A Romp in the Hay Keeps the Doctor Away        
        
Sex can help a cold!        
Incredibly, a steamy romp in the hay helps minimize congestion, research
shows.  "The adrenaline released during sexual intercourse narrows dilated
blood vessels - the same effect many over-the-counter decongestants have on
the body," said Dr. Joseph Cohn, a family practitioner in Somerset, NJ        
        
"Sex can't cure the common cold, but it can temporarily relieve cold symptoms
and make patients feel better."         
        
An active sex life can also improve heart rate, burn calories, lower
cholesterol, relieve aches and pains, improve blood circulation, reduce
stress, improve the prostrate and ease psychological-related ailments.        
        
"While a well-balanced diet and exercise are important to good health, an
active - and safe-sex life can do more for the body, than diet and exercise
combined," said Ted McIlvenna, Ph.D., president of the Institute for Advanced
Study of Human Sexuality.        
        
"My research shows that people with an active sex life had fewer physical
ailments, felt better about their bodies and didn't have nearly as many
chronic ailments as people who aren't sexually active.        
"A person who has intercourse three times a week will burn about 7,500
calories a year, which is equal to jogging nearly 75 miles! 
       
"Sex can also improve the respiratory system and heart rate because
intercourse usually requires faster and deeper breathing. It also intensifies
the flow of blood through the body, nourishing muscles, tissue and other vital
organs with oxygen.
        
"My research has also shown that sexually active women have much higher
estrogen levels. Estrogen helps keep the cardiovascular system intact,
softening skin, lowering cholesterol and regulating mood swings."        
        
Men have a reason to use it or lose it too, he said. "Tests show that sexually
active men have fewer difficulties with their prostate. Muscles around the
prostate contract during orgasm, releasing fluids that are known to cause
problems if the glands aren't frequently flushed. "Like other forms of
exercise, sex helps relieve stress, which causes a variety of ailments --
tension headaches, heart problems, ulcers, nausea, low fertility, muscle pain
and joint pain."