If have more sex is one of your New Year's resolutions for 2008 [1] (don't laugh, it's on my husband's list every year) then you may be doing more for your health than you originally thought. Here are some reasons [2] why:

• Weight loss and control. Forget torturing yourself with the latest fad diet or hours on the elliptical machine when you can burn about 200 calories in 30 minutes of sex!

• Pain management. Forgo popping a pain killer and opt for something a bit more au naturel.
• Stress relief. Sex, even if only with ourselves, impacts the way we respond to stress, increasing levels of oxytocin and stimulating feelings of warmth and relaxation.
• Immune booster. Stop spending late nights at the office. Sex wards off colds and the flu.
• Better heart health. A little bit of heart and soul in the sack should be part of every doctor’s orders when it comes to cardiovascular care.
• Increased self-esteem and intimacy. When sex is consistent and involves mutual pleasure, it can increase bonding since the surge in oxytocin at orgasm stimulates feelings of affection, intimacy, and closeness.

Source [3]