The number of times you should have sex every week to beat depression... are you hitting the target?
Scientists have pinpointed the 'magic number' of weekly sexual encounters needed to ward off depression.
There's no need for hanky-panky marathons - just once a week is enough to boost mental health, the researchers found.
Experts from the Shantou University Medical College, China, found that those who get intimate at least once a week have significantly lower odds of depression, compared to those who do so less than once a month.
Overall, the study, which involved 14,741 U.S. adults, revealed that weekly intimacy could reduce the risk of developing symptoms of the mood disorder by 24 per cent.
This effect was most prominent among younger adults, aged 20 to 30, who saw greater protection from depressive feelings.
The scientists theorized that the effect may lie with the release of the 'feel good' hormones such as endorphins and dopamine that are produced by the body during sex.
These chemicals surge by 200 per cent during intimate acts, and are known to help with pain and stress relief.
'Regardless of sexual orientation, sexual activity offers benefits such as enhanced wellbeing and quality of life, significantly impacting mental health', co-author professor Mutong Chen said of the findings.
Depression affects around 280million people globally. Yet, available treatments, such as talking therapy and antidepressant drugs, are only effective in around half of cases, some studies show.
For the study, researchers recruited participants aged 20 to 59, and asked them to complete a survey about their sex lives.
They were also tasked with completing a survey commonly used to diagnose depression, called the Patient Health Questionnaire-9.
The results revealed that while around 7.5 per cent of participants had moderate to severe depression, having sex more than once a month significantly reduced the odds of experiencing symptoms of the disorder.
Those who reported having weekly sex saw the biggest benefit.
While researchers found that increasing sexual frequency had a positive effect on psychological wellbeing, additional protection against depression appeared to peak at around 103 times per year - which is approximately twice a week.
The researchers hope the findings will help to shed new light on the emotional benefits of sex and help highlight the need to explore alternative treatments for managing depression.
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Daily Mail
30-05-2025
- Daily Mail
MAGA supporters mourn passing of former Trump official
Trump world is mourning the loss of the former NYPD commissioner who led the city through the aftermath of 9/11. Bernard Kerik (pictured) died on Thursday at the age of 69, after being hospitalized for cardiac disease, the New York Post reports. He was surrounded by friends and family at the time of his death at NewYork-Presbyterian hospital. Kerik - who served a stint in prison for fraud - was a presence at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort and a steadfast advisor to the president. Many in MAGA world shared their memories and condolences, as word spread of Kerik's untimely death. 'I'm heartbroken to hear of the passing of Bernard Kerik,' wrote Camryn Kinsey, who was previously appointed to serve as an 'external-relations director' under Trump. 'He was one of the first people I met when I moved to DC , and quickly became a mentor and a friend,' she recounted. 'He didn't owe me anything, but took the time to guide me, support me and share the kind of wisdom only someone who had lived through history could offer.' Kinsey (pictured) went on to say he 'carried the weight' of the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center 'with honor,' and noted that Kerik helped her as she pursued her master's degree in national security. 'His stories, his strength and his love for this country shaped me more than he probably knew,' Kinsey wrote. 'He was a true American patriot. I will miss him deeply.' Kerik was born in Newark, New Jersey on September 4, 1955. He never finished high school, but earned his General Educational Development certificate before he headed off to serve in the US Army, Fox News reports. From there, Kerik worked for a time for the Passaic County Sheriff in New Jersey - and joined the ranks of the NYPD in 1968. He briefly left the force in 1994, when he joined the Department of Corrections. After just four years at the department, then-NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani appointed him commissioner of the agency. Over the course of his two years in that position, Kerik curbed guards' sick time abuse and reduced inmate violence. But Kerik really shot to prominence after he was appointed New York City's police commissioner in 2000, and presided over a 63 percent drop in violent crime. He then oversaw the NYPD's response, rescue and recovery efforts during the September 11 attacks. Reflecting on his work at the NYPD, Giuliani told the Post that Kerik was a 'true patriot' and 'one of the bravest men I've ever seen. 'He became police commissioner when they thought crime couldn't be reduced any further, yet he reduced it further,' the former mayor said. 'His work helped New York become the safest big city in America and a shining example of urban renaissance. Then he faced the worst foreign attack since the War of 1812 on American soil - September 11. He was at my side within 20 minutes of the attack and never left.' Yet Kerik did step away from his role as the head of the NYPD just a few months later. By 2003, following the US's invasion of Iraq, then-President George W. Bush named Kerik to head up a provisional police force in the nation. There, he recruited thousands of police officers and assembled a SWAT team to pursue kidnappers and insurgents. Around the same time, Kerik also founded Kerik Group - a private crisis and risk management consulting firm whose clients over the years include King Abdullah II of Jordan and the ruling family of the United Arab Emirates. Apparently impressed by his work, Bush sought to nominate Kerik to head the newly-established Department of Homeland Security in 2004. 'Bernie Kerik understands the duties that came to America on September the 11th. The resolve he felt that morning will guide him every day on his job,' Bush said at the time. But Kerik's nomination was short-lived as he withdrew himself from consideration just a few days after, when he admitted to employing an illegal immigrant as a nanny. The admission sparked a probe into other aspects of Kerik's life - and it was soon revealed that while he was married with two children, he rented an apartment in Lower Manhattan to conduct an extramarital affair with Judith Regan - who published his best-selling memoir. The apartment had originally been donated by a developer for use by rescue workers at Ground Zero, the Times reports. By 2006, Kerik pleaded guilty in the New York State Supreme Court to two misdemeanors involving renovations to his Bronx apartment by a New Jersey construction firm with suspected links to organized crime - and he was $221,000. Three years later, Kerik also pleaded guilty to eight federal felonies - including charges he evaded taxes on a $225,000 gift for home repairs and made false statements to federal officials when he was being considered for the Homeland Security post. The former cop - who had once been hailed as 'America's Cop' - then saw his name removed from the Manhattan jail complex that had been rebranded in his honor, and went on to serve four years behind bars before he was pardoned by Trump in 2020. In the aftermath, Kerik became a vocal critic of the criminal justice system and a staunch Trump ally. He spread the conspiracy theory that the 2020 presidential election was stolen, and even worked with Giuliani to investigate the claims. As a result, Kerik was recently grilled by Congress in hearings related to the January 6 Capitol riots, and was subpoenaed to disclose privileged Trump administration documents reportedly linked to the investigation. Meanwhile, Kerik wound up serving as a surrogate for the Trump administration on national security issues last year. He is now being remembered for his accomplishments and patriotism, which earned him an NYPD Medal for Valor, 29 NYPD medals for excellence and meritorious service, a Presidential Commendation from former President Ronald Reagan, two Distinguished Service Awards from the Department of Homeland Security and even an appointment as a Commander of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II. In a tribute online, FBI Director Kash Patel said Kerik was a 'warrior, a patriot and one of the most courageous public servants this country has ever known. 'He was decorated more than 100 times for bravery, valor and service, having rescued victims from burning buildings, survived assassination attempts and brought some of the world's most dangerous criminals to justice,' Patel wrote on X. 'His legacy is not just in the medals of the titles, but in the lives he saved, the city he helped rebuild and the country he served with honor.' Former Trump attorney Alina Habba echoed that sentiment by calling Kerik was a 'true patriot, fearless leader and devoted friend. 'Bernard Kerik embodied strength, loyalty and courage every single day,' she wrote. 'I'm honored to have known him.' Trump adviser Roger Stone, meanwhile, called the former cop a 'great man,' while FBI former Trump campaign adviser George Papadopoulos shared how Kerik offered him support during a difficult time for him and his family. 'The encouragement and positivity he gave us when we had only briefly met before would lead to an indelible memory and life long respect,' Papadopoulos wrote.
Daily Mail
30-05-2025
- Daily Mail
MAGA world 'heartbroken' following death of former Trump official and 9/11 hero: 'True American patriot'
Trump world is mourning the loss of the former NYPD commissioner who led the city through the aftermath of 9/11. Bernard Kerik died on Thursday at the age of 69, after being hospitalized for cardiac disease, the New York Post reports. He was surrounded by friends and family at the time of his death at NewYork-Presbyterian hospital. Kerik - who served a stint in prison for fraud - was a presence at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort and a steadfast advisor to the president. Many in MAGA world shared their memories and condolences, as word spread of Kerik's untimely death. 'I'm heartbroken to hear of the passing of Bernard Kerik,' wrote Camryn Kinsey, who was previously appointed to serve as an 'external-relations director' under Trump. 'He was one of the first people I met when I moved to DC, and quickly became a mentor and a friend,' she recounted. 'He didn't owe me anything, but took the time to guide me, support me and share the kind of wisdom only someone who had lived through history could offer. Kinsey went on to say he 'carried the weight' of the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center 'with honor,' and noted that Kerik helped her as she pursued her master's degree in national security. 'His stories, his strength and his love for this country shaped me more than he probably knew,' Kinsey wrote. 'He was a true American patriot. I will miss him deeply.' Kerik was born in Newark, New Jersey on September 4, 1955. He never finished high school, but earned his General Educational Development certificate before he headed off to serve in the US Army, Fox News reports. From there, Kerik worked for a time for the Passaic County Sheriff in New Jersey - and joined the ranks of the NYPD in 1968. He briefly left the force in 1994, when he joined the Department of Corrections. After just four years at the department, then-NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani appointed him commissioner of the agency. Over the course of his two years in that position, Kerik curbed guards' sick time abuse and reduced inmate violence. But Kerik really shot to prominence after he was appointed New York City's police commissioner in 2000, and presided over a 63 percent drop in violent crime. He then oversaw the NYPD's response, rescue and recovery efforts during the September 11 attacks. Reflecting on his work at the NYPD, Giuliani told the Post that Kerik was a 'true patriot' and 'one of the bravest men I've ever seen. 'He became police commissioner when they thought crime couldn't be reduced any further, yet he reduced it further,' the former mayor said. 'His work helped New York become the safest big city in America and a shining example of urban renaissance. 'Then he faced the worst foreign attack since the War of 1812 on American soil - September 11. 'He was at my side within 20 minutes of the attack and never left.' Yet Kerik did step away from his role as the head of the NYPD just a few months later. By 2003, following the US's invasion of Iraq, then-President George W. Bush named Kerik to head up a provisional police force in the nation. By 2003, following the US's invasion of Iraq, then-President George W. Bush named Kerik to head up a provisional police force in the nation Bush also nominated Kerik to serve as the Secretary for the Department of Homeland Security There, he recruited thousands of police officers and assembled a SWAT team to pursue kidnappers and insurgents. Around the same time, Kerik also founded Kerik Group - a private crisis and risk management consulting firm whose clients over the years include King Abdullah II of Jordan and the ruling family of the United Arab Emirates. Apparently impressed by his work, Bush sought to nominate Kerik to head the newly-established Department of Homeland Security in 2004. 'Bernie Kerik understands the duties that came to America on September the 11th. The resolve he felt that morning will guide him every day on his job,' Bush said at the time. But Kerik's nomination was short-lived as he withdrew himself from consideration just a few days after, when he admitted to employing an illegal immigrant as a nanny. The admission sparked a probe into other aspects of Kerik's life - and it was soon revealed that while he was married with two children, he rented an apartment in Lower Manhattan to conduct an extramarital affair with Judith Regan - who published his best-selling memoir. The apartment had originally been donated by a developer for use by rescue workers at Ground Zero, the Times reports. By 2006, Kerik pleaded guilty in the New York State Supreme Court to two misdemeanors involving renovations to his Bronx apartment by a New Jersey construction firm with suspected links to organized crime - and he was $221,000. Three years later, Kerik also pleaded guilty to eight federal felonies - including charges he evaded taxes on a $225,000 gift for home repairs and made false statements to federal officials when he was being considered for the Homeland Security post. The former cop - who had once been hailed as 'America's Cop' - then saw his name removed from the Manhattan jail complex that had been rebranded in his honor, and went on to serve four years behind bars before he was pardoned by Trump in 2020. In the aftermath, Kerik became a vocal critic of the criminal justice system and a staunch Trump ally. He spread the conspiracy theory that the 2020 presidential election was stolen, and even worked with Giuliani to investigate the claims. As a result, Kerik was recently grilled by Congress in hearings related to the January 6 Capitol riots, and was subpoenaed to disclose privileged Trump administration documents reportedly linked to the investigation. Meanwhile, Kerik wound up serving as a surrogate for the Trump administration on national security issues last year. He is now being remembered for his accomplishments and patriotism, which earned him an NYPD Medal for Valor, 29 NYPD medals for excellence and meritorious service, a Presidential Commendation from former President Ronald Reagan, two Distinguished Service Awards from the Department of Homeland Security and even an appointment as a Commander of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II. In a tribute online, FBI Director Kash Patel said Kerik was a 'warrior, a patriot and one of the most courageous public servants this country has ever known. 'He was decorated more than 100 times for bravery, valor and service, having rescued victims from burning buildings, survived assassination attempts and brought some of the world's most dangerous criminals to justice,' Patel wrote on X. 'His legacy is not just in the medals of the titles, but in the lives he saved, the city he helped rebuild and the country he served with honor.' Former Trump attorney Alina Habba echoed that sentiment by calling Kerik was a 'true patriot, fearless leader and devoted friend. 'Bernard Kerik embodied strength, loyalty and courage every single day,' she wrote. 'I'm honored to have known him.' Many in the Trump administration - or who had worked for the commander-in-chief in the past - shared their memories and condolences Thursday night Trump adviser Roger Stone, meanwhile, called the former cop a 'great man,' while FBI former Trump campaign adviser George Papadopoulos shared how Kerik offered him support during a difficult time for him and his family. 'The encouragement and positivity he gave us when we had only briefly met before would lead to an indelible memory and life long respect,' Papadopoulos wrote. Others shared similar sentiments, with Florida State Representative Meg Weinberger saying Kerik flew down from New York to support her campaign, 'showing up with heart and humility... 'That was Bernie - always there when you needed him.' Kerik is now survived by his wife Hala Matil Kerik and three children.
NBC News
11-05-2025
- NBC News
Federal workplace safety workers say gutting their agency will lead to preventable deaths on the job
More than 100 current and former employees of a federal agency charged with ensuring workplace safety warn that American workers face a greater risk of death and injury on the job as the Trump administration slashes the organization's ranks. In a letter to Congress, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health employees say that the agency's mission is at risk due to the administration's actions over the past several months. 'Without us, more workers will suffer preventable deaths, illnesses, and injuries,' the current and former NIOSH employees wrote in the letter, obtained exclusively by NBC News ahead of it being sent to members of Congress. The letter is being sent to all of Congress but is directed at Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, and its ranking member, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., ahead of the committee's scheduled meeting with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to discuss President Donald Trump's proposed HHS budged for the 2026 fiscal year. NIOSH is part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in the Department of Health and Human Services. The cuts at the agency are part of Trump's vow to shrink bureaucracy and curb its interference in private business. The White House and the Department of Health and Human Services did not immediately respond to NBC News' requests for comment. The letter urges Congress to act to save the organization, especially at a time when the administration is calling for increased economic activity, including domestic manufacturing and mining. It says over 90% of NIOSH employees have received 'reduction-in-force' letters placing them on administrative leave pending more permanent layoffs. Congress established NIOSH in 1970 as part of the Occupational Safety and Health Act 'to assure as far as possible every working man and woman in the Nation safe and healthful working conditions and to preserve our human resources.' While the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) polices industries involved in worker injuries, NIOSH is tasked with establishing a vision for safer workplaces by conducting research, maintaining databases, certifying workplace equipment and collaborating with worksites on preventive training and other measures. NIOSH oversees the health program for 9/11 responders and survivors, which could be all but abandoned if staff reductions are formalized, critics have said. Michael O'Connell, who assisted with search-and-rescue operations as an early-career firefighter after 9/11, was diagnosed with a rare inflammatory disease called sarcoidosis that causes debilitating pain. He says he's managed his symptoms with the help of NIOSH's World Trade Center Health Program. 'It's bureaucratic cruelty,' he said last month, addressing the cuts to the agency. 'They're trying to save money, which is fine, but don't do it on the backs of the 9/11 community.' If the reduction-in-force plans are carried out, the letter to Congress says, 'nearly all of NIOSH's functions will be ended permanently.' The document was signed by accomplished scientists in the field of workplace safety, including Micah Niemeier-Walsh, a researcher on the effects of exposure to lithium-ion battery fires; Gary Roth, an expert in nanotechnology's tiny scale and how it can bypass traditional human and workplace protections; and epidemiologist Scott Laney of the Coal Workers' Health Surveillance Program, who has said the cuts have already resulted in coal miners ' X-rays for black lung going unexamined. 'NIOSH is at risk for imminent destruction,' the letter to Congress states. 'The administration's activities over the past several months have almost completely impeded NIOSH's ability to carry out its mission.' Some programs within NIOSH will move to a newly created agency known as the Administration for a Healthy America, NIOSH Director John Howard said in an agencywide email last month, but it's unclear what will be left after the transition. The signatories hold out hope for congressional action to save the agency. 'Please send a message to the Trump administration that today's Congress still supports America's workers by restoring and protecting NIOSH in its entirety and keeping it within CDC,' the letter states.
