Category: Health & Fitness

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Back Pain

Easy Ways To Prevent Back Pain With A Seat Cushion When You Are Seated All Day Long

Most people think that just because you have a job where you sit all day long that you have it made. Well, this is not the case at all. In fact, it is far more likely that you will injure your back from sitting as compared to individuals that up and moving around. In fact, research that dates back to the 1950s shows a direct correlation between back pain and individuals that remain seated all day. It was also discovered that bus drivers are far more likely to suffer from heart attacks when compared to the conductors on the same bus. If you are an individual that sits all day long then these facts are probably truly frightening. Well, do not fret because there are some easy ways that you can prevent lower pain back. Get Exercise When You Can: Most people know that they should be exercising, but they simply just don't do it. They either convince themselves that they don't have the time or they are just too tired after eight hours of work. Well, you might be surprised that one hour of exercise and combat the effects of sitting for eight hours. One hour of exercise could cover your whole workday. Exercise doesn't have to be something that is dreaded or physically draining. You don't have to go to the gym and hits the weights. You can simply choose an activity like rowing, walking, or biking. Turn that exercise into a hobby and it will be easier to get motivated to do it every day. Take Advantage Of Back Stretching Exercises: It doesn't matter how many hours of the day you sit there are a number of back stretching exercises that you can take advantage of to help ease the soreness and pain. You can do these exercises when you are not at work or on your lunch break and they can help prevent injury or even provide relief if you are already suffering an injury. The best two exercises available are plank and 2-point superman. You have probably heard of the plank before as it is an extremely common exercise. It basically just involves laying on the floor with your forearms in front of you with your elbow in line with your shoulders. Once in this position, you will lift yourself up onto your toes and elbows for 15 seconds. The 2-point superman will require you to get on all fours and straighten your right leg behind you while raising your left arm in front of you. You will literally look like Superman flying through the air. You will want to hold this position for 10 seconds and then switch to the other side. Take Advantage Of The Right Posture Products: Many people know that posture is important, but that doesn't make it easy to maintain the right posture at all times. This is especially true if you have already developed bad posture. Well, there are a number of products available on the market like the coccyx cushion that can help make your posture better. These cushion products are also equipped with 100% memory foam with no additives. They are literally made of the same material that can be found in the world's leading memory foam mattresses. Such cushion with these abilities can be used to improve bad posture and relieve leg pain while driving or sitting for extended periods of time. Constantly Change Seating Positions: If you work in an office you have the advantage of getting up and moving around, but if you are a driver this is probably something that won't be available to you. Well, this is where changing up your seating positions can come in handy. Every hour so make sure that you are shifting around in your seat to prevent yourself from staying in the same position for an extended period of time. Read Also: What Are The Benefits Of Using A Pedal Exerciser? What Are Virtual Reality Workouts And How Will They Affect Exercise?

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Testosterone Therapy

Testosterone Replacement Therapy What To Expect

Not many people are aware of testosterone therapy and this story is about how Testosterone therapy can change your life and make you confident like never before. The other day I was sitting with my friends and one of the friends told us about how he was undergoing testosterone therapy. It immediately intrigued all of us when he told us about how he is feeling the change in him with the therapy. I wanted to know more about it, so I googled it and figured out a few articles about it with some relevant information about testosterone therapy. What are the Symptoms of Low Testosterone? Until that day I was not aware of the fact what implications of low testosterone are. I was ignorant of signs of low testosterone. It can adversely affect the mind and reduce self-confidence or make someone depressed, or one might find it difficult to concentrate or have disturbed sleep. There might be a case of declining muscle and bone mass or an increase in body fat, fatigue. One might also face lower sex drive, difficulty in sustaining erections, and fewer spontaneous erections. All this affect our day to day life and our sexual relationship, and our performance at work. How to get Testosterone Replacement Therapy? As per a urologist, Dr. Michael O’Leary at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women’s Hospital  “In most men the testosterone level is normal and one must not have the prescription without lab test on the basis of general fatigue and malaise.” Having hormonal supplements can trap you and vouch for it as once men began to take testosterone replacement because they tend to feel better and the body stops making testosterone. However, it can pose some risks. What are the Side Effects of Testosterone Replacement Therapy? The risks involved with testosterone therapy are relatively low. However, some men might face immediate side effects of testosterone supplements such as acne, swelling in the ankles, disturbed breathing while sleeping. Besides, some doctors also watch for the high blood cell counts that might trigger the risk of clotting. In addition to that, there can be a higher risk of developing heart attacks, strokes and it can be fatal due to cardiovascular diseases. Review: I figured out from my further readings that most doctors do not recommend testosterone therapy until and unless there are chances of not avoiding it. Men can maintain energy easily without vouching on dietary supplements or drugs by following a healthy lifestyle such as having fiber and protein in snacks, walk as much as they can, or pacing up yourselves. One needs to be cautious and mindful before approaching testosterone therapy. One needs to have an accurate assessment. Be cautious of various side effects of gels, injections, and patches. Don’t feel shy or frustrated and try to diagnose your symptoms and be aware of them before having any testosterone therapy or supplements talk to your doctor openly and discuss your symptoms. A lab test is a must for measuring testosterone deficiency. One needs to follow up with the physician and must consult an endocrinologist. I have come to the conclusion that one cannot go ahead with testosterone therapy until and unless one is not sure of the symptoms and lab test. Low deficiency of testosterone needs to have therapy but with caution and keeping in mind the various side effects and not expecting any miracle out of it. Read Also: 8 Natural Ways To Balance Hormones Symptoms And Treatments For Shingles Virectin Reviews – Intense Male Enhancement For Increased Sex Drive

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Cannabis Oil

What is Cannabis Oil and how does CBD Oil Work?

Cannabis oil is a collective term for extracts extracted from the cannabis plant, also called the hemp plant. There are various types of cannabis oil that all come from different varieties of cannabis plants. Examples of these are the two most prominent varieties of Cannabis Sativa and Cannabis Indica. The two subspecies contain both active ingredients such as THC and CBD. Without being too theoretical, the difference between the two subspecies is briefly that Sativa has high levels of THC and Indica has a naturally high level of CBD. In the past few years, many enterprising start-ups are experimenting with cannabis-related products. This includes CBD oil and medical marijuana. With several states in the American Union legalizing marijuana use for leisure-related use, there is a growth in companies offering Marijuana Delivery. This is something, which is expected to reap great tax benefits for the states, and allow for scientific and medical research with the plant. What is CBD oil compared to cannabis oil? CBD oil is cannabis oil that is dominated by the cannabinoid CBD, Cannabidiol, and unlike THC, CBD does not give a psychoactive effect, thus making the CBD oil legal to use in many countries. Without being too theoretical, CBD oil is an oil extract from the cannabis plant with the active ingredient CBD. The CBD oil, especially the ones produced by popular brands such as Diamond CBD, has received increasing attention in the media over recent years, as CBD oil has repeatedly been shown to have health-promoting and anti-inflammatory effects. The active ingredient: What you need to know when buying cannabis oil is the active ingredient in the oil. Typical cannabis oil will contain a mixture of CBD and other cannabinoids or pure CBD. CBD must not be confused with THC, because THC is not a legal subject in many countries. THC has a euphoric side effect that makes you "high". It should be noted, however, that at present there is no legal high-THC CBD oil. However, the amount of THC in the legal CBD oils is so low that it has no effect whatsoever and thus will not give you a euphoric side effect or problem with the law. Many people use CBD oil products to supplement their usual medication as the oil turns out to have a further beneficial effect on common drugs, and have side effects. The increasing focus on oil in recent years has resulted in an increasing number of people becoming aware of, as so many describe it, the miracle product. What is the difference between THC oil and CBD oil: THC oil and CBD oil must not be confused with each other because they have their own effects and side effects. Cannabis oil with, for example, the high value of THC content has a euphoric effect that makes it illegal to use (in many countries). THC is only known for its euphoric effect in the form of hash which makes you "high". On the other hand, the cannabis oil containing pure CBD is not a psychoactive substance and therefore has no euphoric effect and can be legally used. The dosage of CBD oil: For legal reasons, we can’t advise on the dosage of CBD oil. We, therefore, recommend that you as a user should try you out and choose the best CBD oil. Start with a small dose and then increase the dose slowly until you find the dose that will give you the desired effect. Because CBD is not a psychoactive cannabinoid, it will not give you a euphoric side effect. Also, the use of cbd for dogs and cats is safe. Read this to know more about it. Therefore, you do not have to worry about getting into your insecure substance, no matter how much you dose. The effect of CBD oil: Proper dosing of CBD oil is very important because it wants the right effect for which the CBD oil is known. It is therefore important that, as previously described, find the right dose that gives the desired effect. The effect of CBD oil can include higher energy levels and more excess energy in daily life, as well as side effects in the invasion phase. But it is individually how to react. Nationally and internationally, it is continuously reported how CBD oil has had a positive effect on users. CBD oil for anxiety and depression: There are two cannabis oils for anxiety and depression that can help you with anxiety and depression. The first contains mainly CBD, but it can still contain traces of THC below 0.2 mg per liter, and the second alternative contains both CBD and THC, which results in the benefits of both substances, but also the side effects associated with the euphoric agent THC. Paranoia and anxiety: There are many people who can’t use marijuana for anxiety and depression because THC has a side effect on their mental state, making them paranoid and more sensitive. At the same time, pure CBD oil has been shown to have a positive effect without acting psychoactive. CBD oil against anxiety and depression has proven to be of great benefit to many people because the oil positively affects mood, gives higher energy levels, and more everyday life. CBD oil against pain: Chronic pain can come from an injury, as a stretch in the thigh, or from a prolonged period of illness that weakened the body. Other health problems such as fatigue, sleep disorders, and loss of appetite are often accompanied by chronic pain. CBD oil for pain can be an alternative solution instead of painkillers and if the various sedative drug products that are available do not work. CBD oil has been shown to be pain-relieving and has an anti-inflammatory effect that causes the muscles to relax. In addition, people suffering from nerve pain have used CBD oil for the pain and as a successful supplement for better sleep. Pain relief: People suffering from arthritis also use CBD oil against their joint pain instead of, or as a complement to, other pain-relieving drugs. CBD oil and also CBD edibles have been shown to have a positive effect on pain relief and inflammation. CBD oil against pain has been shown to have a good effect on people with chronic pain. CBD oil is seen as a natural contraceptive against pain. At the same time, CBD oil and other CBD products are offered as dietary supplements in Germany and other European countries, as well as in 50 states in the United States. But again, try choosing only the best CBD oil and the best CBD edible to get real benefits. CBD oil against fibromyalgia: CBD oil has been shown to have a positive effect on patients suffering from fibromyalgia. CBD oil has been documented as a good aid for chronic pain, insomnia, anxiety, depression, inflammation, muscle spasms, and mood. But everyone is different and you will also find those who discovered that CBD oil is not for them and that it has not helped their fibromyalgia, or any other discomfort. However, it should be noted that some cannabis oils contain very low levels of, if any, CBD at all. It is therefore important to be aware of which products you buy and who you buy them from. The prices of cannabis oils and other CBD products vary widely depending on the quality. A high price often indicates that you usually get what you pay for. Read Also: how does CBD Oil Work CBD The Solution To Insomnia Cannabis Can Help In The Fight Against Drug Addiction  

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CBD

CBD: The understanding of its benefits

Miracle Medicine or Shark Scam? The substance cannabidiol, CBD, is gaining more attention and allegedly curing and alleviating a number of diseases and symptoms - but what exactly is it? According to a page named as the upcoming, CBD is one of the hundreds of so-called cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, and unlike the intoxicating and known substance THC, the CBD is not psychoactive and in itself does not cause intoxication.  However, both THC and CBD are pharmacologically interesting and there is a great potential for medical use - both individually and in different combinations between them. In some states, like Arkansas, it is now legal for people to use both THC and CBD medicinally. Getting a medical marijuana card in Arkansas to help alleviate certain ailments is now made easier with telehealth options emerging. Historically, the medicinal properties of the cannabis plant have been used for a number of ailments in much of the world. For example, to reduce pain or to relieve symptoms from rheumatism and epilepsy. Today, this palette of disease states that cannabis is said to alleviate and the cure has increased even more, although the scientific support for its medicinal effect is often weak or non-existent. CBD is removed from the list of prohibited substances A major problem, however, has been that the research on cannabis medical potential has been made more difficult by the drug classified as a heavy drug without medical potential, which among other things has meant that few large and well-made studies have been done in humans. The fact that it is difficult to patent natural substances is also a reason why pharmaceutical companies have not invested in cannabis medical studies. But much has happened in recent years and today we can see a more relaxed view of the CBD. For example, the anti-doping organization Wada will remove cannabidiol from its list of banned substances in 2018 - while cannabis and THC are still on the list. We can also see that the sales of high quality CBD products, often in the form of oil drops, have grown sharply in recent years. The CBD industry in the US: The CBD industry in the US is both large and profitable. But from the point of view of authority, the criticism has long been hard against the industry. The US FDA recently released a number of letters to a number of major CBD dealers in the United States. Message: Stop marketing your products with medical claims that are not backed by science. The authority is also critical of the fact that CBD oil is marketed as a dietary supplement, although according to the FDA it is obvious that the products are pharmaceuticals. A new study on CBD content in products in the US market also showed that 70 percent of the tested products contained more or less CBD than the table of contents declared. It should be pointed out that there are tons of CBD brands, which claim to be the best at what they do. Huge claims are made about the purity of the extraction process and how well they work when it comes to relieving muscle and joint pains, promoting sleep, and so on. However, closer examinations reveal that the majority of brands operating in the CBD industry are just trying to hitch on the popularity bandwagon. Experts state that apart from brands like penguincbd.com, there are hardly others who can really claim to be creating great CBD products. Meanwhile in some countries: In some countries, it is difficult to obtain figures on how large the industry around CBD products is today, but that the growth is strong in recent years is clear. Many salesmen have long worked in a legal gray area and marketed their products as food and dietary supplements. This has meant that you have been in a more or less lawless country since you do not have to follow the Medicines Act and it is up to the manufacturers themselves to be responsible for ensuring that the products are safe. Specifically, this means that buyers can’t possibly know whether the amount of CBD in the product is actually what is claimed or if it contains heavy metals, other drugs, or toxic substances. You also have no responsibility to collect any side effects. Can CBD cure unusual diseases? In the United States, CBD passed on a broad front after a notable CNN report in 2013, where one had to meet the five-year-old girl Charlotte Figi who suffers from a very difficult and unusual form of childhood epilepsy, Dravet's syndrome. Charlotte was plagued by up to 300 heavy epileptic seizures a week and after existing drugs did not work, the parents tested her medication with CBD-rich cannabis oil, which drastically reduced the epileptic seizures. The girl suffers from the difficult and unusual epilepsy disease Dravet's syndrome and became an early symbol of the medical cannabis movement. Photo: TT And it is precisely to relieve and reduce seizures in difficult-to-treat and unusual epilepsy that CBD has shown the most promising results. In a review article from 2016, a number of researchers went through a number of studies on cannabidiol's medical effects and pointed out a number of areas where CBD drugs can be extra interesting, especially if combined with other substances, such as turmeric for example. To note, CBD and turmeric benefits are considered important by a lot of researchers. Epilepsy: Here, both early clinical data and anecdotal evidence indicate that CBD can be effective against epilepsy and then specifically difficult-to-treat forms that affect children, such as Dravet's syndrome and Lennox-Gastauut's syndrome. A British pharmaceutical company, GW Pharmaceuticals, is also in the final phase with a CBD-based drug that many people hope to be able to print soon to children suffering from severe epilepsy. A study from 2017 on 120 children and young adults with Dravet's syndrome also adds additional weight to CBD treatment in epilepsy. One could then show a statistically significant reduction in severe epilepsy cases in the group receiving cannabidiol. However, the CBD group also had more side effects than the placebo group. Schizophrenia and Psychosis Diseases: Today we know that cannabis use is one of several risk factors for suffering from schizophrenia and other psychosis diseases. And that one should be able to relieve and treat this with substances from the cannabis plant may sound strange, but cannabidiol antipsychotic properties are now being studied carefully. In the review article, the researchers stated that various studies have shown that it is possible to alleviate symptoms from schizophrenia with CBD. And among the more than 100 studies on cannabidiol that are currently registered, there are several whose future results can clarify the CBD's potential in psychosis disease. The same British drug companies that develop the CBD-based epilepsy drug have also, in a recently published and well-done study, shown that CBD can provide symptomatic relief in schizophrenia. Depending Disease: Another interesting area where CBD is predicted to have a medical field of application is dependency disease. Studies are currently underway in the treatment of problematic use of alcohol, cocaine, and opioids. There are also studies suggesting that CBD and turmeric capsules can reduce withdrawal symptoms in people trying to stop cannabis. And much more… From the information above, it can be concluded that CBD really has health benefits. But of course, it would be wiser if the use is consulted in advance with the doctor or related medical officer. Read Also: 4 Advantages Of Using CBD Oils Is CBD Oil & Edible Treats Safe For Pets – Dogs & Cats Cannabis Can Help In The Fight Against Drug Addiction

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Sleep Well

Ways to Sleep Well at Night as You Age

You might realize that as you age, it’s not easy going to sleep anymore. Even if you try hard to sleep, it takes time, and it might be worse if you had sleeping problems even when you were young. Age will only compound the problem, but don’t blame everything on age, since your lifestyle might also have something to do with experiencing sleeping problems. Sleep Experts contributed a Sleep Habits Survey among different age groups to better understand sleep habits and their impact on everyday life. Try these tips to make it easy to fall asleep. Have a warm bath Before you hit the bed, take a warm bath since bathing in warm water will make you feel sleepy. If you soak your body in a tub for a while, your body temperature will drop, and it helps you easily fall asleep. It’s recommended that you do this an hour or more before bed, to give time for your body temperature to fall. Calm down before you sleep Regardless of the problems you might have faced during the day, you need to stay calm. Let go of everything that causes stress and read a book or listen to soothing music; try anything that helps you unwind. A significant reason why you might be having a hard time sleeping is that several things are still bothering you. Do not eat or work in your bed When you see your bed, you need to send a signal to your brain that it is time to sleep - the problem is when you eat or work in your bed. Train yourself to use the bed only for sleeping and if you try hard to sleep, but after 20 minutes you are still awake, get out of bed for a while. Wait until you start feeling tired before you go back to bed. Do not sleep in the afternoon It is easy for you to feel tired when you age. When you are exhausted, your first instinct is to find a place to sleep. Sometimes, it is easy to sleep in the afternoon because the environment seems conducive for sleeping.It’s okay to nap if you want to, as naps of only 30 or so minutes won’t bother your night’s sleep. Try not to nap too close to your normal bedtime, as these naps can affect your ability to fall asleep at night. Schedule your exercise well You need to exercise and hit the gym if possible. You do not need rigorous exercise to stay healthy; you can benefit from a moderate exercise like jogging and brisk walking. Make sure that your workout schedule is set for earlier than three hours before bedtime. Exercising keeps your heart rate up and makes it difficult for you to calm down, and sleep. Take supplements You need to select the right kind of food that will help you sleep well. If you cannot get all the nutrients you need from the food you eat, you can try food supplements. There are many different types available, so look for something that will meet your needs. For example, if you are aged 40 or over and hitting the gym regularly, then building muscle over 40 supplements will help you with your fitness goals and also help you fall asleep easily. See your doctor and ask which food supplement would be suitable for your needs. You need to be consistent in your intake to see results. With these tips, you can look forward to a better night’s sleep. It’s okay to start slowly and build up your new routine. Make gradual changes at first and build an exercise, nutrition and anti-stress program that contributes to restful sleep. Read Also: 3 Health Advantages Of Good Night’s Sleep Things To Do Before Bed For A Perfect Night’s Sleep Effects Of Sleep Deprivation On Your Skin & Good Sleeping Habits

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American Healthcare

American Healthcare and its Woes

Most Americans agree that healthcare is important. Deciding who pays for quality healthcare is where disagreement begins. That part isn’t surprising. What many people fail to realize, is how unfounded disagreement can translate into unfair outcomes. Fortunately, Dylan Scott at Vox visualized the state of American healthcare in five sobering charts. His revelations were based on data published by the US Census Bureau in 2016, but that doesn’t make them any less compelling. According to Scott, everything from geopolitics and age to racial or ethnic heritage and even employment status can have a huge impact on healthcare. In other words, countless citizens live somewhere that doesn’t necessarily prioritize public access to affordable healthcare, and they don’t even realize it. The problems appear too complex to outsiders. That alone prevents the grand majority of them from trying to address things. Nevertheless, those individuals devoted to understanding the issues point to only a few key variables. For instance, Olga Khazan at The Atlantic highlighted three main reasons why our healthcare system is the worst amongst developed countries. Inadequate healthcare insurance coverage is the first obstacle, and with more than 27 million uninsured Americans, it’s no joking matter. Administrative inefficiency is another serious impediment, but it’s also unsurprising given the profit incentive. Everyone wants a piece of the proverbial pie. The final culprit is our primary care services, which are fragmented and disorganized to the point of sometimes inhibiting patient treatment. Conscientious writers like Olga aren’t the only ones publicizing the dismal state of affairs. Scholars from the foremost universities have begun to express similar sentiments when it comes to the healthcare system. Karen Feldscher at The Harvard Gazette promoted a joint study orchestrated by Harvard and the London School of Economics. According to the research, which was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), “The US has substantially higher spending, worse population health outcomes, and worse access to care than other wealthy countries.” The authoring researchers pinpointed administrative costs, prescription pharmaceuticals, and average annual salaries as the primary drivers of rampant healthcare prices. Comparing our healthcare system to those instituted abroad rarely makes sense. While the federal government vows to protect minors and has safety nets for the elderly, the status quo can quickly betray either group, depending on the nature of the scenario. Our elders are especially susceptible to disastrous possibilities without sufficient care. Many of the educated ones rely on specialized groups like Easy Medicare to investigate insurance eligibility and coverage details. The process isn’t nearly as intuitive when your health is already in decline, which is precisely why professional groups and services exist. It’s fair to say that without such support, still more people might fall by the wayside. Universal healthcare is likely to become increasingly popular if the described trends continue unabated. The healthcare outcomes are unsustainable and they seem to reflect the income inequalities and other disparities that plague America. The best that some of us can do, for the time being, is choose wisely between residing in a red or a blue state. Nisarg Patel at Slate emphasized as much just last year. According to him, “The battleground over healthcare has moved out of the national sphere and into state politics.” While the idea of moving for the sake of healthcare and medical attention might sound foreign to some individuals, numerous Americans have firsthand experience. Suffice it to say that the national healthcare system is not in an ideal condition. Debating the subject and advocating for better policies are both meaningful steps. It is our collective duty to demand appropriate healthcare for each and every person, regardless of circumstance or socioeconomic standing. Anything less ought to be considered a tragic betrayal. Read Also: Ensuring Quality Healthcare With Correct Diagnoses What Is The Chain Of Survival?

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medicare pros and cons

Medicare Pros and Cons: Everything You Need to Know before Enrolling

Given that more than 40 million Americans benefit from what Medicare has to offer, there are many ways for older adults to stay healthy. Those with disabilities or who might be on the edge of the income limits should know the Medicare pros and cons before enrolling. There are plenty of reasons to choose Medicare or something else, so you need to know what suits your lifestyle. Here are some of the most common pros and cons that people bring up when they're struggling with this decision. Pro: Coverage for the Uncovered: One of the reasons that Medicare is such a powerful coverage tool is that it has offered coverage to millions of people who didn't have it. With this program, elder adults are covered and protected from medical catastrophes. With only half a million seniors uninsured from year to year now, it's made it so that almost no one over 65 has to live without protection. Because Medicare is for those who need it and have little means, it helps keep more Americans protected than ever. Without it, elderly Americans would be forced to pay for medical treatment they couldn't afford. Older people tend to need the most medical care, and so it's vital that they have affordable and manageable care. Since elderly Americans are often retired, they don't have the means to keep up with rising medical costs. People with disabilities get help under Medicare to pay for the challenging costs of care. Without this aid, they would be dependant on caretakers and stuck with few options for care. Con: There Are Massive Costs to Cover It: Put all the costs of Medicare together and you'll find that it costs nearly half a trillion dollars. While this might be a hard figure to quantify, it ends up being 15 percent of all of our federal spending. It's only going to continue to grow in the future. While there are several items in the federal budget that we don't question the cost of, this is one we have to consider in a realistic sense. The costs of medical care are constantly climbing ever higher and leading to insurmountable bills for the average American. Without any intervention by the federal government, the cost of healthcare and the cost of providing programs like Medicare will take a big cut out of taxes. Without Medicare, we would have a much bigger tax base. However, we would have people who are constantly sick and in need of care, clinics that are filled to the brim, and elderly people who had no way to care for themselves. While we could do some work to ensure that the money we have is spent more wisely, for now, we can imagine this money going to education or social justice. While it could help with programs to eliminate poverty, ultimately, more than half of bankruptcies are due to high medical bills. Pro: Get More with Medicare Advantage: For people who need more medical care than the average person, there are ways to supplement Medicare. Those people who find that they're at the limits of their Medicare coverage can sign up for the Medicare Advantage plan. Enrollment in this program is constantly growing and should be a powerful way for people to cover those massive increases in medical fees. Paying for private insurance is difficult if you're in the tax bracket eligible for Medicare. It's also redundant given that so much of what's covered by the standard medical plan is wrapped up in Original Medicare. However, with the help of Medicare Advantage, there is now a place for a third component that offers what many healthcare recipients need. The way this works is that insurance companies provide benefits related to what's missing from Medicare through a contract with the government. They offer them at competitive rates that are affordable to the average Medicare recipient. People taking advantage of these plans get everything they expect from Part A and Part B of Medicare but then get more dental and vision benefits. This extension provides some of what's missing in most of the other parts of this program. Con: Bad Health Is Expensive: If you're in poor health, you have an intimate view into just how expensive healthcare is. Even if you've got great insurance, you've seen the prices that come on the bill before you get your care deducted. You could be paying double or triple what a healthy person pays every year, even with healthcare. While you need to have great healthcare, you need to do what you can to stay healthy. Talk to your doctor about preventative care. You're never too old to take action to lower your healthcare costs and your need for supplemental care. There are many free preventative care programs that come standard with most Medicare plans. However, you need to take action to make sure you follow your doctors' recommendations and stay on top of your health. Many people who incur high bills with Medicare suffer from problems that preventative medicine could assist with. Even though this program costs very little from month to month, you need to manage your costs as they'll add up on a limited budget. If you're tight on money, Medicare supplements may be out of reach. This makes it all the more vital to staying on the good side of health. Medicare Pros and Cons Are Individual: Because everyone has their own healthcare needs and requirements, Medicare pros and cons vary from person to person. You need to get to know what you need and what you might need in the future before you decide on Medicare or any other insurance policy. As more people suffer more chronic health issues, check out our guide to watch the trend. Read Also: Finding The Right Hospital Complete Pregnancy Guide For Mumma’s To Be

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Dentist

Why Going To The Dentist Is A Must

Going to a dentist is rarely a fun way to spend your time. Starting from taking time off work and ending with keeping your mouth open for too long, the visit can be downright unpleasant. How important is going to the dentist anyway? Maybe biannual visits are overrated. Can you get away with visiting that doctor once a year or whenever a tooth bothers you? Unfortunately, skipping a dentist appointment can lead to unfortunate consequences. Let’s find out why. Why Going To The Dentist Is A Must: 1. Saving Your Teeth: The teeth are prone to a significant number of damaging factors throughout our lives. Starting from solid foods and ending with bad habits, such as smoking. Even if we take great care of our teeth, brushing, flossing, and washing them after each meal, tooth decay can start anyway whenever our immune system is weakened by a cold. Catching tooth decay at its early stages is possible only when you visit a dentist. According to the experts from Bajars & Bajars, a dental clinic in San Diego, when you see the black spots on the tooth or feel it aching, most likely it’s too late. You may have to go through an unpleasant procedure of a root canal. If you catch the problem early enough, you may end up getting a simple filling. 2. Enjoying A White Smile: How important is a perfect smile for you? White teeth are a sign of good health. They make you more attractive to others. And we aren’t just talking about romantic encounters. A white smile can help you get your dream job, get assistance from a passerby, get your point though, and much more. No matter how well you brush your teeth, you can’t get all the plaque out. During biannual dentist visits, your doctor removes the plaque, helping your teeth stay clean and white until the next appointment. 3. Checking Your Gums: Your oral health doesn’t stop with your teeth. Gums are prone to many diseases, which can lead to painful and costly manipulations. By checking your gums in a dentist’s chair on a regular basis, you are taking care of your health and getting peace of mind. Your mouth is constantly under attack by food and drinks. Small scratches and cuts can lead to unfortunate problems. A dentist can discover them early when the treatment is still quick and simple. 4. Getting Advice: A dentist can give you proper advice about gum and teeth care. More often than not, simply brushing and flossing your teeth is not enough to maintain excellent oral health. Each mouth needs a special approach, and the care techniques may change with time. By visiting a dentist once every 6 months, you can get the care advice, which is suitable for your mouth at the time. 5. Saving Money: By caring for your mouth timely, you save yourself from paying substantial amounts of money for tooth care. What starts with a minor cavity, which can be easily filled, can turn into a tooth extraction and implant. The longer you can keep your teeth intact, the more money you’ll save. 6. Maintaining Your Digestive Health: The condition of your teeth directly affects your digestive system. If for some reason, you can’t chew properly, you may be faced with numerous problems in the GI tract. Teeth infections caused by decay also influence the rest of your organism. By going to the dentist once every six months, you can prevent problems, which don’t even seem related to teeth. Going to a dentist is a must for anyone, who wants to save time and money while enjoying a great appearance and excellent health. Read Also: 5 Dental Hygiene Tips For A Healthier Smile 6 Ways To Relieve From Tooth Pain And Sensitivity Naturally

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effects of technology on the brain

12 Mind-Boggling Effects of Technology on the Brain

The effects of technology on the brain are very real, and very polarizing. Many people love the potential value that technology can have on our ability to function in the world. Others have the idea that the effects are negative and limit us in many ways. The reality is probably that there are good and bad effects. In any case, side-effects of technology on our minds are worth looking into so we can be aware of them and notice ourselves being affected. Here are a few interesting ways that technology is affecting human minds. The Effects of Technology on the Brain: We'll touch on a few of the negative and positive effects to give you a well-rounded idea of where we are at in relation to technology. There's no doubting the value of unlimited information, but it's difficult to deny the addiction and change in social behavior that technology can bring. Let's get started. 1. Our Taste Buds Can Respond Differently to Food: Once upon a time, the dinner we prepared for ourselves was a welcome meal that we took for what it was. Research has shown that people who scroll through images of meals on Instagram and Pinterest before they eat actually enjoy their meal less. The idea is that the perceived value of the food online diminishes how you feel about your own food by comparison. 2. We Can Relax About the Small Details: Our ability to access unlimited practical information at a moment's notice frees up a lot of time for us to relax and enjoy what we're doing. Things like directions, hours of a store, and more are all things that we would sweat once upon a time. Those details are now guaranteed to be available at all times, so we don't need to think about them until we need them. 3. Our Memory Could Be Diminishing: Our brains are complicated and adaptable to the way things are changing. When we notice an area where we can free up more room to think about other things, we do so. What we're talking about is the need for us to remember trivial information. Little things like directions, phone numbers, historical facts, actors' names, and more are all things that our brains know we can look up on our phones. That means we don't have to set space aside to remember those things, so, more and more often, we don't remember them. We just pull out our phones and look the information up. 4. Social Development: The overwhelming presence and use of social media is a brand new thing in the scheme of human development. Within the last decade, children have gone through adolescence with benefit and harm of social media on their lives. The self-consciousness of a virtual self is a new thing, and we have yet to fully grasp how it will change people in the long-run. 5. Lesser Concern for Safety: One of the overwhelming benefits of technology on our brains is that we are now more comfortable with our safety. As technology advances, our physical and financial safety improves. Studies have shown that the absence of this kind of stress is greatly beneficial to the health of our brains. 6. Sleep Disruptions: A lot of evidence suggests that the light emitted from our laptops, smartphones, and tablets sends conflicting signals to our bodies. Our circadian rhythms are thrown off, with our bodies taking light as a message to stay awake. You may have noticed that it's difficult to get to sleep after a long night of using the computer or extended cell phone use. 7. Attention Span: Information comes to us quickly and we can consume it fast, too. There aren't a lot of pieces of the modern technology puzzle that require people to sit and think, focus, or pay attention anymore. Seeing as we are regularly using technology, it means that we are regularly not developing longer attention spans. 8. New Forms of Identity: One interesting change that technology has brought is the ability to construct an identity through the technology you possess. One clear example of this is the split between Mac and PC users. Things like Nixon watches and other items can help a person to express how they feel as a person. 9. Self Help: Interestingly, the problems or stressors that are sometimes caused by technology can be solved by it too. Take anxiety, for example. The anxiety related to excessive social media use could be partially treated by applications or information found online that is intended to treat anxiety. 10. Improved Decision Making: While parents everywhere are concerned about the impact of first-person shooters and similar games on their kids' brains, evidence suggests that such games could have benefits on cognition. Vision and decision making skills are improved in some cases when individuals spend a lot of time playing games like first-person shooters. 11. Memory Formation: The use of phones in situations that previously were absent from technology has a potential effect on our formation of memories. While we're swiping away, life goes on around us. Our concentration is situated on the screen, distracting us from the sensory information that converges to form concrete memories. 12. Interconnectedness: Subcultures and groups of like-minded people have the ability to connect on levels that were never thought possible in the past. One group of people who like a specific film can have hours and hours of discussion with a similar group across the world. Not only that, but those groups can expand outward, recruit new members, form friendships, and that group will create subgroups. The point is, people are interconnected to others in the world who share their interests and beliefs. Jump Onboard and Be Mindful: The effects of technology on the brain are very real, and sometimes it's difficult to tell what is helping and what's hurting. In most cases, the value of an effect will depend on the person. Technology is here to stay, though. Everything from interviews to paychecks is handled online, and we have the information to keep you informed and on top of things. Read Also: 6 Ways To Promote Healthy Brain Top Bad Habits That Hurt Your Brain Power 3 Reasons Why Online Degrees Are Better

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Heart Disease

Effects of Anxiety on Heart Disease

Stress and anxiety have become serious problems that people are facing in modern times. Researchers have proved this that anxiety has the connection between heart disease and many other health issues. This issue has become prevalent enough that should raise an alarm and make all of us think of efficient ways to keep anxiety under control. In this article, we are going to talk about the effects of anxiety on heart disease and why you need to do all you can to stay relaxed and avoid stressful situations. Effects of Anxiety on Heart Disease: Heart and general health monitoring apps: It’s strange to consider that applications that are meant to help people keep track of their health could actually be more harm than good. According to many physicians, apps could lead to unnecessary anxiety and there is plenty of evidence to back this up. The evidence comes in the form of the close relation between anxiety and heart disease. When people are constantly checking their apps and seeing heart rate spikes, their anxiety levels are going to rise. If they are monitoring their heart rate and other vitals all day long, they are going to start worrying about things that they would normally not even notice. This alone is a serious problem. The use of various health apps is a good idea in some ways. But it proves to be problematic for those who suffer from anxiety. No application should ever diagnose any kind of heart disease or potential issue (in fact none of them are actually capable of true and accurate diagnosis!). But many of these apps do attempt that and they even warn users of possible serious conditions. The best way for apps to be effective and avoid raising alarms or making assumptions is for them to be strictly used for heart rate monitoring, but even them, they can cause unnecessary anxiety. Studies that link anxiety and depression to heart disease: Washington University conducted studies that shed light on the connection between heart disease and patients that experienced anxiety and stress. It was determined that the number of patients who experienced anxiety is more likely to suffer from other heart-related conditions as well. While these studies are not conclusive, they do raise concerns. It has been widely documented that people who suffer from stress and anxiety are going to deal with health issues more often. Experts believe that untreated blood pressure is a factor: Leading cardiologist Simon Stertzer has previously discussed how high blood pressure is one of the factors that contribute to heart disease. This is definitely something that many heart patients worry about and their concerns are justified. The heart is a very complex organ and everything that happens in our bodies affects it in one way or another. Poorly treated blood pressure problems are often going to lead to heart disease, but blood pressure problems have also been linked to anxiety, so there is an obvious concern and anxiety seems to be right in the middle of the problem. Critical factors that predict the risk of heart disease: Heart disease continues to be a very common topic of discussion for many reasons. This a huge health concern all over the world, but it also continues to be a mystery in many ways. Fortunately, more discoveries are being made all the time and other treatment options are also available. This article from Digital Authority Partners covers some of the most important and critical factors that predict heart disease (with a very cool infographic!). This includes age, social and economic factors, lifestyle factors and environmental pollution. It’s important to note that stress and anxiety are always considered lifestyle factors. It seems like people are learning to live with stress and anxiety now and that is a very bad thing. Most people admit that they feel anxiety and stress all the time, but they have learned to live with those feelings. They feel that they have this problem under control but their anxiety is causing all kinds of health issues. Learning to relax is going to be essential to fight anxiety. The main causes of anxiety: There are many causes of anxiety in modern times. Some of the most common and relevant include drugs, alcohol, caffeine, thyroid hormone problems, and certain medications. Then you also have the stress of life, with everyone being so competitive and time management being such a big deal, people are more stressed out than ever before. This is often going to lead to anxiety. Keeping your body healthy with a good diet and exercise is always going to be an important thing to consider. If you feel your dietary habits are bad and you are living a sedentary life, you might want to make some changes as soon as possible. How to get rid of anxiety: Anxiety can be very difficult to handle for some people. The problem can be so serious that they require medication just to function properly. If you feel like you are experiencing anxiety, you might want to look for ways to start dealing with it naturally. Practice breathing exercises: This is a great way to relax and to lower your anxiety levels. You could learn this by practicing yoga. There are many benefits to Yoga, but lowering anxiety is your priority in this case. Exercise often: Being active and exercising outdoors is always a great way to get rid of stress and anxiety. A large number of individuals claim that their anxiety levels are much lower after they workout. Get rid of junk food and sugars: It seems almost unavoidable to eat food that is bad for us sometimes, but the more you avoid sugars and general junk food, the better your body is going to perform. Anxiety and stress are also linked to bad dietary habits. Final thoughts: The more we learn about anxiety, the easier it becomes for us to figure out how to deal with this problem. Knowing that your heart is greatly affected by anxiety should be a warning sign that everyone needs to keep in mind. This knowledge can help prevent serious issues with heart-related problems. Read Also: Art Activities For Stress Relief How Martial Art Can Help You Stay Fit And Healthy Ways To Emotionally Deal With Chronic Illness

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Marijuana Urine

Passing A Marijuana Urine Drug Test- How To Pass Pee Narcotics Tests

Most people who have a job, have taken a drug test. Prior to the mid-80s, it was just about unheard of, employers believed more in lie detector tests for pre-employment. Since drugs have taken over society, it is imperative for companies to give drug tests. They aren’t only for pre-employment, but usually, companies test their employees randomly after being hired. Of course, there are employees that aren’t on any drugs unless they are prescribed to them. Then, some employees choose to quit the use of illegal drugs because they don’t want to take the chance of losing their jobs. Then, you have those employees that just don’t really care if they lose their job. If an employee is hurt on the job, they are immediately tested at the hospital. However, any other time that they are drug tested, they use one of the many ways that exist to pass the test. If they didn’t use one of these alternatives, they would literally burn a hole in the cup. Usually, the random tests are announced, that way everyone can be ready just in case their name is chosen to actually be tested. There are several different ways to do a drug test. The urine drug test is the most common. How long a drug can be detected in urine varies with each drug. Saliva tests are basically more recent drug use, it usually only detects the last few days. Blood tests determine drug use at that very moment. Then, the test that truly tells the tale is hair follicle tests. They tell which drugs have been used for up to 90 days. Honestly, with marijuana or cannabis, the question of how long it stays in your system depends on your usage. The THC in the drug stays in your system longer because of the way it stores itself in your body. One single use can show for three days, while a regular smoker can take up to 90 days to get out of your system. Cannabinoids that break down from the THC are lipids, which means they store in a person's fat cells, not blood. Hence, why they don’t show so easily in a blood test. They can excrete through urine, but since they are fatty molecules, they are usually cleared by stool. So, how do you pass a urine drug test after smoking marijuana? Well, common sense says that the best way is to not use marijuana in any way. However, if you insist on continuing use and needing to pass a test, there are several ways to do it. The next way to pass a urine drug test is to get someone who doesn’t use drugs to P for you and then try to sneak it in today testing facility. Remember, the urine has to be 98.6°F, which is a person's normal body temperature. This is the most effective way, but only if no one is watching you. Also, you can buy synthetic or fake pee. Make sure that it has Uric Acid in the ingredient when you buy it, some labs test for it, to make sure it is real. It usually comes with a heating pad so you can make sure it’s the right temperature. Since the THC is stored in fat cells, doing exercises that help burn fat can help get rid of the cannabinoids. Don’t do any of the exercises the day of the test. Green vegetables are full of iron and other vitamins and minerals. These can help to get that metabolism going, which will make it easier to burn fat. Be careful listening to your friends about how to pass a urine test. There are more stories than there are remedies and it would be horrible if you went through a bad experience and still failed the test. First of all, do not drink bleach, it can kill you easily. Don’t chew denture cleaner, pretty sure all you are going to do is puke! Other things that just aren’t going to help you pass a urine test for THC are cranberry juice, vinegar (you are NOT an Easter egg), creatine, zinc, Goldenseal, and Niacin (although this is nature’s best antibiotic). Drink lots of water for a few days before the test. This could possibly dilute the urine enough to get went to have a light level below the level that makes for a positive test. Be careful to not drink too much water, it will show diluted urine and send out red flags that you were trying to hide something. No matter which process you choose, be sure to stay hydrated, eat properly, exercise and don’t smoke anymore in there I want to chill after the test. Casual smokers are easier to detox or mask then heavy smokers. Another way to pass a urine drug test is Sure-Jell. It’s the easiest and cheapest when compared to other things that are ingesting to pass the test. Just makes a pack from the grocery store we had a 32-ounce bottle of Gatorade. Drink out of it three or four hours before test time. Be sure to P3 or four times before the test also. There’s a one day detox that comes with pills, liquid, and fiber. It has vitamins, and minerals and herbs, making it all natural. It dissolves in your system, get rid of the THC and can’t be traced in any way. The one specific for the person with a higher THC level comes with six capsules that are taking 12 to 24 hours before the test. They drink 20 ounces every two hours, it will take effect went to five hours later. Be careful because it wears off, so you have to time it just right. Learn More I will tell you what beats all of these concoctions, try delaying the test. Most drugs can’t be traced after a few hours in blood or saliva. So, if you could Delay it for just a day, your results could be different. When you think you've read, all you should get a home test and take it to check the results. This way, if your chores didn’t work, you’ve got time to try another way. Every person‘s chemistry is different, so it might work for your friend, but not work for you. Also, it couldn’t hurt to educate yourself. Eight minutes won’t get you anywhere, but knowledge might get you off the hook. Each state has different drug testing laws that dictate how both applicants and employees can be tested. Read Also: Marijuana Addiction Treatment: 5 Steps To Avoid Relapse How Does Recreational Marijuana Affect Your Sex Life Is CBD Oil & Edible Treats Safe For Pets – Dogs & Cats

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Marijuana Addiction

Marijuana Addiction Treatment: 5 Steps to Avoid Relapse

As told by science and modern research, marijuana addiction is a chronic illness, and like any other chronic disease – hypertension, diabetes, asthma – long-term treatment is needed. However, marijuana addiction always has a possibility of relapse. The relapse rates of substance use disorders are between 40% and 60%, which are highly comparable to other chronic medical conditions. However, don’t be under the impression that relapse can’t be prevented just because it's common. An alcohol or drug relapse can quickly waste a lot of rehab work and can also be fatal. But don’t worry. If you’re struggling or if you know someone who’s struggling to avoid a relapse, then continue reading this article to learn about the steps you can do to prevent it from happening. Marijuana Addiction Treatment: 5 Steps to Avoid Relapse: Stages of Relapse: You should know that relapse does not happen overnight; it’s a process. For you to understand how to avoid relapse, you’ll have to know its three stages. Relapse begins a few weeks or months earlier before it reaches its final stage. Here are the three stages of relapse: Emotional relapse – In this stage, your mind does not consider using marijuana again. However, your behavior and emotions are setting you up for a possible marijuana relapse. Here are some signs of an emotional relapse: Poor sleep and eating habits Isolation Anxiety Defensiveness Intolerance Mood swings Anger Mental relapse – It this stage, your mind will be torn about the dos and don'ts. There will be a part of you that wants to use marijuana, but there’s also a part of you that doesn’t. In the early stage of mental relapse, you’d idly think about using it again, and this gets worse as the mental relapse continues. The signs of mental relapse are: Lying Fantasizing Thinking about relapse Glorifying past use Hanging out with friends that use Physical relapse – In this final stage, you’d be physically using marijuana again. Some people only use once after realizing that they’ve made a mistake and try to focus again on recovery and moving forward. Unfortunately, there are others that will continue to use. In such a case, getting help is the best option. Avoiding Relapse: Here are 5 steps to avoid marijuana relapse: 1. Know and identify how to manage relapse triggers: Relapse triggers can be anything. They can come from a similarly scented substance or simply just being with people that use. The triggers can also be a specific place, person, or emotion. These things can make you crave, think about, and use alcohol or drugs. You can easily identify these triggers with the help of therapy sessions. A relapse therapist can teach you effective ways to cope up with triggers, keeping you away from drugs or alcohol when your cravings are fortuitously triggered. There are treatment centers in Los Angeles that provide recovery services, such as Nexus Recovery; these services can help you identify and manage relapse triggers and monitor your progress. Here are some tips to manage or avoid triggers: Change your daily route and avoid passing through places that cause a trigger. Keep a list of people you can call when you’re feeling triggered. Practice relaxation techniques. Avoid triggering situations such as becoming stressed, lonely, tired, or hungry. 2. Follow a healthy lifestyle: Avoiding relapse needs long-term commitment, and this commitment includes building a new and healthier lifestyle. This can be a long and difficult process, but making significant lifestyle changes has been seen to decrease the risk of relapse. These lifestyle changes include learning and utilizing healthy coping methods for mental pressure and negative emotions, recognizing and managing mental illnesses if any, and promoting positive activities such as meditation, exercise, and art. Here are some healthy lifestyle ideas: Avoid having too much caffeine or sugar. Plan and prepare healthy snacks and meals in advance to avoid becoming hungry. Write a journal and keep track of your mood and daily thoughts. Be active. Engage in sports or work out. Drink plenty of water. Practice gratitude. Find a new hobby. 3. Use appropriate medications: With the ever-evolving addiction research, the development of medications that help patients to avoid relapse and manage their cravings was made possible. These medications, such as buprenorphine and methadone, when adequately used under supervision, can significantly decrease cravings and relapse urges. For some, taking these medications is the key to their relapse prevention and recovery. Talk to your doctor about taking such medications. 4. Undergo long-term treatment: Just like any other chronic disease, your recovery will not be quick and easy, especially when recovering from substance abuse. Doing two months of therapy or medication will not guarantee that you’ll not start using it again. For better long-term results, getting involved in an intensive treatment within a suitable period of time will surely help you. Participation and engagement in long-term addiction treatments have been known to help decrease the risk of relapse. A study involving more than a thousand patients found out that relapse rates decreased for patients who had continuous treatments, aftercare, and support group engagement. 5. Get a support group: It’s essential to know that going through the process alone may not provide desirable outcomes in recovery. Keep your supportive friends, loved ones, and family close. Do your best to surround yourself with people who really care for you and people who don’t use drugs or alcohol. A crucial factor in your road to recovery is social support; it can significantly help you to recover fast and resist relapsing. Here are some tips on how to create a good support network: Engage in recovery groups – You can search the Internet for marijuana recovery groups near your area, such as Marijuana Anonymous. Find a sponsor – A sponsorship is one recovering person sharing and talking to another recovering person. You will attend recovery group meetings regularly, discuss issues on the recovery, and work on recovering together. See a mental health or addiction counselor. Closing Thoughts: If you're under treatment or recovering from substance abuse, you should be realistic and understand that a relapse can occur anytime. However, you should also do your best to avoid it by following these steps. In addition to these, always make sure to work with your counselor or therapist in developing an effective relapse plan. By following this plan in case of a relapse, you will be able to minimize its negative consequences. Read Also: How Does Smoking Weed Affect The Society How Does Recreational Marijuana Affect Your Sex Life

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