8C
SEX ON THE HILL
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2008
Screw the rec; bang your way to better health
Burning calories, lowering stress among sex's benefits
BY AMBER JACKSON
ajackson@kansan.com
Lips locked, clothes off, and bodies intertwined all make for a night of pure passion. Usually when lovers meet under the covers the only thing on their minds is how to get down and dirty.
But sexual pleasure isn't the only reason students should make tracks to the bedroom. Sex is beneficial in ways other than the obvious.
"All forms
"All forms of sex — masturbation, oral, vaginal and anal are beneficial."
"Mentally and physically, it releases tension." Akagi said. "It also increases endorphins that relax the body and reduces stress."
of sex — masturbation, oral vaginal and anal — are beneficial," said Cynthia G. Akagi, an assistant professor in health education at Robinson Center. "It doesn't have to be intercourse, Cuddling, touching and kissing can benefit young adults."
CYNTHIA AKAGI Assistant professor in health education
burns about 200-275 calories per hour depending on your weight, according to Healthstatus.com.
Men should take special notice of sex's benefits because sex lowers the risk of prostate cancer. According to Canadian Reader's Digest, men who ejaculated seven or more times a week were
Lowering stress levels may be a reason to revamp your sex life. According to Canadian Reader's Digest, sex lowers blood pressure in stressful situations and provides better sleep.
Sex can also benefit you in the way of exercise. Sexercise, as it's sometimes called, can work out your abs, pelvis, thighs, butt, arms and neck. Regular sessions may even improve your posture.
If you're counting calories, sex
less likely to acquire prostate cancer.
Women should also heed sexual benefits. According to research by sexologists Leland Elliott and Cynthia
Brantley, 40 percent of women have never masturbated.
According to Akagi, women who experiment with masturbation are more in touch with their bodies and can tell their partners
what they like.
Sex is proven to be beneficial, but there are still conditions that apply.
"Sex is only beneficial in the context of a loving relationship, gay or straight," Akagi said. "Alcoholic hook-ups, on the other hand, increase
important.
The University of Kansas offers classes on sexuality, Akagi recommends "Health and Human Sexuality," which takes place once a semester. It's also available through the online continuing-education program. "Human Sexuality in Everyday Life" is a social work class that is also available on campus.
Ecumenical Christian Ministries also offers an "Intimacy for Committed Couples" weekend workshop. It's $35 per couple and focuses on emotional intimacy and sexual bonding. Negotiating differences and tolerating sameness are other goals. This workshop is for couples of all sexual orientations.
The ministries also offer a 10-session "Human Sexuality in Everyday Life" course taught by Dennis Dailey, professor of social work at the University.
"If you haven't had a good sexuality course in high school, I highly encourage you to take one in college. A well-laid adult is a happy adult."
Sexual education is also
CYNTHIA AKAGI
Assistant professor in health education
I. course focuses on current student experiences with sexuality and how it progresses as students age. This class is also $35 per student, and it takes place
Thursdays starting Jan. 29.
"If you haven't had a good sexuality course in high school, I highly encourage you to take one in college." Akagi said. "A well-laid adult is a happy adult."
Photo illustration Ryan McGeeney/KANSAN
WOULD YOU RATHER...
"Laugh. You could enjoy it together instead of being sad."
— Caleb Hartness, Wichita sophomore
Would you rather cry or laugh after every time you had sex?
LAUREN CUNNINGHAM