Babe With The Power

One fun part about maturing is realizing that most of the so-called shameful awakenings we were conditioned to be embarrassed by were totally normal. Many of us humped pillows and felt funny flutters watching Dirty Dancing. Everyone experimented with whatever (hopefully safe) household items they had at their disposal. And let's be honest—nothing was off-limits.

While some of us were guided into the land of masturbation via friend or magazine article (no thanks to sex ed!), others found their solo groove purely by accident. As was the case with Lovability Co-Founder Maureen Pollack.

Self-stimulation was not a taboo topic by any means during Pollack's childhood. According to her, she "figured out masturbation" when she was just three years old. Knowing how to take care of herself (especially during the years of raging teenage hormones) gave her a safe route to explore her body's pleasure-producing capabilities without having to engage in sex with someone before she was ready.

"Society didn't get a grip on me to tell me I'm a dirty girl," she said. "My parents were always very open and wonderful. I give them a lot of credit for never shaming anything, but I definitely felt the social pressure from society."

For the most part, the usual methods worked just fine at satisfying those natural urges. But Pollack accidentally stumbled upon an entirely new layer of gratification when she was 15 years old.

The Pleasure Of Water Masturbation

While taking a bath one evening, she used the faucet to help her sit up. It popped off, and the water from the pipe behind it started shooting straight out. "It hit me in the face," she says, recalling the exact moment her world changed. "I jumped back, and it hit me somewhere else magical. And let's just say that that was my eureka moment. I went to heaven."

For obvious reasons, Pollack opted not to tell her parents about the pipe burst. Instead, she took four baths a day, often staying in until the water went cold. Even though she was no stranger to climaxing, she said masturbating with water gave her some of the most intense orgasms of her life.

"It was like nothing I had ever experienced before. So I enjoyed that faucet coming straight out for about a week. And then my father fixed it."

Much to her dismay, Pollack's father quickly repaired the broken faucet, unknowingly cutting her off from the out-of-this-world pleasure portal she had discovered. But Pollack wasn't about to give up that easily. She tried angling with her showerhead and scooting under the replaced faucet, but the water dispersion was either too sharp or too wide to do anything but tease her.

"I was like a dog without a bone dying to get that experience back," she said. "I was in love. I was going to marry my bathtub." So one day, while her dad was out, she grabbed a sledgehammer from the garage and sent that shiny new faucet to pipe heaven.

"I enjoyed it for another three or four days, and my dad fixed it again," Pollack said. "I was mortified. He yelled, 'How the hell did this happen?' And I was like, 'I don't know. It wasn't me.'"

Knowing she probably couldn't get away unscathed if she brought out the sledgehammer again, 15-year-old Pollack eventually requested a handheld showerhead for "her curly hair." Her parents obliged, it did the job but it had nothing on laying back and letting the water work it’s magic hands-free so she put her pipe dreams to bed. But no matter how much her sexual knowledge evolved, she never did forget about that experience.

When she became 18 she was able to purchase sex toys she ran out and started her collection. "I was like Ariel from 'The Little Mermaid,'" she joked. "I had gizmos and gadgets a plenty. I probably have almost everything under the sun that's body safe, and never was I ever able to experience that kind of orgasm again."

It wasn't until years later when she was advising OB-GYN practices about stimulation, that her faucet fantasies were brought back to life. Pollack always recommended water as a gentle masturbation technique (especially for women who recently experienced childbirth or trauma) and encouraged doctors to tell their patients about the power of scooting under the faucet AKA the bathtub technique. 

But when one of her OB-GYNs brought up patients with immobility issues who might not be able to position themselves that way, she remembered her first love: the busted pipe.

"I'm like, I had this experience at 15—just create a water diverter," she said. "They called me three days later and told me I needed to invent it, and how it will be most body-safe method for both pleasure and feminine hygiene for women!"

After some slight hesitation and convincing from her peers, Pollack did just that. And in 2014, The WaterSlyde was born. Her patented aquatic stimulator attaches to your faucet and diverts a seriously hypnotic flow of water right where you want it. There are no batteries or charging cords to worry about. You just turn the water to your desired temperature and let the water flow and ride the waves of pleasure.

"When I think back to my original experience, it's the fact that I was able to lay there comfortably without having to do any work. Removing my hands from the situation, I think I was able to get lost in my imagination and fantasize. It was just this indulgence, and there's nothing like it on the market."

The WaterSlyde is undeniably the most body-safe and eco-friendly sex toy out there—and we can't think of a better way to honor International Women's Day than by treating yourself to one. You don't have to take a sledgehammer to your faucet or do bathtub yoga to experience the mind-blowing pleasure that bath time can offer. Just add The WaterSlyde to your self-care routine and experience just how good you can really feel. We all deserve more pleasure in our lives!

About The Author

Emily Blackwood is a freelance journalist committed to answering the plaguing question of what makes us truly happy. Turns out, it's a lot. Her work has been published in SELF, HuffPost, and YourTango. You can learn more here.

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Medical Disclaimer: The information provided here is intended for educational and informative purposes only and is not intended to serve as medical or professional advice. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other health-care professional.

I’ve never met anyone with a positive memory of sex ed. Most of us share in the equally horrifying experience of listening to your grumpy gym coach talk about tampons and chlamydia while the whole class snickered and sneered. Let’s just say absolutely no vital information was retained, hence why the majority of our sexual know-how was derived from less embarrassing formats such as magazines and older siblings.

That would be all fine and well—except that of the over 20 million sexually transmitted infections that happen every year, 15- to 24-year-olds account for almost half of them. 

Lovability Co-founder and Resident Pleasure Queen Maureen Pollack is mega passionate about what is (and isn’t) taught in schools. According to her, a major piece is missing from the curriculum that could very well reduce those numbers and empower young people to have healthier outlets for sexual expression. And that missing piece is masturbation. 

“When I was 15, I was the girl teaching all of her friends how to self-stimulate,” Pollack says, chuckling. “I didn’t have any stigma on virginity or any notion of trying to save myself, but I think I naturally abstained from sex because I could create my own pleasure. I was able to wait until I found somebody I wanted to do it with, whereas my friends would come to me upset that they hooked up with a guy because they couldn’t control themselves. They didn’t do it because they wanted to be with them, but because they had no other outlet.”

Yet while masturbation is a normal, healthy part of human sexual behavior, for many patriarchal (and downright archaic) reasons, self-pleasuring is viewed as too taboo to teach. Pollack believes this needs to change—and here’s why. 

Reason #1: There's No Such Thing As Safe Sex

In most health classes, students are given two options for going to pound town: safe sex or total abstinence. Pollack argues what anyone who went through puberty will tell you. Neither of these options are great—or very realistic. 

“There’s no such thing as safe sex,” she says. “There’s only safer sex.” 

To be clear, the “safe” in “safe sex” refers to the prevention of STIs and unwanted pregnancies. Most of the practices that are defined as safe sex (like wearing a condom, oral sex, etc.) can only reduce your risk of catching an STI or becoming pregnant. Only abstinence can 100% guarantee your safety in that regard. 

“If anybody wants to abstain from sex, great,” Pollack says. “That’s your choice, and I’m all for people living a life they want to live. But celibacy can be extremely difficult and most people are challenged to keep it 100%.” 

Your vibrator, on the other hand, can’t give you an STI or knock you up. That’s why self-pleasuring is the only form of sexual engagement that can actually be considered safe sex. 

Reason #2: The Benefits of Masturbation Far Outweigh The Risks

Outside of the whole eternal-damnation thing (BTW, nowhere in the Bible does it explicitly say that masturbation is a sin; some interpret “spilling the seed” as semen, but women can’t spill a seed, right?), there are only a few risks that come with self-stimulation:

* Bacterial vaginosis: caused by sex toys that are not body-safe or weren’t properly cleaned before use.

* Porn addiction: caused by watching too much pornography and it’s disrupting your life/relationships. 

* Poor mental health: caused by outdated societal norms that shame people for self-pleasuring. 

But these dangers are both easily preventable (i.e., choose quality toys and clean your vibrators and limit your porn usage) and far outweighed by the scientifically proven benefits:

* Dulls pain: one study found that vaginal stimulation can increase your pain tolerance threshold by a whopping 40%. 

* Relieves stress: orgasming releases oxytocin, which has been found to decrease the levels of cortisol (our stress hormone). 

* Increase happiness: regular masturbation can actually increase your brain’s concentration of dopamine and oxytocin—two neurotransmitters that are consistently linked to mood regulation and overall happiness. 

* Improves sleep: a 2019 study reported that 50% of people who masturbated before bed and had an orgasm enjoyed better sleep that same night.

* Reduces menstrual cramps: a 2021 study found that over 40% of women reported masturbating to be more effective at relieving cramps than medication.

And that’s just what the science says. Having a regular self-pleasure practice also allows you to explore your own desires and arousal without pressure, learn the different ways your body responds to touch, and develop a healthier, more empowered relationship with your sexuality.

Plus, it’s free, easy to access, and anyone can do it—whether you’re single or part of a couple.

Reason #3: Self-Pleasure Is Self-Care

Call me old-fashioned, but we've gotten a little too 'lax about what we call self-care. So much of what we've tossed into that basket is just consumerism disguised as “treating yourself.” We're encouraged to take the latest gut health supplement and buy expensive under eye creams—all of which are lovely but ultimately superficial.

True self-care is taking the time to do something that is solely for your own pleasure. And what can be more pleasurable than an orgasm? 

It's Never Too Late To Learn

If you have yet to hop on the masturbation train, or you’re ready to make your self-pleasure practice a priority, Pollack has a few simple tips you can follow. 

1. Make sure whatever you’re doing is clean. Wash your hands, wash your toys, and only use products that are labeled as body-safe. 

2. Follow wherever your mind goes. Don’t overthink it, and just start playing with the first idea that pops into your mind.

3. Upgrade your favorite nightly routine. Love bathtime? You’ll love it even more when you add a WaterSlyde to the mix. This aquatic simulator offers an unbelievable amount of pleasure while providing the cleanest, safest route to self-sex yet. 

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you decide to peruse your local sex store, don’t be afraid to ask one of the reps for assistance. Trust me; they’ve heard it all. 

“Exploring is the fun part,” Pollack said. “Explorers don’t just go to their destination. They enjoy the journey.” 

So, embrace the journey. There's no wrong way to self-pleasure, and no one is keeping score. Take your time and enjoy it. After all, sexual pleasure isn’t only a human right, it's self-care. And we all could use a little bit more of that.

About The Author

Emily Blackwood is a freelance journalist committed to answering the plaguing question of what makes us truly happy. Turns out, it's a lot. Her work has been published in SELF, HuffPost, and YourTango. You can learn more here.

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Medical Disclaimer: The information provided here is intended for educational and informative purposes only and is not intended to serve as medical or professional advice. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other health-care professional.

Sustainability is sexy. But caring about the one and only planet we've been given means taking a good, hard look at how our habits impact the environment—and what we do in the bedroom is no exception.

Anyone who's gone green will tell you that navigating the maze of eco-friendly choices can be tricky. The fact that sustainability is making its way into the sex toy industry is a major win, but separating the real eco-friendly playthings from the greenwashed knockoffs is a task all its own. After all, manufacturers often make do-gooder claims that may or may not hold up to reality. So it's up to the consumer (A.K.A., you) to decode labels and find the true green gems.

Before you start going all Sherlock Holmes on your pleasure products, it's important to understand what makes a toy truly sustainable. Here’s everything you need to know about shopping for your pleasure and Mother Earth.

Ban The Batteries

Despite the push for rechargeable models, billions of batteries still end up in landfills across the globe every single day. While battery-operated vibrators may be more affordable, investing in a USB-rechargeable toy reduces battery waste and could even save you money over time.

Go Motorless

Even rechargeable vibrators have a shelf-life. Depending on the quality, you may get anywhere from six months to six years out of your battery-powered pleasure pal. But there are plenty of non-motorized options if you know where to look. Dildos, wands, and Lovability's WaterSlyde made from natural fibers or renewable materials, provide intense sensation without the use of electricity.

Opt For Post-Consumer or Biodegradable Materials

A lot of the sex toys you'll find on the shelf (both virtually and IRL) are made with materials that are no good for the planet. While biodegradable material is definitely a step up from plastic, post-consumer plastics are ideal because it gives new purpose to materials that already exist. Plus, it lasts a lot longer.

"My concern with biodegradables is that the lifespan isn't as long because the compounds are breaking up," she says. "So just double-check, make sure they're body-safe, and look at the lifespan."

Consider The Packaging

And finally, what your product comes in matters just as much as what it's made of. Packaging materials cause a lot of unnecessary waste, so check the brand's website for info on what type of materials they use and if any are recyclable or compostable. The less packaging, the better! That's why our WaterSlydes come simply in a box made of recycled materials to keep it from breaking during shipping—that's it.

Buying eco-friendly sex toys isn't always easy, but with a little effort, you can find quality options that make you feel good about your pleasure purchases. After all, our planet deserves just as much attention in the bedroom as we do.

Introducing The World's Most Eco-Friendly Sex Toy

Ready to get your green on? Meet the WaterSlyde in Eco-Ebony! Made from 100% post-consumer resin, this toy is not only eco-friendly but body-safe thanks to its medical-grade recyclable plastic and the fact you're just using the pleasurable stream of water. Plus, it doesn't require batteries or electricity to enjoy its powerful, pleasure-filled stream. For now, its only available on Lovability's website where it's shipped to buyers without any unnecessary packaging to further reinforce the messaging around sustainability.

And if you're worried about wasting water, Pollack offers a simple shift in perspective. "You're filling up your bathtub anyway," she says. "I like to joke with people that if you're not using it for pleasure, you're wasting potential energy."

Sustainability is sexy. But caring about the one and only planet we've been given means taking a good, hard look at how our habits impact the environment—and what we do in the bedroom is no exception :)

Lovability is partnered with 1% For The Planet, a global network of businesses, nonprofits, and individuals working together to protect Mother Earth. Every year, Lovability donates 1% of its annual revenue to nonprofits - such as Women's Voices For The Earth - that are bravely tackling some of today’s most pressing environmental issues. Every purchase you make contributes to not only a more pleasurable planet but a healthy one.

About The Author

Emily Blackwood is a freelance journalist committed to answering the plaguing question of what makes us truly happy. Turns out, it's a lot. Her work has been published in SELF, HuffPost, and YourTango. You can learn more here.

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Medical Disclaimer: The information provided here is intended for educational and informative purposes only and is not intended to serve as medical or professional advice. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other health-care professional.

The holiday of lurve is upon us, which means the chocolate roses and heart-shaped home decor are out in full force. But instead of playing it safe and gifting the same old stuff every year, why not add a little bit of spice to your V-Day gift list?

Whether you’re buying something special for your partner, showering your squad for Galentine's Day, or indulging in some self-love this February 14th, these spicy treats will certainly bring the heat.

1. Aphrodisiacs 

5. Inconspicuous Storage

Everyone has a drawer—you know the one we're talking about—that contains all the naughty things you'd rather not have lying around the house. Give your bedroom that extra sprinkle of privacy it needs with a discreet storage box designed to hold all your sexiest trinkets. This vibrant silicone pouch from Babeland comes in three sizes and is perfect for hiding all your dirty little secrets.

6. Erotica Subscription

This one's for the bookworms in the house. Whether you're a fan of romance, erotica, or a little bit of both, there’s something for everyone at an audio erotic subscription service like Dipsea. 

Choose from exclusive stories from nearly every genre imaginable (vampires, anyone?) and let your imagination wander. A subscription to this female-founded platform makes the perfect gift for anyone who loves to immerse themselves in a world of steamy fiction.

7. Power & Pleasure Pack

In our opinion, there are two things every sexually empowered gal can't live without: lube and condoms. Make sure everyone in the group chat is armed with the necessities for a good time this V-Day with our Power & Pleasure Pack.

This bundle contains a pack of three condoms, a reusable carrying tin, and our HALLELUBEYAH® ORGANIC aloe lubricant. And the best part? All the contents are body-safe and made with all-natural ingredients, so you can feel good about getting it on.

8. Love Towels

Post-coitus clean-up isn't the sexiest activity. But having an ultra-soft, absorbent towel designed especially for the occasion on hand can make it a heck of a lot more enjoyable. Tushy Bamboo Bum Towels are not only environmentally friendly, but they're also naturally anti-bacterial, making them perfect for all kinds of intimate moments.

9. Roleplaying Gear

Don't let February 14th pass by without giving yourself a chance to bring your fantasies to life. Even something as subtle as a lacy masquerade mask or a pair of silky restraints can send your bedroom game to the next level. From frisky police officers to naughty babysitters, you can unleash your wildest desires with the help of some risqué role playing gear.

10. Booster Sex Pillow

Getting intimate is all about the angles. Give your lovemaking sessions a boost with a discreet wedge pillow. These specially designed cushions are the perfect tool for exploring all those extra-special positions, and this sex pillow from Dame provides just the right amount of support.

11. Mega Perfect Pack

If you really want to give the gift of spice this Valentine's Day, look no further than Mega Perfect Pack.  Lovability partnered with leading lingerie brand Hanky Panky® to bring you this super-hot bundle containing everything you need for the perfectly planned night of passion and pleasure.

Inside, you'll find: two Hanky Panky® thongs (one classic, one crotchless), HALLELUBEYAH® lubricant, 3 Condoms + Tin, and three of Quickies™ premium personal towelettes—basically everything you need to ensure maximum fun on V-Day. 

12. Silky Bedding

Is there anything sexier than slipping into bed with some silky sheets? We don't think so. Nothing upgrades your bedroom like a luxurious set of bedding, and this sheet set from MYK Silk is the perfect way to treat yourself (or your partner) to a night of sensual luxury. The hypoallergenic mulberry silk fabric will keep you cool throughout all those steamy moments.

13. Lingerie Subscription

For the girl who loves to add a little flair to her lingerie drawer, a subscription to a service like The Queen Box from Empress Mimi is just the thing. Every month, you'll get a surprise set of wire-free lingerie personalized for your size and style preferences delivered right to your doorstep. It's like Valentine's Day never ends!

14. Bringing Sexy Bath Kit

Baths can be a deeply sensual experience—especially when you have all the right products. Lovability's signature Bringing Sexy Bath Kit contains everything you need for a night of luxurious bath pleasure: our ThreePlay Massage Candle, Bomb Balm Arousal Balm, a Lovability Micro Fiber Hair Towel Wrap, and our viral body-safe sex toy, the WaterSlyde. Trust us, you won't want bath time to end.

Don’t Forget To Spoil Yourself

Valentine's Day is about celebrating love—and that includes self-love! You don't need to be in a serious relationship (or even a casual situationship) to indulge in the holiday. Whether you spend it with a lover, girlfriends, or solo, take this opportunity to give your body and spirit some much-deserved pampering with our spicy selection of goodies.

About The Author

Emily Blackwood is a freelance journalist committed to answering the plaguing question of what makes us truly happy. Turns out, it's a lot. Her work has been published in SELF, HuffPost, and YourTango. You can learn more here.

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Medical Disclaimer: The information provided here is intended for educational and informative purposes only and is not intended to serve as medical or professional advice. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other health-care professional.

If you're a part of the Lovability fam, then you know we're BIG fans of lube.  While we'll sing lube's praises for penetration all day, it's not the only route to Pleasuretown you can take. There are some other, just as fun ways to experiment with lube that you might have yet to explore. 

So we picked the brains of some of the smartest pleasure educators around, and they gave us the down-low on seven of their favorite, creative ways to use lube.

#1 Moisturizer For Your Lips

No, not those lips (that's pretty obvious, right?), but if your other puckers are in need of a little moisture, Lovability Co-Founder and President, WaterSlyde inventor, and world-renowned pleasure queen Maureen Pollack has the best trick.

“I use our HALLELUBEYAH Organic Aloe lube as lip gloss,” she says with a sly smile. “I like to say that 'our lube is good for all your lips.' Try saturating your lips with lube. It’s seriously HOT. And because it's organic and super clean, I have no worries about doing mouth stuff after our lube has been applied.”

Another little secret Pollack shared. "Our Bomb Balm Arousal Balm has a plumping element to it, so I get major compliments when I use it on my lips. And I'm always like, 'Little do you know what's going on.'"

#2 Spice Up Your Couples' Massage 

A massage is a great way to relax and get in the mood. According to Nina Nguyen, a Berlin-based sex educator and co-founder of Fraulila.de, an LGBTQ+ platform in Germany, the only thing that would make massaging your partner's body even hotter is wetting your hands with a little lube.

"People forget lube isn't only for penetration," Nguyen says. "It has multiple uses and comes in many different forms. Although the standard water and silicone-based are perfect for sex, you can get lubricants that are great for massages as well.

"Any lube made for vaginal and/or anal use will have the oiliness needed for an awesome massage. Then you can ease into sex much better, which is more pleasurable for both partners."

#3 Spice It Up Even Further

Wanna really experience all the delicious magic lube can offer? Sex expert and educator for Bedbible Rachel Worthington invites you to take your massage a little further south.

"If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, you can also try a perineal massage," Worthington says. "Just add a dollop of lube to your fingers, warm it up a bit and then gently massage the area just below the anus. In penis owners, massaging this area can actually indirectly stimulate the prostate, but it can also feel super pleasurable for vulva owners, too."

When it comes to what kind of lube to use, Worthington says she always opts for oil-based as "they are long-lasting and often nourish the skin." Just be sure to avoid oils when using condoms or sex toys, as they can cause damage. If you're playing with a vibrator or using a condom, water-based lube is best.

#4 Upgrade Your Shower Sex

Shower sex is one of those things that's always great in theory. But water zaps the moisture out of your skin, which makes penetration really uncomfortable and even painful. Nguyen says that reaching for the lube is the answer.

"Most people have issues with lubrication in showers, jacuzzis, and tubs," she says. "Here is the best solution: you need silicone-based lube as it's water resistant and lasts longer than ordinary lube. Some stores carry lubes made specifically for underwater sex in any occasion, which can come in handy in other situations like naturist/nudist beaches, private swimming pools, and so on."

That's right, lube may just be the thing to make all your exhibitionist fantasies come true.

#5 Give Your Nips Some Love 

Who doesn't love a little nipple play? Any fans of this kind of foreplay should take Worthington's advice and introduce the girls to lube.

"If you have sensitive nipples and enjoy nipple stimulation during foreplay and sex, try dabbing a small amount on each nipple," she says. "Then have your partner stroke, squeeze or flick your nipples, and every sensation will suddenly feel even more intense. Plus, it will have a delightfully cooling effect, which can be intensified even more by gently blowing on the nipples."

#6 Try A 'BUSENFICK' 

Our boobs can feel so much more than we give them credit for. If you haven't experimented with them beyond the casual groping, erotic therapist and sensual massage educator Jazmin Light is about to rock your world.

"One way people can use lube, especially if they are into safe sex, is for a 'Busenfick,' as they call it in German," she says. "Boobfuck would be the literal translation." 

Don't be terrified of the brass, unromantic language. The actual act is much more inviting.

"Here's how it goes: you sensually smear the lube on and in between your breasts and on his shaft. And then, like a dolphin (male on his back, girl on top), glide your chest up and down on his shaft."

#7 Get Your Hands Dirty

Getting a little handsy is always fun, and licensed marriage and family therapist Shadeen Francis says you can make it even more fun with some lube. Just a warning: this can get a little messy.

"Any scratching during sex should be intentional and consensual," Francis says. "So I like to suggest that before any hand play, not just add a little lube to the area, but to put a generous squeeze of lube in their palms. Rub it into both sides of your hands, like you would if you were washing them. You can get some surprising sensations from the back side of your hand or between your fingers."

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As you can see, the sky is truly the limit when it comes to what lube can do for you. So the next time you're feeling frisky in the bedroom, grab a bottle of HALLELUBEYAH ORGANIC aloe-based lube and see what kind of (very fun) trouble you can get into.

About The Author

Emily Blackwood is a freelance journalist committed to answering the plaguing question of what makes us truly happy. Turns out, it's a lot. Her work has been published in SELF, HuffPost, and YourTango. You can learn more here.

___________________________________________________

Medical Disclaimer: The information provided here is intended for educational and informative purposes only and is not intended to serve as medical or professional advice. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other health-care professional.