Patricia Holden MD|

Jellyfish stings are painful. Especially during the first five minutes after the sting. Do jellyfish stings hurt right away? As far as I know, yes. As soon as the stings of jellyfish (nematocysts) on the tentacles activate and inject venom, you should feel it right away. I did mention about it in a previous article but just a reminder, when you get stung, immediately try to get out of the water or seek help from nearby swimmers. The sting could lead to anaphylaxis and the victim has a high chance of drowning. Being stung by a box jellyfish type is a different matter entirely as their venom can be fatal to humans. For now, let’s focus on what materials we could use in first aid for jellyfish stings.

Vinegar - Probably the most recommended material to use when treating jellyfish stings. Vinegar deactivates the nematocysts (jellyfish sting cells). Afterwards, pluck the tentacles with forceps or scrape them off with the edge of a flat object like an ID card.

Saltwater - Well, it’s still being debated whether salt water or fresh water is better used for rinsing the stung part. Salt water was used when I got stung before so I’ll go with that. It is after all the most accessible material (you are near the sea or ocean, after all).

Urine - Urine is considered as a common folk remedy when treating jellyfish stings. And like most common folk remedies…they don’t work. There have been reports of jellyfish stings reactivating after being peed on so that means more pain. I wouldn’t try it if I were you.

Well, there are ways to making your room look a bit spacier. Colors, reflections, furnitures, these are some of those you can use to make it like so. I used these tips for redesigning my daughter’s bedroom last weekend so I know these really work.

Limit the amount of stuff in the room - Of course, the more stuff that are in there, the more it would look cramped. Take out some of the stuff that are in the way and if possible put them inside the closet, behind doors, etc… Make them hidden.

Lighter Colors - Not only on walls and ceilings, but also on the furniture. If possible stick to one color, alternating light then dark colors give the impression of breaking up in space so it doesn’t help. Put narrow stripes on the ceilings too to create an illusion of being higher.

Mirrors and Glass - These give the illusion of increased space. Reflective surfaces or see-through surfaces would make the room appear larger than it actually is. Put them strategically along the walls and use light fabrics on windows to make it appear like so and to improve lighting in the room.

After posting about ways on how to deal with fear, let us look at some of the facts and myths. You may have heard people saying that fear helped them go through a particular situation. Is fear really a good thing? Let’s find out.

“Fear makes you stronger” - Fear arises from the existence of a perceived threat. In that particular situation, the adrenal glands secrete epinephrine (adrenaline) into the blood, causing an increase of oxygen and glucose to the brain and muscles. At the same time, it decreases the functionality of other bodily processes that are not directly related to the fight-or-flight response. The drawback is that it only lasts for a short time.and you feel a lot of stress afterwards.

“Fear allows you to judge better” - Although some people would claim that fear allows them to make better judgments, what actually happens is that your mind focuses only on the object or situation that you fear and gives you less options to choose from. In effect, it allows you to decide faster but the options that you missed may have been far more suitable than the one that you picked.

“Fear allows you to perform better” - It actually depends on the situation. Often times you will hear people say that their fear allowed them to react better to situations when fear was present. However, the reason for that is related to the fight-or-flight response (see above). This is not always the case. Since fear also hampers your judgment, decisions that could have helped you perform better during the situation may have been left out.

My last post was about some of the most ridiculous fears that were observed from people. Although, most of us would think of them as funny, there are people who actually do experience them. So, how does one go around dealing with fear? First, we’ll have to define what fear is. Fear is an emotional response to something that we perceive as a threat. It’s a survival mechanism that triggers to a negative stimulus. It is often related to a bad experience from the past. With that said, let’s proceed with some steps on how to deal with a specific fear.

Identify - Although usually, the first step seems to be the hardest, for this one it’s pretty easy. Like any problem, the first step in finding a solution is to identify the problem and its causes. For example, ask yourself, “What is it that I fear and why?”

Understand the cause of your fear - Humans fear that which they don’t understand. For example: You are afraid of spiders. What is it about spiders that you fear? It’s bite? Do some research about spiders and you will find that not all spiders are deadly. Also, the deadly ones would only bite when threatened.

Face it - Look at pictures or imagine the situation that you fear. Make sure to maintain the image for as long as you can. Also, remember to breath properly. You will experience things like rapid breathing and heightened pulse rate. Focus on calming yourself. Afterwards put yourself in that situation or look at the actual object. Then do the same. Imagine the worst that could happen and conquer it. What are the chances of the worst happening, anyway?

I mentioned some tips on how to use your hand for your man’s pleasure a few weeks ago. So to be fair with you guys, let me tell you some spots that could get us excited.

Erogenous spots, as we call it, are areas with nerve-endings and increase sensitivity. Lips, nipples, and thighs are among the commonly known spots. Although not for all women, try to find one where she likes it the most. Here are some that most guys pay less attention to:

Neck - Ever wonder why she sudddenly gasps or raises her shoulders to cover her neck when you touch it? The back of the neck is considered as one of the most sensitive parts of a woman’s body. To use it to your advantage, breathe down her neck, or kiss her there (move her hair aside, of course). Use your imagination. You’ll make her want you more.

Ears - Try to whisper something sweet in her ear and watch her react. Some women’s ears are actually sensitive to touch. For this one, your lips and tongue are key to arousing her. Use your lips to suck her earlobes, and your tongue to lick the edges of her ear.

Behind the knees - This area is highly sensitive and she may react differently depending on how sensitive she is. If she’s ticklish, don’t bother with this area. If she likes it though, start licking the area smoothly..but don’t overdo it.

Feet - If you feel comfortable with it, try giving her a foot massage…with your mouth, of course. A lot of women like having their toes sucked on. You may also lick her soles while gently massaging her feet. I know mine are…but before doing those things, make sure her feet are clean!

Hands - Ever wonder why people like holding hands? It’s not because of the custom. The hands are actually sensitive, too! Kiss her palm and play with her fingers. Lick her hands to excite her. You can be creative and use chocolate. Whatever works for you.

Take note that these spots were not meant to be stimulated individually. You can mix and match. Try kissing her neck while massaging her hands. Again, be creative!

I’ve been to Las Vegas quite a few times with my husband. I haven’t had any real trouble so far and have always enjoyed my visits. However, it may not be the same for everyone. Here a few things to avoid while on a vacation in the city.

Driving - Traffic can get really bad in Las Vegas, especially the Strip. Instead of driving, try taking a walk or take a taxi. The monorail is also an alternative.

Losing all your money on gambling - In gambling, sometimes you win, often times you don’t. Don’t go to Las Vegas in the hopes of winning a lot of money in one of the casinos. Many people have tried and many have failed. My husband and I gamble just for fun. I suggest you do the same.

Drinking - Alright, drinking is fine but not too much that you’ll spending the next day in the hotel with a massive hangover. Also, getting drunk in Vegas would be bad in more ways than one - it could quickly lead you to the above situation (gambling).

The Heat - When I say “heat”, I’m not just talking about the scenes in Las Vegas. The city is in the desert and temperatures could easily reach 90 - 100 degrees during the summer. Bring a lot of water to avoid dehydration and avoid the afternoon sun.

The Wrong Crowd - Las Vegas is not called Sin City for nothing. Especially in the casinos, there are a lot of unlikable people that move around. People who smoke without any regard for other people, people who drink in public and often go loud when drunk, and scantily clad women are but a few of them. If you’re going to Las Vegas for a vacation, at least you should know what you’re getting in to.

No need to join those reality TV shows just to get someone wealthy enough to treat you like a Queen.  If you are too lazy to come up with your own money, here are some pointers for fortune-hunters such as yourself. 

1. Imbibe

      They say if you want to walk the walk then you’ve got to talk the talk.  Meaning you should know the world of business, like return of investment.  If you want to belong to the upper class then better work it girl.  Study how to be elegant and talk elegant, show them you have the brains and not just another pretty face.  Start it with you college textbooks. 

2. Release

      Be the same specie as Mr. Big Spender, spend once in awhile.  Investing is to spend and gain at least two-fold.  Don’t let him see through you, try invest a little and gain BIG! 

3. Spin

      If you want mix and mingle then better invest on yourself.  Subject yourself in a makeover — always get your hair done, pluck your eyebrows, get facial treatments, and have a gorgeous body. 

4. Chill

      Don’t be obvious! Don’t jump the guy the moment he shows you the money.  You’re not cool enough to have the money if you’re too hot for it.  Try not dwell in money discussions all night, as if nothing is in your mind but to make him your personal automated machine. 

            Remember if you’re too smart a cookie to just dip in someone else’s milk better put yourself in go get gold condition.

Yes, we all are a romantic fool but when is it too much?  You want to shower your partner with heartfelt affection, go on, just don’t over do it.  Sometimes we forget that there other people around us.  Let me give some examples, how couples can actually make me gag when I see them. 

• Kissing and groping at each other in public places, mostly in front of your parents and siblings.  Eww….I just pictured my brother groping at his girl.

• Hugging your girl while walking as if someone’s going to grab her from you or as if she has been dilapidated.

• Seating on a guys lap as if ready to get into action.  You might hear me saying, “Get a Room!”

• Touching each other in private areas, like getting ready for foreplay.

• Wearing matching clothes.  What’s up with that anyway?

• Feeding off each others spoon.  You don’t have your own hand to feed yourself?

• Making funny noises while kissing as if getting the Big O.

            I do not condemn those hopelessly romantic but I suggest you keep it to yourselves.  Do it somewhere private, I’m not a hypocrite but I prefer doing romantic stuff with my partner in the comfort of my own room where no one else could see me or hear me.