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Let's talk about sex, for good heath

MARIA CHENG

Associated Press

Latest comment posted at 10:55 AM EDT 07/02/07

Doctors should delve into bedroom details to gain a broader understanding of a person's health, say researchers ...Read the full article

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  1. George Osicki from Krakow, Poland writes: It is amazing just how much talk there is of sex , because it's obviously important , but as with so many other important topics , it can not be talked about with fuller honesty for there is fear , starting with many financial fears as to what this might cause in terms of costs ( arguments , etc...divorce or whatever since we have learned not to dialogue ) ; yet , we lie and this costs us even more in health and in quality moral actions.
  2. Dave T from midwest, Canada writes: Yes my doctor who processes fifty patients a day in his assembly line/pill factory has time to ask me about my sex life because it may provide information about whether my heart might explode like some wino lying in a bus station.
  3. Mr Fijne from Calgary, Canada writes: My doctor knows all about my sex life since he delivered my baby... he also knows about the stress I endured since Flaherty wiped 20% of my net worth... But hey if we were to crock now Canada would get its "fair share" and that would be good for Canada, yahoo, great for the Commmuuuuunity of imbeciles that think Estacio is a composer and a musical is an opera...
  4. mr motoc from Vancouver Island, Canada writes: Doctor is consulted by 92-year-old man complaining of sex problems. Man: "Doctor, I'm having trouble _________ . " Doc: "How old are you ?" Man: "92." Doc: "Well, don't you think you've ________ enough ?" . . . (Thank you, Henny Youngman.) . . .
  5. Little Dickie from Port Dover,ON, Canada writes: Years ago when we were returning from Pittsburg after watching a weekend of Expo/Pirate baseball, it was Sunday night, and I had the radio on listening to Dr. Ruth talking about sex and health. This gentleman in his mid 70's called in and asked Dr. Ruth a quiestion. He said " Dr., I'm in my mid 70's and sometimes I wake up with an erection ...what should I do" Dr. Ruth replied, "don't waste it. don'r waste it" ......end of story
  6. J Law from Canada writes: I saw a panel discussing sex a little while back and one of the doctors said she thought if nursing homes or seniors residence would allow congenial vists between men and women then the residents would be much happier and healthy.
    I can visualize the story in the paper now, "Eighty-seven year old hurt when he fell over a walker double parked in front of room 208 at Lillywood Home for the Elderly."

    But why not? Men don't begin to understand women until much later in life and women are not usually comfortable talking about this stuff until they get older so why not allow visits.

    Huh, that reminds me, my son asked me how I proposed to his mother. I said, your mother leaned over and whispered in my ear one night and I said, "You're what !!!" and then we got married.
  7. Clive Gingell from Canada writes: Old joke: His Lordship, in England, although aging, awakes with an uncommon erection.

    He summons his butler who says "Good show, Your Grace, should I notify her Ladyship"?

    "No, no Jeeves", replies the Lord, "Just hand me my baggy tweeds.....I'll smuggle THIS one into town".
  8. Henry Allen from Toronto, Canada writes: "Let's talk about sex, for good heath," the article is titled. I know sex is wonderful, but apparently it's also helpful for growing heath, the evergreen shrub. So, when planning your vacation, go where heath grows abundantly to find very satisfied people, probably found bouncing merrily amongst the heath.
  9. Sarah O'Brien from Canada writes: It makes sense to ask these questions.
  10. Velma from Burlington from Canada writes: I guess I am among the minority of patients here. My doctor does at least once or twice a year ask me how things are going in my sex life. Although I was embarrassed the first time, he explained that if I was having any trouble, discomfort, etc. it may indicate health problems. After ten years of marriage, I am no longer shy about answering "just fine" when he asks.
  11. John Hinkley from Thornhill, Canada writes: Now Mr. Fijne from Calgary is complaining about Stephen Harper increasing the stress in his life and, one can assume adversely impacting his sex life.

    All of this of course is due to Mr. Flaherty's October 31st income trust announcement.

    Two or so comments if I may.

    1. Don't blame the Conservatives for your poor investments. You have only yourself to blame for being so heavily invested in income trusts.

    A good investor has a balanced portfolio. Sure I lost money on the income trust decision too. But, I'm back ahead of the game due to my balanced portfolio.

    2. It is now 3 months since the decision/announcement. Stop living in the past and get on with life.
  12. G Andrews from Canada writes: John Hinkley...Great comments

    Who in their right mind had enough money in income trusts to lost 20% of their net worth...also since when is the high water mark indicative of where your 'net worth' ought to be. I don't see how buying a trust in 2000 and making 70% on it over 5 years then losing the top 10-15% of cream makes you a loser...
  13. Little Dickie from Port Dover,ON, Canada writes: Hey! ..Let's get back to sex and health. Taking a scre...g on the income trust thingee is not what this is all about.
  14. Stude Ham from Outremont, Canada writes: Physical sexual problems will and do occur at all ages... and as the article points out, increasingly as people age. The advice to the doctors is well considered, and it is hoped that people will respond maturely to frank and open medical inquiries into their physical sexual health. A lot can be done, other than pills, given open and frank discussions of these health problems.
  15. James Young from Brantford, Canada writes: Talk about sex in Canada? You have to be making a joke. Two thousand years of the Christian teaching and influence has taught people that sex and sin are synonymous. All religions fight other peoples sex practices at every opportunity. Sometime I suggest it is jealously and suppressed rage against missed opportunities.

    A few people break out of the circle of religion and actually get on with eating the apple. But for all intents and purposes it is a taboo subject except for select circles.

    The internet is full of sex in every form. Just Google sex. To talk about it is almost impossible. Even the posts here change the subject.

    That said and done, I agree with the good Doctor's article. I have always scribed to the view that a good sex life generally leads to happiness and a feeling of well being. Some people have never attained this level, and some try to propagate the view that nervana is attainable by accepting Jesues et al. Being a heathen I never had any problem with the pleasures of the flesh.

    Durgan.
  16. Aunty social from Canada writes: [Doctor] "When there is no sex there is nothing to talk about so lets talk about microchips. there really quite good for you you know. lets just slip one under that unused little pee pee shall we ahhhh thats better your all set bye bye"
  17. andrew croy from Barbados writes: Well there are two old geezers sitting on a bench passing the time of day, one says to the other "woke up this morning with an erection", that must have been nice" said the other, "not really" said the first "my hand had gone to sleep"
  18. Mr Fijne from Calgary, Canada writes: Hey John Hinckley, at least I have a sex life: Now I'll pay less taxes in Canada, so who will have to pick up the bill? Yes you pal, you see told you I have a sex life and you're now more than ever part of it! LOL
  19. Jeffrey Peckitt from Canada writes: “If a man comes in with erectile dysfunction, it can be the tip of the iceberg,&8221; said Dr. Andrew McCullough, a sexual health expert at New York University Medical Centre who was not connected to the paper.

    He may not be connected with the paper but he may be a part-time writer for David Letterman...

    While it is unclear whether the good doctor had his tongue planted firmly in his cheek at least his "insightful" comment might help explain why things can occasionally go a little cold in the bedroom...

    Many of the previous contributors to this discussion seem to believe that there are some fairly active "seniors" in our community which may help explain why so many frequently have that coy little smile as they go about their daily routines....

    There may be snow on the roof but, apparently in many cases, there's still fire in the furnace and that is a warm thought for a cold winter's day....

  20. Brett T. from Toronto, Canada writes: Doesn't the Globe have spell check? All this talk of sex got the editors distracted? Health has an L.
  21. Rick Czarnota from Calgary, writes: Our society is so hypocritical. Everyone enjoys sex, the top ten video sales every year mostly contain products of a sexual nature, and yet for some reason so many people are afraid or ashamed to even talk about sex. It's prevelant in everyone's lives and yet there are still many who think it should never enter the public realm. Our society needs to loosen up.
  22. mr motoc from Vancouver Island, Canada writes: Will this problem be blamed on "13 years of Liberal Rule" ? YOU know, like everything else ?
  23. February 3, 1959 - 'The Day The Music Died' Goodbye Buddy, The Big Bopper, Ritchie Valens from Willowdale, Canada writes: Talk about 'talking'...I remember one time asking my buddy if he talked to his wife during sex. He replied 'well, it depends how close the phone is'. Hmmmm!!
    Like the old saying goes 'NOW WE'RE TALKING!!'


    '.....Chantilly lace and a pretty face
    and a ponytail hanging down,
    a wiggle when she walks
    and a giggle when she talks..
    makes the world go 'round and round.......'

    '......but February made me shiver..
    with every paper I'd deliver..
    bad news on the doorstep..
    I couldn't take one more step.......'

    Remembering February 3rd, 1959 -
    the day the music died
  24. mildred bilt from Philadelphia, United States writes: As I recall, I had a lot of trouble with my sex life. Then I divorced the wretched little toad. Much better, thank you.
  25. jay from canada from maberly, Canada writes: my doctor often asks about this during the apex of the annual prostate exam. Then I realized he had both hands on my shoulders.

    not that I'm complianing.
  26. Gill Bates from Wroxton SK, Canada writes: Good news! Based on this article it would I don't have heart disease or diabetes. And I didn't even need to see a doctor.
  27. Ganeshan Sinnappu K. from Canada writes: It is correct that sex satisfaction boosts ego, makes one very active and full of aspirations, venture in to the world with confidence. Lack of it makes one dull, depressed, lazy and noway of any activities.
    When partner for health reasons unable to satisfy the other, then it is a matter frank discussion could help to ease the sex needs.
  28. James Young from Brantford, Canada writes: [] "Clinton lied. A man might forget where he parks or where he lives, but he never forgets oral sex, no matter how bad it is." --Barbara Bush (Former US First Lady -- and you didn't think Barbara had a sense of humor) [] "Ah, yes, divorce, from the Latin word meaning to rip out a man's genitals through his wallet." --Robin Williams [] "Women complain about premenstrual syndrome, but I think of it as the only time of the month that I can be myself." --Roseanne [] "Women need a reason to have sex. Men just need a place." --Billy Crystal [] "According to a new survey, women say they feel more comfortable undressing in front of men than they do undressing in front of other women. They say that women are too judgmental, where, of course, men are just grateful." --Robert De Niro [] "There's a new medical crisis. Doctors are reporting that many men are having allergic reactions to latex condoms. They say they cause severe swelling. So what's the problem?" --Dustin Hoffman [] "There's very little advice in men's magazines, because men think, I know what I'm doing. Just show me somebody naked." --Jerry Seinfeld [] "Instead of getting married again, I'm going to find a woman I don't like and just give her a house." --Rod Stewart [] "See, the problem is that God gives men a brain and a penis, and only enough blood to run one at a time." --Robin Williams
  29. John Hinkley from Thornhill, Canada writes: Mr. Fijne from Calgary - from your comment I'd say that you're a few bricks short of a full load in more ways than one.

    And, for the record - I do just fine thank you very much!
  30. Little Dickie from Port Dover,ON, Canada writes: Master Bates from Wroxton SK, Canada writes: Good news! Based on this article it would I don't have heart disease or diabetes. And I didn't even need to see a doctor. ....Really.....
  31. A Penner from Toronto, Canada writes: Why is it that we are all so terribly immature? A relatively serious article that likely comes close to home for hundreds if not thousands of Canadians and all we can do is tell jokes, enter back into the income trust debate, and make light of these findings.

    If we can't be adults about this topic then perhaps we could simply not post. There are plenty of other venues for us to act like children.
  32. John Hinkley from Thornhill, Canada writes: You're very right A. Penner from Toronto. It is a very serious topic and one that people should be concerned with.

    Besides the issue of aging there is the accompanying issue of the many medications that seniors and others take for one problem or another.

    As example, some of the medications are for high blood pressure, heart related operations (blood thinners), beta blockers, high chloesterol, anti-depressants, etc.

    Chemotherapy for the various forms of cancer impacts both men and women.

    Individually or in combination medications can adversely impact a persons sexual activity.
  33. Jerry Tynski from Canada writes: As the saying goes . . . you can play many a good tune on an old fiddle.
  34. Little Dickie from Port Dover,ON, Canada writes: Penner and Hinkley ...the article was about Let's talk about sex, for good heath, we are.... enjoying ourselves talking about sex, and laughing at the same time. Laughter is good medicine also....try it some time, and don't be so damn serious and righteous. Maybe your shorts are too tight, and that can be bad for your health also... Maybe you two should just loosen up and have a good laugh. I will be 71 this year, and you can't keep a good man down.
  35. Peter Walker from Calgary, Canada writes: The time for talk is over, now for the small talk and the action!!
  36. John Hinkley from Thornhill, Canada writes: Hi Little Dickie from Port Dover,

    You right of course, I know a fellow in his 70's who in his second marraige father a child.

    Sort of confusing as he already had older grandchildren from the children of his first marriage.

    On the other hand the article did mention concerns about issues adversely impacting senior's sex lives.
  37. jim lllll from Canada writes: Brett T. from Toronto, Canada writes: Doesn't the Globe have spell check? All this talk of sex got the editors distracted? Health has an L.
    Brett,, if you have read the bottom disclaimer you would have known G&M does not spell check,,,,when you come across words that are mispelled, such as heath,,,, han job,, slow job,,, klitus,, boreskin,,,vernernical diese,,,you either have to use your imagination ,, or look up the word in the Thesaurus Dictionary,, Who knows what some folks are trying to saw,,
  38. John McCaffery from Warragul, Australia writes: I think the first commandment from God was; “Go forth and multiply!&8221; He was not talking about arithmetic! Sex is up there with eating and breathing - we do not exist without it. Why wouldn&8217;t it be part of our overall health evaluation?
  39. steve bee from Trawna, Canada writes: You guys are wierd.

    I like sex, and so does my wife.

    Life is good. What's the problem?
  40. Reginald Silverspoon from Picton, Canada writes: Hey - Hinckley and Penner. Go comment on global warming and leave the fun stuff to the rest of us.
    And Jay from Canada you tick me off - I laughed so hard I lost the best erection I have had in years!!!
  41. Gord Murray from Canada writes: Concurring groups include professionals up on ethics charges trying to move populations towards the norm being 'draconian'.
  42. James Bannister from Toronto, Canada writes: The Chinese and Japanese have a saying that you shouldn't do business with a man who doesn't have an erection on waking up in the morning. Why? Because he's not healthy and could die before the business is finished! As usual, the Orientals figured it out centuries ago.
  43. von foopendorf from Canada writes: doctors have to avoid asking patients about their sex lives. especially if the patient is a homosexual male. a physician sworn to 'do no harm' and to councel and treat patients towards better health would have to tell his gay charge to either abstain or fly straight. to not do do would be turning a blind eye to an obvious and harmful practice. look at the statistics on HIV infection.. the numbers are sound. or if you go and try to donate blood and admit to gay male sex within the last six month they will refuse the blood on solid grounds that such blood is high risk. so.. for an article like this to publically suggest that doctors willingly get into their patients sex lives even though clinical knowledge and politically correct trends are at complete odds, is asking them to risk their jobs, risk making their patients uncomfortable and to risk publically pitting the medical and bio fields against the american psychiatric association and the baseless public policies of the governments of the last couple of decades. anyone who has taken grade ten biology and the bare basics of sexual anatomy and mechanics would logically come to the same conclusions but are supposed to keep their mouths shut. matter of fact, you sensors at the globe, i dare you to go find a neutral physician -not gay that is- and ask if this comment has any merit considering the difference in functions and design between the vaginal canal and the large intestine.
  44. Henry Allen from Toronto, Canada writes: James Bannister obviously has little understanding of male physiology and the many ways sex can be enjoyed, including seniors like me and my wife. If you're open-minded, James, you'll learn to adapt as you get older. If not, it's your loss. You may let yourself learn that sex becomes a lot more fun as you remove artificial pressures to perform and become open to a wider range of experimentation and experiences. There's more than one way to lift a rocket into the night sky and keep it aloft.
  45. Alberta Dennis Notso,redneck from Canada writes: A good parenting course in school would be an even better idea as the aforementioned health aspects could also be covered.
  46. Paul Thompson from Canada writes: Mr. Fijne says" My doctor knows all about my sex life since he delivered my baby." H'mmm, and I'll just bet the hospital is still buzzing over that!
  47. Matthew Wiebe from Canada writes: Another side of sex is the mental/psychological side. Most psychiatrists will ask couples going through conselling when the last time they had sex was. To put it short, couples that don't take time to have sex, and have it often, get divorced. As far as the Christian/puritanical side of it goes, the bible tells couples to have sex often. In fact, most religious texts encourage healthy sexual interaction, meaning sex with only one partner (because we all know a condom is only birth control and doesn't stop things like skin contact) The puritanical and taboo stuff really therefore, has nothing to do with Christianity or really any faith, but is just a general discomfort people had which they added to their faiths. Seems to me like the faith groups of the world need to be spearheading this. One can only hope the next sermon you hear is "And the Lord said, 'Have more sex.'"
  48. george franko from Canada writes: This raises the question, "Who is going to provide the sex"?.
    Sexual partners get bored, an unaroused. Is facilitaion ie sex for sale in you evaluation?
  49. ne' chee from Canada writes: A woman's disinterest in sex could also mean she is tired of having sex that only works for her male partner. Very few women orgasm through penetrative sex. "Foreplay" isn't.

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