Pat Blythe – Sex…..your immune system….and mood music

Ah well, one eye has vision that can see into next year. With a new lens the whole world (visually) has changed…..20/10! Healing and seeing….it’s really been a non-event so far but sooooo amazing. Next surgery was scheduled for April 2 but that of course has been kyboshed due to the current changing scenarios around the world and this damnable virus. So, for the foreseeable future I am attempting to “focus” accordingly with one super eye and the left trying to keep pace (to no avail). Wonky vision and all we move forward.

The state of affairs today…..

No need to describe or delve too deeply into what’s going on around the world at the moment. It changes minute-by-minute. Suffice to say we’ve apparently gone bonkers. Crowd mentality is taking over and dare I say, in many cases, stupidity and ignorance is running amok. The whole toilet paper issue….well my flabber’s been gasted and I am truly befuddled. My real concern is the ripple effect of self isolation and shutting everything down. I fear this will be more damaging to jobs, education, the arts and entertainment sectors, the service industries, entrepreneurs and our collective psyches than anything else. The fallout is enormous, recovery will be an uphill battle and for some there may be no recovery at all. It did, however, provide us all an excellent barometer regarding people’s reactions when fear and panic take over and common sense is tossed, along with the baby and the bathwater, right out the window. But the Italians…..I love these guys!

Italians singing the national anthem from their balconies

In a show of unity and support for the Italian people, Italy’s Air Force took to the skies painting the Italian flag across the sky with green, white and red contrails. The one lone plane flying towards the phalanx of planes represents the corona virus which is “defeated” by the oncoming planes

Italians singing and playing instruments from their balconies

Much of the media has turned to fear-mongering, people are now starting to wonder if we’re being told everything and I am equally suspicious the truth, facts and issues lie buried somewhere in the middle. We are overwhelmed with it all leaving little room for any well-informed, rational, sound decisions. I should not be walking into my local grocery store to find rows upon rows of bare shelves….not in the 21^st century. It’s like we’re in the middle of a creepy sci-fi movie which creates the fight or flight hormones which sends the adrenaline surging through our system which then triggers our basest survival instincts, completely bypassing any logic, reason or that infamous oxymoron, common sense, in the brain. We actually feel compelled, almost driven, to grab what we can, even if we don’t need it, because….just in case…..

Case in point….the following link takes you to a story about a couple in Lake County, B.C. who decided that no one else deserved any of the meat in the local Save-On-Foods but them. They cleaned it right out…..every last scrap.

https://www.vancouverisawesome.com/video/couple-buys-entire-meat-section-save-on-grocery-store-lake-country-bc-canada-2168488?fbclid=IwAR1Wwy9oNuS-_fWbKO17CiyDfytTWlGdXZ84y9Ww6mIyLKJxxM8WCeBsZzA

So now that I’ve totally depressed you and caused you to think I’m a madwoman and you’re about to pour your fourth drink, read on for some interesting information on a rather fun and playful way to boost that immune system. Step one, turn off the TV and get off social media!!! Step 2…..

The big O….

So all this talk of viruses and immune systems, pandemics and health crises, there are a few things we can do to take care of ourselves. There’s the dos…..eat right, exercise, don’t smoke, sleep, wash AND dry hands thoroughly, etc. etc. and the don’ts…..hug, kiss, touch, sneeze, cough, fart….breathe……unless….well, love the one you’re with.

Orgasms, even the thought of, and arousal, triggers the release of a chemical called DHEA which assists in the balancing of your immune system. Experiencing the big O also helps you sleep which in turn also helps the body rest and repair. The endorphins an orgasm releases calm your body and your brain. Chemicals such as dopamine (pleasure) and oxytocin (feel good/love hormone) are released. So here’s how it works:

White blood cells, a component of the blood, help the body defend itself against infectious diseases and foreign materials, all part of your general immune systems. Lymphocytes, commonly called T cells are the deadliest part of your immune system army. They are directly responsibility for killing many foreign invaders.

In a study conducted by the Department of Medical Psychology at the University Clinic in Essen Germany (HERE) scientists monitored the blood of a group of volunteers, specifically white blood cells, who experienced self-induced orgasms. The white blood cell count of the participants was measured five minutes before (arousal) and 45 minutes after orgasm. For each participant their white blood cell counts increased, particularly the natural killer T cells, during sexual arousal and orgasm.

Sex officially counts as exercise. An orgasm eats up approximately 300 calories, mitigates pain and is good for heart health.  So, while we’re all cooped up in this self isolation, stay healthy, keep each other company, build that immune system and yes, love the one you’re with.

When Harry Met Sally – Restaurant Scene

Barbarella in the Excessive Machine

Note: Understanding the current virus is new and although not instantly recognizable by our bodies as an invader, having a healthy immune system is still a key part to fighting off any kind of infection. Fever is the first signal our body gives us that it’s fighting “something” we cannot see. That’s our immune system at work.

Love the One Your With – Crosby, Stills & Nash

Summer Breeze – Seals and Croft

Never My Love – The Association

Tiny Dancer – Elton John

Fourplay – Between the Sheets

Mandolin Wind – Rod Stewart

Let’s Live For Today – The Grass Roots

The Things We Do For Love – 10cc

Life’s What You Make It – Talk Talk

I’m an optimistic person at heart (sometimes naivety can accompany it) but my brain won’t allow me to go down the path of doom and gloom….at least not yet. I am also a realist and my cheery attitude does not blind me to the fact we are living through something quite unexplainable that has radically transformed our lives….physically, emotionally, mentally and morally.  I do believe we will get back to our normal lives. Listen to some good music and stay connected.

Smile, reach out, support each other….we are stronger together. We will not let each other down.

Cheers!

=PB=

Pat’s column appears every Wednesday.

Contact us at: dbawis@rogers.com

“Music and photography….my heart, my passions.” After an extended absence —  33 years as a consultant and design specialist in the telecommunications industry — Pat has turned her focus back to the music scene. Immersing herself in the local club circuit, attending the many diverse music festivals, listening to some great music, photographing and writing once again, she is eager to spread the word about this great Music City of ours…..Toronto. Together for 34 years, Pat also worked alongside her late husband Christopher Blythe, The PictureTaker©, who, beginning in the early 70s, photographed much of the local talent (think Goddo, Frank Soda and the Imps, BB Gabor, the first Police Picnic, Buzzsaw, Hellfield, Shooter, The Segarini Band….) as well as national and international acts. Pat is currently making her way through 40 years of Chris’s archives, 20 of which are a photographic history of the local GTA music scene beginning in 1974. It continues to be a work in progress. Oh…..and she LOVES to dance!