Painful joints impact sex life: Survey

Painful joints have become a bigger and more real reason than the good old excuse of "having a headache" for people abstaining from physical intimacy, according to new research.

Arthritis Research Britain conducted the survey to reveal the everyday challenges couples face in their relationships, and to raise awareness of the challenges faced by people with Arthritis and joint pain to stay intimate in their relationships.

Two-thirds of the respondents between the age group of 55-69 felt that their relationship was less intimate than when they first got together and nearly a quarter of married couples say they're unsatisfied with their current love life.

Nearly a third of the couples surveyed don't cuddle or hold hands enough anymore, nearly half feel that they aren't having enough sex and have sex less often than once a fortnight, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

"As we rush around leading busy lives, it's easy for relationships to suffer. The survey shows that couples want to be more physically intimate with one another, holding hands, having a cuddle and having sex are all important to keep a healthy relationship," said sex expert Tracey Cox.

Joint pain can affect many parts of the body including hands, hips, knees, fingers, back and neck. This makes movements that many of us take for granted, like having sex, holding hands or cuddling incredibly painful.

Previous studies have shown that 13 percent of people with Arthritis found joint pain impacted their sex life.

New York is witnessing heavy snow

New York governor Andrew Cuomo has declared a state of emergency across New York as a major winter storm has already started to bring heavy snow, sub-zero temperatures, and high winds across the state, an official statement said. A state of emergency mobilises resources to local governments that otherwise are restricted to state use only, and allows the governor to suspend laws and regulations that would impede rapid response, Xinhua reported Thursday citing the statement. The governor urged New Yorkers to avoid travelling and tay inside their homes until the worst of the storm has passed. "As this winter storm unfolds, bringing heavy snow and high winds to many parts of the state, I strongly urge all New Yorkers to exercise caution, avoid travel, and stay indoors," Cuomo said.

The four New York City airports are open, but airlines are operating on a significantly reduced schedule, with more than 412 flights cancelled as of mid-afternoon. Crews are applying anti-icing chemicals to runways and taxiways to keep them free of ice, said the governor's Office. In the event that some travellers become stranded, airport personnel are preparing cots, blankets and other essentials to assist customers. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority advises customers that cold temperatures and blowing snow may require suspension of some portions of the region's bus and commuter train operations, in order to protect customers and employees. The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) and New York State Thruway Authority said ploughs are available state-wide to clear snow and treat roads with salt.