze, the kids are getting ready to play, and the grill is getting ready to sizzle. Even though we are sure this holiday will bring you and your family nothing but revelry and love, we would like…
Turns out mom was right when she encouraged us to play outside instead of watching all seven seasons of Gilmore Girls in one sitting. (Not that we’ve ever done such a thing). Summary of benefits According to a new study published by a peer-reviewed journal called Environmental Health…
When the Abominable Abstinence Witch casts a dry “spell” on you, getting back on the saddle can feel like a victory for all of mankind. This impressive feat, however, is likely to feel a bit overwhelming to achieve. You will inevitably be concerned about what could happen to your body…
If you’re anything like me, you believe that your relationship with your mother is arguably more sacred and special than any other in your life. Nourishing it is not only rewarding, but also, according to research, beneficial for your health. How this trip will make you healthier According…
Even Busy Bees get Belly Bulge sometimes — we don’t make the rules (we just come up with the alliteration to match them). But you know what they say...rules are made to be broken! So go BUST that stubborn bulge this summer, and get the abs you’ve always dreamed of!…
Although we know you have been going to Retro Fitness every day to work on those washboard abs (and to see your gym crush, Chad, of course), sometimes a long day at work can leave you too pooped to go anywhere but home sweet home. Even so, skipping a workout…
Meghan Markle has been a member of the royal family for over a year now, and we’ve probably learned more about her in that time than Prince Harry ever could. But even with what seems like textbooks upon textbooks of readily-available information about the Duchess of Sussex, there’s probably a…
You know how Josh Holloway reveals those adorable dimples on his cheeks when he smiles? Well, that’s basically what our thighs do when they exhibit that dimple-ridden cellulite. As cute as they both are, though, I think our lower extremities would submit to giving Mr. Holloway the “dimple spotlight” of…
Fun fact: coffee was discovered by a goat herder in the 1500s. Less fun fact: I just oh-so-gracefully landed a coffee stain on my shirt while writing this article. But there might be some good news concerning coffee. Researchers suggest coffee may play a role in weight loss. …
Dear Hormones, Facial acne is bad enough! Is the “back attack” really necessary?? Sincerely, Everybody I hope you don’t mind me submitting that letter on behalf of us all. It just had to be done. Anyway, let’s fight “back” on this one, shall we ladies? Here are five…
Chad from Retro Fitness has finally asked you out. And your date, not unlike your pool workout that day, goes swimmingly. So swimmingly, in fact, that he invites you out for drinks the following weekend... and this time, the pool isn’t the only “wet” thing in town. But as you…
Although stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States, about 80% of these medical emergencies are preventable. As such, it is important to not only be aware of the signs and symptoms of a stroke, but also the risk factors you have control over. This “brain…
If you’ve thrown your back out, it’s time to hunt down the driver of your local collection truck. Don’t be tossing away your valuables all willy-nilly! In all seriousness, back pain can be incredibly uncomfortable and potentially debilitating. Although you should consult a doctor about how to prevent this condition…
If walking up the stairs has become a game of Guess the Origin of that Creaking Sound: Floorboards or Knees?, you might be exhibiting a symptom of osteoarthritis (OA). Here are some other common signs that are important to look out for, and what to do if you suspect that…
If neither the birds nor the bees are piquing your interest lately, it could be time to see a sex therapist – or just read some Nat Geo Wild. Although changes in libido are generally normal, particularly in older women, extended bouts of lowered sex drive can sometimes indicate more…
In the midst of the world’s darkness, there are loving, compassionate spirits who awaken our innate potential for human goodness. Susie Leroy, 35, is one such “awakener.”According to a report from ABC News, Leroy had been following the Facebook page “A Miracle for Kaleb” which shared updates about two-year-old Kaleb…
Last week, you and James rearranged your room — a truth that you completely forget about as you topple off your window-facing bed this morning. Mother fu..n house you whisper, remembering that your 10-year-old is sleeping in the neighboring room. As you get up off the ground and head to…
Whoever said “beauty is pain” has obviously never sprained an ankle. Although many of the commonly-practiced and known exercises for toning up the abs and lower extremities are effective, they do not offer modifications for people with joint pain. If you find yourself in major discomfort while working out, here…
According to the American Cancer Society, about a third of all people living in the United States will develop cancer during their lifetime, and the likelihood of diagnosis increases with age. Despite the ubiquity of this often lethal group of diseases, there are a number of proactive measures you can…
Two in here, three in there, one over here...Perfect you say to yourself as you finish adorning every handbag and crevice of your apartment with breath mints. Now you can finally talk to Chad from Retro Fitness with the confidence of a healthy-toothed woman. If this sounds like you, go…
According to Harvard Medical School, daily protein intake should be about 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight. For the average 50-year-old, 140-pound, sedentary woman, this is approximately 53 grams of protein per day. Your body needs protein to help your body repair cells and make new ones, which affects…
As we bid the valiant little traveler of the digestive system a final adieu from the anus, we have to make sure he leaves in tiptop shape so it can be prepared for his future travels. The appearance of our poop – its color, shape, size, and more – can…
If you’re reading this article because Mother Nature calls you way too often, stick around to find out how to block her number when you really don’t feel like talking. An overactive bladder (OAB) might cause uncomfortable symptoms such as: The very frequent urge to urinate The inability to hold…
The stigma associated with anal cancer has often prevented proper education and awareness of the issue. With that being said, here is some important information about it that all women should know. The disease is frequently caused by a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV), which is the most common sexually…
Communicating with people of the opposite sex can often feel like trying to build the Tower of Babel – we certainly do not speak the same language, and get scattered in different directions every time we try. Although each person has his or her own “love language,” it can be…
Snap, crackle, pop. Is Roger having Rice Krispies for breakfast again? Nope, those are just your aching knees, making their hourly PSA as you get up from your desk. Chronic knee pain afflicts nearly 100 million Americans at a national cost of around $600 billion in medical bills and productivity…
If sex feels like pushing a steamboat into a car tunnel, you might be experiencing some of the following vaginal issues. Vaginismus This sudden, involuntary tightening of the vaginal muscles upon penetration can result in extreme discomfort and pain during sexual intercourse. It generally occurs during a woman’s…
As you pull out of the driveway on your way to work, it begins to pour. But the rain is oddly monsoon-like and ... brown? Coffee. Of course. You left it on the roof of your car this morning. Uncaffeinated yet suddenly on edge, you head into the office and…
As Elton John so eloquently said in the introduction of The Lion King, “the cycle of life, it’s the wheel of fortune”. Or was that...the circle of life? Either way, I think Mr. John would wholeheartedly endorse this promotion of cardiovascular exercise. Cycling, or bicycling, is an aerobic activity that…
As June gives May a friendly nudge to pack its bags, we can finally make our way to the shore for a refreshing dip in the salty sea. While we’re at, why not perform a few mermaid moves to tone up and banish that belly bulge?! Why water workouts work…
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal forms of malignant diseases, with an estimated 56,770 Americans receiving a diagnosis this year alone, says the American Cancer Society. This type of cancer accounts for nearly eight percent of all cancer-related deaths in the United States. Signs and symptoms…
An eternal life of unsweetened cranberry juice and vitamin C awaits us lest we actively prevent those pesky urinary tract infections (UTIs). They begin when bacteria, usually from the bowel, make their way into any part of the urinary tract. This can include the kidneys, ureter, bladder, or urethra. Though…
As the summer months fast approach, the camping sites get booked and the RVs get packed. But with these outdoor festivities on the horizon, the increased risk of Lyme disease rears its ugly head. According to the medical resource website Healthline, this is the time of year during which most…
Bad breath has notoriously stopped first date kisses in their tracks. But according to new research, poor oral hygiene can potentially lead to much more significant consequences than losing a date with Chad from Retro Fitness. Researchers from Tampere University in Finland performed a study on patients who had undergone…
If you have clicked onto this post because you are currently coping with the loss of your child, we mourn with you and send our loving thoughts and prayers your way. This is a devastating experience, perhaps even more so than you thought possible, and we acknowledge your pain. We…
That pesky time of the month–it depletes us of all traces of chocolate, ibuprofen, and motivation to get out of our cookie monster PJs. In spite of its detestability, though, menstruation is an integral component of our reproductive lives, and signals the existence of a healthy cycle. It is only…
We love our pets like we do our family– and according to new research, there might be a scientific reason to explain this. Scientists at Uppsala University in Sweden recently released a study using data from over 35,000 twins to establish a correlation between genetics and dog ownership. Apparently, hereditary…
You roll over your white linen sheets in a total daze, the sun dancing its way onto your groggy visage. You stretch your arm across the counter to check the time and...Oh my God! You’re late for work! In the frenzy of all that follows—stuffing your bag, throwing your clothes…
Fix or flee Mark Ronson said it best—nothing breaks like a heart. Even so, many of us dive headfirst into the deep, dark ocean of love, with the knowledge of a potentially devastating loss buried in our periphery. Relationships are difficult enough to navigate as they are, but nurturing a…
A convincing disguise What’s red, large, and impossible to miss? If you guessed Clifford the Big Red Dog, you’re not very far off—rosacea is pretty much the dermal equivalent of this eye-catching canine. If you’re like me, you know that this bothersome skin disease is nothing if not relentless. It…
A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that the risk of heart disease-related death for women between the ages of 45 and 64 is on the rise, despite a general decrease in this threat for all middle-aged adults between 1999 and 2011. The gender-based…
It’s official—vaping is a youth epidemic in the United States. Surgeon General Jerome Adams publicly declared as much on December 18th, 2018. Time to crack down on the E-Cig Emergency! If you aren’t already privy to the newest trends, “vaping” is a general term used to describe the inhalation of…
The Big Why Are we 100% convinced that “you can’t have your cake and eat it too”? Who promoted this preposterous ideology anyway? It’s about time we had a little chat with them. Classy, powerful women have traditionally been typecast as frigid, lonely, forever-single workaholics who have more difficulty holding…
Conventional wisdom tells us that urine color is an accurate measure of daily bodily hydration. However, according to Harvard Medical School, this liquid byproduct of metabolism might be useful for more than just analyzing whether we’ve have had enough water to drink throughout the day. Red urine Normal…
Regardless of how well we might think we know our partners, we cannot always make accurate assessments of their truest feelings and emotional states. Although verbal communication is important to the success of any relationship—and can often mitigate this problem—sometimes the subtle, non-verbal signals our partners send us are more…
Colorectal cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the world, with about 140,000 total cases presented in 2019 in the United States alone. It generally affects older adults and begins as abnormal cell growths called “polyps” form on the inner lining of the colon (also known as…
Vaginal dryness, painful sex, hot flashes, difficulty sleeping . . . these are all but a glimpse of menopause, which can be an uncomfortable and frustrating experience for some women. A change in the levels of estrogen production happens naturally for women during menopause, prompting many women to look for…
Memory loss disorders are among the most devastating of all chronic conditions. They not only physiologically ravage patients and distress loved ones, but also frequently compromise the mental health of victims to the point of serious depression. For these reasons, a new study done by the World Health Organization (WHO)…
