Latest news with #AnitaFletcher
Toronto Sun
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Toronto Sun
These popular workouts could ruin your sex life
Young woman doing the glute bridge pose on exercise in gym. Getty Images Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. There are all kinds of exercises that target different parts of the body, and if they aren't done correctly, they do more harm than good. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Now apply those rules to trending workouts that are intended to help your sex life. Kegels, Pilates and even cycling, can impact intimate health for better or worse, depending on how you're doing them. There are TikTok challenges that tout themselves as a new way to get in sex-ready shape, but it could cost you. As fitness fads go viral, more people jump on the bandwagon, only focusing on the finished product and not considering the side effects. But according to Anita Fletcher, a sex and relationship expert at adult toy brand Fantasy Co., some popular exercises could be silently sabotaging your sex life. 'The fitness world is full of trendy workouts that get popular because they promise amazing results quickly. But our bodies are complex systems where everything connects — you can't just isolate one area without affecting others,' Fletcher explained to The Toronto Sun. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'What's particularly concerning is how few fitness professionals understand the connection between exercise and sexual well-being.' RECOMMENDED VIDEO Fletcher said that Kegel exercises are meant to strengthen the pelvic floor and boost everything from bladder control to orgasms. But they can backfire spectacularly if you overdo it. 'An overly tight pelvic floor can cause pain during intercourse, make orgasms harder to achieve, and even trigger muscle spasms that shut down arousal entirely,' Fletcher explained. Because people already have tense pelvic floors from stress, sitting all day or previous injuries, she recommended learning to fully relax your pelvic floor first. 'Try alternating between tensing for tensing seconds and releasing completely for 10 seconds. And limit sessions to five minutes, three times weekly — not the hundreds daily that some influencers recommend.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. People on spin bikes in gym. (Getty Images) Getty Images Spinning or cycling is great for cardio but extended time on a bike seat, particularly one that is narrow and hard, can compress nerves and blood vessels in the genital area — and that pressure can lead to erectile difficulties, decreased arousal or difficulty reaching orgasm. Fletcher advised opting for a 'wider, padded seat that distributes pressure away from sensitive areas,' and try to 'stand up regularly during rides, shift your position often, and take days off between intense cycling sessions.' Woman doing crunches at home. (Getty Images) Getty Images Traditional abdominal workouts like crunches and sit-ups could be sabotaging your sex drive as they create excessive tension in the pelvic floor and lower abdominals. 'Balance those crunches with yoga exercises that release tension, like happy baby pose or child's pose,' Fletcher said, noting that by engaging your deep transverse abdominals rather than just the surface muscles can protect your pelvic floor while still strengthening your core.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Two women doing bridge exercise with raised leg static core muscles exercise using Pilates reformer machines. (Getty Images) Getty Images And while Pilates may target deep muscles and improve flexibility, the constant 'navel to spine' action can be hard on the body. 'Instructors often tell people to pull their belly button toward their spine and hold it there,' Fletcher said, but the hollowing of the abdomen, when done constantly, can lead to shallow breathing and a perpetually tense pelvic floor, neither of which supports healthy sexual function. She suggested finding instructors who 'emphasize release as much as engagement.' Ultimately, she advised everyone to pay attention to how their body feels during sex and other intimate moments. 'If you're experiencing decreased sensation, difficulty with arousal, pain during intercourse, or trouble reaching orgasm, your workout might be the hidden culprit.' Editorial Cartoons Sports Toronto & GTA Canada Columnists
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- General
- Daily Mail
Expert reveals the 'desperate' text you shouldn't send if you want a second date
Dating in 2025 can be a hugely stressful and complicated affair as most singletons know all too well. Many people go on enjoyable dates, and then are surprised when the person they shared a pleasant evening with just disappear. This can be especially galling when everything seemed to go well, and a second date seemed to be in the bag. Not knowing what went wrong can mean daters are left questioning their behaviour, ruminating on what happened - and why. According to sex and relationship expert Anita Fletcher, many daters are likely jeopardising their chances of securing a second date by sending 'desperate' text messages that can put off a prospective partner. She said: 'We've all been there, but some texts scream desperation louder than others.' Anita has identified six texting mistakes people make that can make them appear desperate and needy, and come across as red flags to potential partners. 1. 'Hey, you there?' (The desperation check-in) This seemingly innocent message is a major red flag, according to Anita. She explained that sending it multiple times throughout the day shows you're constantly checking if they're available – and that you have nothing better to do. 'This text reveals anxiety about being ignored,' she said. 'It puts pressure on the other person to respond immediately, which feels suffocating in early dating.' Better alternative: Wait until you have something specific to say. Try: 'Just saw that new coffee place you mentioned! Have you tried their cold brew?' 2. The triple text trap Message 1: 'Hey! How's your day?' Message 2: 'Hello???' Message 3: 'Guess you're busy…' Nothing says needy like bombarding someone with multiple messages when they don't respond fast enough. This behaviour shows you can't handle even brief periods without validation. 'Triple texting demonstrates poor emotional regulation,' said Anita 'It suggests you'll be high-maintenance in a relationship.' Better alternative: Send one thoughtful message and give them time to respond. If they don't reply within 24 hours, move on gracefully. 3. 'Why aren't you responding?' Asking people why they aren't instantly replying to messages 'reveals deep insecurity and an inability to respect boundaries', according to Anita This confrontational text is relationship kryptonite. Demanding explanations for response times shows controlling behaviour before you've even met in person. Fletcher notes: 'This message reveals deep insecurity and an inability to respect boundaries. It's manipulative and will make anyone run for the hills.' Better alternative: Simply don't send it. People have lives outside their phones. If someone consistently ignores you, take the hint. 4. The Overshare Avalanche 'I had such a terrible day at work and my boss yelled at me and then I got a parking ticket and my mum called about Thanksgiving drama and I'm so stressed I can barely function…' Dumping your emotional baggage via text before establishing a real connection is overwhelming and inappropriate. 'Early dating should be fun and light,' Fletcher advises. 'Save the heavy stuff for when you've built trust and rapport.' Better alternative: Keep early texts upbeat. Try: 'Work was intense today! Looking forward to unwinding. How was your day?' 5. 'I Miss You' (After one date) Texting someone to say 'I miss you' after just one date comes across as needy and suggests unhealthy attachment patterns Declaring intense feelings too soon is a classic needy move. Telling someone you miss them after minimal interaction suggests unhealthy attachment patterns. 'This text implies you're already emotionally dependent on someone you barely know,' Fletcher warns. 'It's too much, too fast.' Better alternative: Express enjoyment without intensity: 'Had a great time last night! Would love to do it again soon.' 6. The Validation Seeker Fishing for compliments or reassurance through text screams insecurity. These messages put the other person in an awkward position of having to boost your ego. Fletcher explains: 'Confidence is attractive. Constantly seeking validation suggests you don't believe in your own worth.' Better alternative: Build confidence through actions, not texts. Focus on sharing interesting thoughts or planning fun activities instead. Discussing why people send needy texts after just meeting someone, sex and relationship expert Anita Fletcher said: 'Most people send needy texts because they're operating from a place of fear – fear of abandonment, fear of rejection, or fear of not being good enough. 'When someone doesn't respond immediately, anxious attachers spiral into worst-case scenarios. They think silence means disinterest, when really the other person might just be in a meeting.' According to Anita, the irony is that in being needy, the texter 'creates exactly what we're trying to avoid – rejection'. She continued: 'When we bombard someone with desperate messages, we're essentially saying "I don't trust you to like me unless I constantly remind you I exist". That's exhausting for the recipient. 'My advice? Put down the phone and work on yourself. The best relationships happen when two complete people choose to share their lives, not when one person desperately clings to another for validation. Remember, the right person won't need constant texts to remember you exist – and you won't need constant reassurance that they care.'
Toronto Sun
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Toronto Sun
Biggest, boldest turn-ons, based on your zodiac sign
Young couple in bedroom enjoying sensual foreplay. Getty Images Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. Astrology can tell you a lot about yourself – and others. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account It can reveal things about an individual, what lies ahead for someone career-wise and, of course, a person's love life. But zodiac signs can also determine what someone finds attractive. 'Astrology doesn't just describe your personality – it can also offer playful insight into your romantic and sexual preferences,' Anita Fletcher, a sex and relationship expert at adult toy brand Fantasy Co., told the Toronto Sun . Every sign has its own sexual identity, so knowing more about your person's needs can make for a happy, healthy sex life. 'While no chart replaces communication, the signs highlight where someone might naturally lean when it comes to desire,' Fletcher noted. 'Exploring your partner's sign can open up new pathways to pleasure. Rather than thinking of it like putting someone in a box, see it as being about having a playful guide to their instincts, preferences, and fantasies.' Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Aquarians are cerebral, quirky, and a little unexpected, so they're turned on by novelty, rebellion, and unique connections. 'Keep it weird, keep it wild, and you'll keep their attention,' Fletcher revealed. Pisces (Feb. 19 – Mar. 20) Dreamy, imaginative, and deeply romantic, Pisces are aroused by fantasy, sensuality, and emotional storytelling – so moments that feel like a scene from a fairy tale. Aries (Mar. 21 – Apr. 19) The bolder, the better, for Aries, who thrive on excitement, adrenaline, and the kind of passion that feels like a roller-coaster ride. 'Aries wants a partner who doesn't play it safe and isn't afraid to make the first move,' Fletcher said. RECOMMENDED VIDEO Taurus (Apr. 20 – May 20) This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Taurus is ruled by Venus, the planet of love and pleasure, so it's no surprise that this sign enjoys the finer, softer side of intimacy. 'They need to feel secure, adored, and physically pampered.' Gemini (May 21 – June 20) Gemini gets turned on through conversation, so their biggest erogenous zone is their mind. 'Geminis are into variety and spontaneity, so don't be afraid to change things up,' Fletcher teased. Cancer (June 21 – July 22) Cancer is sensitive, nurturing, and deeply romantic, and they feel safe and seen once their sensual side is awakened. 'They're most turned on when they feel emotionally close to their partner, so a slow, affectionate build-up is their sweet spot.' Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22) Leos want to feel desired, admired, and utterly irresistible, so lavish them with compliments, dramatic declarations of love, and make them feel like royalty. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Virgos are thoughtful perfectionists, so it's about them learning what pleases you . 'Virgos are attentive lovers who delight in the details and take pride in getting it exactly right,' Fletcher explained. Read More Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22) Libra is ruled by Venus and lives for love, charm, and aesthetic pleasure. 'Seduction is an art for Libra, and they adore being wooed.' Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21) Scorpios are magnetic, intense, and drawn to experiences that feel transformative. 'Intimacy is a journey, not a pitstop – and they're all in once you've earned it,' according to Fletcher. Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21) Humour, risk, and a spirit of exploration gets bold, freedom-loving Sagittarians all hot and bothered. 'If you can turn flirtation into an adventure, they'll happily come along for the ride.' Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19) Capricorns are turned on by intelligence, control, and understated confidence, and power dynamics can play a big role in their fantasies. 'Don't let Capricorns' cool exterior fool you,' Fletcher hinted. 'They're wildly sensual beneath the surface!'
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
NKGen Appoints Dr. Anita Fletcher as National Principal Investigator for Phase 2a Troculeucel Trial Evaluating Moderate Alzheimer's Disease with AdventHealth Orlando as First East Coast Site
SANTA ANA, Calif., Feb. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NKGen Biotech, Inc. (Nasdaq: NKGN) ('NKGen' or the 'Company'), a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the development and commercialization of innovative autologous and allogeneic natural killer ('NK') cell therapeutics, today announced that Anita Fletcher, M.D. has been appointed as the National Principal Investigator ('PI') for its Phase 2a clinical trial of troculeucel, expanded enhanced autologous NK cell therapy, for the treatment of moderate Alzheimer's disease (NCT06189963). In addition to Dr. Fletcher's appointment as National PI, NKGen is pleased to announce AdventHealth Research Institute, Neuroscience Research in Orlando will be the first clinical site on the East Coast with the intent of enrolling moderate stage Alzheimer's Disease (AD) patients in the very near term. 'We are both honored and delighted that Dr. Fletcher has agreed to serve as our National PI. Her extensive expertise in neuroimmunology provides her with a deep understanding of our approach using enhanced activated NK cells (troculeucel), not only for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease where roughly 30% of Alzheimer's patients have moderate stage disease for which there is no approved disease modifying therapy, but also for other neurodegenerative diseases as well,' said Paul Y. Song, M.D., Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NKGen Biotech. "Alzheimer's disease continues to impact far too many people in our community, which is why it's an honor to serve as the national PI for troculeucel, an expanded NK cell therapy for individuals living with the disease, offering hope for improved quality of life for those affected by neurodegenerative disorders,' said Dr. Fletcher. 'This groundbreaking work embodies the whole person care AdventHealth is committed to pioneering through advanced research and the collaboration with Dr. Song and NKGen Biotech reflects a shared commitment to furthering cellular therapeutic interventions.' Previously reported highlights from the dose escalation Phase 1 trial: Despite 70% of subjects being treated at relatively low doses of troculeucel for only four total doses, 90% of all evaluable subjects had either stable or improved (±0.1) composite ADCOMS scores at Week 11 (one-week after the final dose) as previously disclosed. One-week post-final dose, improvement in CSF biomarkers were observed in 70% p-Tau181, 60% AB42/40 ratio, 60% GFAP, 40% GDF-15, 30% LTBP2, and 30% NF-L. Despite suboptimal dosing for two/thirds of the subjects, troculeucel was able to positively affect biomarkers that are associated with increased AD development. No treatment related adverse events were observed. The current randomized Phase 2a trial is utilizing the cryopreserved product delivered at the highest dose of 6 x 109 cells every three weeks for one full year. About TroculeucelTroculeucel is a novel cell-based, patient specific, ex vivo expanded autologous NK cell immunotherapeutic drug candidate. NKGen is developing troculeucel for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders and a broad range of cancers. Troculeucel is the International Nonproprietary Name ('INN') for SNK01 assigned by the World Health Organization ('WHO'). The WHO INN approval of troculeucel establishes a universally recognized nonproprietary drug name for SNK01 and marks a significant step on NKGen's journey toward bringing this therapy to market. About Anita Fletcher, Fletcher is a board-certified neurologist specializing in neuroimmunology and neuroinfectious diseases and is currently the Director of Neuroscience Clinical Research at AdventHealth Neuroscience Institute in Orlando, FL. She completed a Neuroimmunology and Neuroinfectious disease fellowship at the National Institutes of Health ('NIH') in Bethesda, MD where she also served as Director of the Neuroimmunology Clinic for the National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke. About AdventHealth Central Florida DivisionAdventHealth's Central Florida Division encompasses 17 hospitals and ERs in four counties across metro Orlando. The world-class hospitals, combined with a comprehensive outpatient care network, see more than 5.9 million patient visits annually. AdventHealth also has an expansive research portfolio in Central Florida, with more than 675 clinical trials and studies in progress. The organization, which has more than 33,000 Central Florida team members, has a deep commitment to serving the community, with a community investment of more than $1.26 billion in 2023. The division's flagship campus — AdventHealth Orlando — boasts nationally and internationally recognized programs, and serves as a major tertiary and quaternary referral hospital for much of the Southeast, the Caribbean and Latin America. Quality specialty care is provided through AdventHealth Institutes, which is nationally recognized in numerous specialties. AdventHealth Orlando has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report, Healthgrades, Newsweek and the Leapfrog Group. Learn more about the Central Florida Division on our Newsroom. About NKGen BiotechNKGen is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the development and commercialization of innovative autologous and allogeneic NK cell therapeutics. NKGen is headquartered in Santa Ana, California, USA. For more information, please visit Forward-Looking StatementsStatements contained in this press release may contain 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as 'anticipate', 'believe', 'could', 'continue', 'expect', 'estimate', 'may', 'plan', 'outlook', 'future' and 'project' and other similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. Because such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside of the Company's control, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the Company's plans and expected timing for developing troculeucel and SNK02, including the expected timing of completing and announcing further results from its ongoing clinical studies; and the Company's expected timing for developing its product candidates and potential benefits of its product candidates. Risks that contribute to the uncertain nature of the forward-looking statements include: the Company's ability to execute its plans and strategies; risks related to performing clinical studies; the risk that initial and interim results of a clinical study do not necessarily predict final results and that one or more of the clinical outcomes may materially change as patient enrollment continues, following more comprehensive reviews of the data, and as more patient data become available; potential delays in the commencement, enrollment and completion of clinical studies and the reporting of data therefrom; the risk that studies will not be completed as planned; the risk that the abstract will not be published as planned including delays in timing, format, or accessibility; and NKGen's ability to raise additional funding to complete the development of its product candidates. These and other risks and uncertainties are described more fully under the caption 'Risk Factors' and elsewhere in the Company's filings and reports, which may be accessed for free by visiting the Securities and Exchange Commission's website at and on the Company's website under the subheading 'Investors—Financial and Filings'. Investors should take such risks into account and should not rely on forward-looking statements when making investment decisions. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date on which they were made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update such statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made, except as required by law. Internal Contact:Denise Chua, MBA, CLS, MLS (ASCP)SVP, Corporate Affairs949-396-6830dchua@ External Contacts:Chris CalabreseManaging DirectorLifeSci Advisors, LLCccalabrese@ Kevin GardnerManaging DirectorLifeSci Advisors, LLCkgardner@
