Category: Lifestyle & Hobby

A joint pain could be caused as resulting from a strain, sprain or some other injury affecting the ligaments or tendons surrounding a joint. Alternately, a joint pain could result from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or gout.

While the pain could occur in any part of the body, knees, shoulders and hips are most vulnerable.

Home remedies could be highly effective for healing a joint pain but severe joint pain, when caused by degenerative conditions like arthritis needs proper diagnosis and treatment. Alternately, one must make sure that one consults a doctor in case the joint pain is accompanied by redness or swelling, or lasts for more than three days.

Let’s run through some of the most effective home remedies for pain in joints:

1. Massage:

A massage simply works towards improving circulation and soothing inflammation. And a regular massage can be greatly helpful for reducing pain, stiffness and also the range of motion in the affected joint.

For massaging the affected area, some of the best alternatives include warm oil, such as coconut, olive, mustard, castor or garlic oil, and one must apply mild pressure while doing the massage.

2. Hot and Cold Compress:

A hot and cold compress could be a very effective way to let one overcome joint pain. With heat therapy, the pain decreases, one is able to increase blood flow and relax sore muscles and joints.

In the same way, cold therapy numbs areas around the affected joints while reducing inflammation. One must go about with the hot and cold compress for an ailing joint in the following way.

o Wrap both compresses in separate towels before using them. They shouldn’t be applied directly to the skin.

o Place the hot compress on the affected area for around three minutes.

o Remove the compress and immediately replace this with a cold compress.

o Repeat the process for 15-20 minutes every day.

But one must try and make sure that one does not use the hot compress if the area is red, bruised or irritated.

3. Fenugreek:

Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties make fenugreek a popular home remedy. In particular, it is beneficial if one is suffering from arthritis.

For healing a joint pain, you must use Fenugreek in the following way.

o Swallow one teaspoon of finely ground fenugreek seeds and top it off with a glass of lukewarm water. Doing so every morning is sure to give a positive result.

o Alternately, you could soak one teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in water overnight, and consume these next morning.

4. Garlic:

Garlic is highly beneficial for someone suffering from arthritis and joint pain, mainly owing to its high sulfur and selenium content. While sulphur helps relieve joint pain and inflammation, it also has anantirheumatic effect.

Similarly, high selenium content works very effectively for someone afflicted by arthritis because arthritic patients tend to have low blood selenium levels.

For healing a joint pain, you must choose to use garlic in following ways.

o Have raw or cooked garlic as a part of your diet, and it pretty much safe to consume 2 or 3 cloves every day.

o Or you may use garlic as a topical remedy.

– Fry two garlic cloves in two tablespoons of mustard or sesame oil. When the cloves turn black, turn off the heat and strain the oil.

– Allow the oil to cool until it is comfortably warm.

– Massage it into the skin around the affected area.

– Leave it on for three hours before washing it off. Doing it twice daily could be a very effective way to heal your joint pain.

Source by Harshad Jethra

Radiofrequency neurotomy, also called radiofrequency ablation or lesioning, is a procedure that intentionally injures nerves to prevent pain signals from being sent to and processed by the brain. It is a minimally invasive surgical procedure reserved for those with chronic pain who have not found relief from more conservative treatment methods.

Radiofrequency treatments can be used on patients with pain from a degenerative disc, facet joint or sacroiliac (SI) joint. Guided by fluoroscopy, an electrode is inserted into the body and placed on the targeted nerve. Once positioned properly, the electrode is heated to create a lesion on the nerve. A more recent, advanced form of the procedure includes a cooling phase; this increases the area of the electrode’s impact and may be useful in certain locations of the body.

This treatment is not a permanent solution; over time, nerves heal and pain returns. It is important to remember that radiofrequency is a treatment that addresses the symptom of pain, not the initial cause thereof. Review the following pros and cons before deciding whether to receive this procedure.

Pros

For people who cannot perform day-to-day activities or work due to pain, a procedure like radiofrequency neurotomy can be tremendously positive. If effective, the procedure may allow people to return to work and perform basic daily activities like walking without excessive pain.

Results from radiofrequency treatment can last up to a year or two, which may make it more appealing than steroid injections, another common treatment for back and SI joint pain.

Neurotomy is a less invasive procedure than other surgical methods of eliminating joint and disc pain, particularly fusion surgery. Fusion creates a rigid segment between vertebrae or the pelvic bone and sacrum to inhibit painful motion from instability. The procedure comes with a high price tag and a host of risks, including accelerated degeneration of facet joints and spinal discs near the fused joint. Radiofrequency lesioning may provide enough pain relief to avoid more invasive surgery.

Research indicates that this procedure is helpful to some degree for around 70% of those who receive it and that it may decrease reliance on expensive and dangerous pain medications. See http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/studies-published-in-pain-medicine-demonstrate-effectiveness-of-minimally-invasive-cooled-radiofrequency-treatment-for-low-back-pain-194185701.html for a collection of research supporting the use of cooled radiofrequency for discogenic and SI joint pain.

Cons

Radiofrequency lesioning makes pain worse before making it better. The initial week following the procedure can be difficult due to local soreness and swelling. Some patients who have received the treatment report that it can take a month or two to feel any positive effects.

Some patients receiving the treatment never experience relief. Some may even experience more pain if the procedure was done incorrectly and the targeted nerve was incompletely damaged; this would cause it to increase its pain signal output. See http://www.spine-health.com/forum/treatment/pain-management/rf-neurotomy-ablation-has-worked-you-how-long-did-it-take-notice-res to read reviews of the procedure from a number of people who have received it.

It must be remembered that this treatment is not a cure; it just masks the pain. Whether your pain is caused by a degenerated disc, facet joint or SI joint, it is important to continue efforts to resolve the underlying issue. Research alternative medicine to find treatment options you may not be aware of. Take advantage of your pain-free or reduced pain time post-radiofrequency treatment to follow through on exercise therapy, strengthening your core muscles that support joints and spinal discs.

Radiofrequency neurotomy may be a suitable treatment for you if pain is interfering with your quality of life. The focus of any chronic pain treatment plan, however, should be to address the cause of pain and not just mask the symptom.

Source by Amee LaTour

Natural Male Enhancer Pills Will Treat Premature Ejaculation

Premature ejaculation is by far the most common sexual form of dysfunction in the world today. With more and more men coming out in the open with this problem, the numbers are increasing day after day. While big drug makers are hard at work trying to derive a prescription solution for premature ejaculation, the reality is that a solution is decades away from FDA approval.

In the meantime, male enhancers using natural ingredients can treat premature ejaculation by using powerful sexual nutrients that enable men to last longer than ever before when engaging in sexual intercourse. No longer do you have to fret over whether or not you can last longer in the bedroom. With natural male enhancers, you are provided with the sexual tools that you need for success.

Male Enhancer Pills Will Intensify Your Pleasure & Release

Do you want enhanced pleasure and far more intensified sexual encounters? That’s one of the top reasons why more couples are swearing by a natural male enhancer product or pill in the bedroom. What if one little pill could make sex so amazing that you’d swear it was nearly like the first time again for you both? That’s why some men use natural male enhancers which enable them to enjoy better sex every single time they hit the sack with their girl.

A Good Natural Male Enhancer Will Stamp Out Erectile Dysfunction

Did you know that if you suffer from erectile dysfunction you are indeed not alone by any means? That’s because more than 30 million adult males – at least recent expert estimates – suffer from erectile dysfunction in the US alone and by any standards it is not a lesser number!

Most don’t have health insurance and can’t afford prescription drugs. But male pills are just natural male supplements that mimic drugs, and they also work faster, last longer and cost less money to obtain and to use. They also do not have any reported side effects which make them very safe to use.

Male Enhancers With Natural Ingredients Will Charge Up Low Testosterone Levels

Testosterone boosters are one of the most commonly searched for male sexual terms on the web today. That’s because countless men deal with low testosterone levels. Also, not many are willing to accept that they are suffering from ED in fear of humiliation. Most people can’t afford – or do not wish to undergo – costly and invasive clinical tests or use the shots or pills.

Fear of any side effects arising there of are also a cause of concern for most men. Natural male enhancer pills present a more viable and affordable alternative. They use natural herbs and extracts to boost testosterone levels in men with fantastic results. Natural ingredients that are used in these natural enhancer pills have been in use by natives for many years to increase male libido. Roots like the tongat ali have been known to be used for many centuries to increase sexual stamina.

Male Pills Are More Affordable & Easily Attainable

The best part about natural male enhancer pill and products is that they are super affordable, particularly when compared to the conventional alternative: costly prescription drugs that require doctor visits, tests and trips to the pharmacy. With natural male enhancers, you need not look any further than online and from your own home computer, none the less.

You can order them discreetly and even have them delivered right to your front door. No doctor visits or prescriptions are longer needed. You have the power to empower your sex life with natural alternatives as male pills today. But you have to take action if you want better sex.

Source by Brad M Heyson

Birth control by injection is an effective alternative used which has its own advantages and disadvantages. The most effective and popular form of this type of contraceptive is Depo-Provera. This injection works in the same way as the hormonal pill Progestogen. It does not contain estrogen.

DMPA, Depo-Provera is an injection of synthetic hormone medroxyprogesterone acetate which is given by health care professional and is injected into the woman’s buttocks or the arm muscle. The pregnancy prevention begins after twenty four hours of the injection. This injection prevents the ovaries from releasing eggs. The woman has to take the injection once every twelve weeks. That means this injection can be given every three months and you do not have to take it regularly like the pills.

Advantages:

DMPA is extremely effective as the failure rate within the first year of use is only 0.3%. It is advantageous as it does not produce any side effects as estrogen such as blood clotting. Irregular periods become regular. It also lowers the risk of certain endometrial and ovarian cancers.

Disadvantages:

The injection has the disadvantage that it does not provide protection against sexually transmitted diseases. DMPA can delay the return of fertility if women have used it for a longer period. Problems such as menstrual irregularities, headaches, dizziness, nausea, hair loss, depression and weight gain can continue for about one year after the last injection.

There are some serious risks associated with Depo-Provera such as loss of bone density which could result in osteoporosis. This injection is not recommended for long time use as it causes deficiency of calcium causing osteoporosis. The women who are on this injection are advised to take a lot of calcium. Depo-Provera is especially not recommended for young females as their bones are still growing.

Lunelle

Lunelle, a monthly birth control shot has both synthetic estrogen and progesterone hormones. It can be injected into the arm, thigh or rear. Lunelle prevents eggs from being released from the ovaries. It thickens the cervical mucus and makes it difficult for the sperm to enter the uterus. You do not have to take it regularly as the pill. Although it is 99% effective it does not protect against HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. It is taken within a month. If the shot is given after a month (33 days) then it may not be effective. It is recommended to take the next shot within 28 to 30 days. If you are unable to take the injection within a month then you should use condoms and spermecides.

One of the common side effective of Lunelle is irregular bleeding which could range from no bleeding to heavy bleeding. There are other side effectives such as weight gain, fluid retention, nausea, breast tenderness, headaches, nervousness, mood changes or depression, change in sexual desire, dizziness, rash, or vaginal infections. Lunelle should not be used by women who have high blood pressure, breast or uterine cancer, diabetes, allergies to hormones and women who have history of blood clots.

Find more information visit: Birth Control by Injection [http://www.keepcondom.com/articles/birth-control/birthcontrol-injection.htm]

Source by Julia Jones

There are numerous herbal supplements on the market today that increase sexual performance and satisfaction. How is one to choose which of these products is the right one to try? Trying to sort through the various descriptions can be time-consuming and frustrating. Therefore, when delving into the world of herbal sex supplements, it is important to know basic information concerning herbal remedies.

When looking for an herbal remedy, it is important to find one that states it falls under the category of herbal Se supplements. The Se stands for standardized extract, meaning the ingredients are carefully measured and formulated so that each tablet or capsule contains the exact same portion of ingredients. Some herbal supplements do not offer this imperative procedure; therefore, the doses will vary, even in the same bottle.

In order to gain such goals as penis enlargement, increased sperm count, or heightened sexual desire, the incorporation of herbal Se supplements is the key. With anything else, results will vary due to the variance in the dosages taken daily. When dosages vary, consistent results are much more difficult, if not impossible, to achieve.

A prime example of herbal Se supplements can be found by researching supplements such as the MacaEnhancer or Vig-Rx. There are numerous herbal Se supplements available, and finding which one is right for your needs is simply a matter of research. Maca root has become in an increasingly popular herbal sex supplement. When combined with amino acids, the mixture will result in not only enhanced sex, but also increased semen production. When shopping for herbal sex supplements, look for ones that contain those two key ingredients and try to find one that offers vitamins as well.

Getting the right ingredients from a supplement that utilizes a standardized extract procedure will ensure that you’re using a quality product, leading to the best results. When researching for the right supplement to use, the very first thing to look for is if the supplements being studied are herbal Se supplements. If not, then do not waste any time or money on them. There are simply too many other products available that are proven to work without wasting effort on those supplements that are made with less than quality standards.

Source by Michael Rodriguez

Are you considering opening a medical marijuana dispensary in California? Medical marijuana is legal in almost 14 states in US including California and a large number of people today are resorting to this substance as a means of recovering from their medical conditions. Physicians believe that marijuana contains healing properties and can help people suffering from debilitating medical conditions such as cancer, persistent muscle spasms, glaucoma, seizures, AIDS, etc.

However, to be able to open a California medical marijuana dispensary, it is important for you to make sure that you are familiar with the state as well as the federal law. Opening a California medical marijuana dispensary means that you have done your homework and know what it takes to open the dispensing according to the laws of your state. A good dispensary is one which maintains its integrity and records and it does not take much time for law enforcers to close an open dispensary if it is found that things are not being processed according to code.

Although marijuana dispensaries, delivery services and clubs are in business in California, the sale of this substance as well as any other type of cannabis is strictly illegal under the federal law. However, under the California State law, sale is illegal, but non-profit distribution may be allowed to some extent.

One of the best ways to go about opening a California medical marijuana dispensary is to enroll in some good courses that are put together by professionals. With the help of medical marijuana schools and courses, you will be able to prepare yourself to enter one of the fastest growing industries in the US. Even if you are not aware of the current state laws and how you can open your own dispensary, the courses you take up will take you through everything step by step.

There are many online courses that you can take up if you are unwilling to join a school. These online courses on how to open a marijuana dispensary in California will not only provide you with general information, but will answer all the questions that you may have and also provide information about vendors, collectives, consultants, accountants, lawyers and anyone else who could help you move your project forward.

Source by Jasmin Z

Earlier this year the Attorney General Eric Holder indicted that the DEA would end the arrests on the state approved medical marijuana dispensaries. This has created a booming business opportunity for those businesses whom have ties with the marijuana industry.

Businesses such as smoking accessories have benefited from the increase supply and demand of the legalization of Marijuana. Websites such as GotVape.com, VaporHerb.com and online stores offering medical marijuana supplies.

Other businesses that has also received a boost in revenue, has been the hydroponic industry. Hydroponicing has become a focal point in the Marijuana industry. Companies such as GrowOp Technologies a leading hydroponic company. GrowOp Technologies is putting marijuana growing on wheels for a fee of $10,000 to $60,000.

Schools have also become a popular option in the Medical Marijuana business. Marijuana schools are offering a variety of curriculum’s on the legalization and growing of Cannabis. One of those schools is Oaksterdam University. Oaksterdam University has locations in California and Michigan. Oaksterdam is driving the educational process to educate the public on the do’s and don’t s of the cannabis business. If you are looking for an online course medicalcannabisacademy.com is offering curriculum’s to take online.

HempCon is an organization which produces and displays Medical Marijuana trade shows. In February 2010 HemCon sold out the Los Angeles Convention Center. The show was designed to promote the Marijuana industry, as a whole. HempCon is the premiere Medical Marijuana trade show organization in the United States. HempCon will be conducting their next trade show in the San Mateo Event Center on August 6-8.

Not to forget the dispensaries themselves. They are receiving record sales from newly transformed medical marijuana patients. Insurance companies are also getting into the action. Monarch E&S insurance is offering “Dispensary Insurance.” The insurance covers property and general liability which can include limited theft coverage on cannabis stock and inventory.

Source by Garava Ent

Is Legalizing Marijuana Playing With Fire?

When marijuana is available legally for patients with medical conditions there can be a number of benefits if certain conditions apply: If the pharmaceutical drug options to treat the patients symptoms carry more risks than marijuana; if the marijuana offers more therapeutic benefits than the pharmaceutical drugs and if the profits from marijuana sales are channeled into constructive enterprises that will benefit society as a whole.

However, legalizing marijuana for recreational use is a whole different concept and one that has many people worried. The parties that are lobbying to legalize marijuana claim that legalization will supposedly take the manufacture and sale of marijuana out of the hands of drug addicts, drug cartels and other clandestine factions and into the domain of regulated manufacturers and retailers. Obviously, this will allow the taxes from sales to be directed into the public health and education systems, which would be far better than the current situation where only drug dealers benefit financially.

But there are several downsides to legalizing marijuana for recreational purposes. One of the main issues is that legalization sends out a message to impressionable adolescents that marijuana is perfectly acceptable. The other issue is that it will become far easier for minors to purchase marijuana even though it will probably only be available to those over 21 yo. Just like alcohol, teens can always find older siblings or friends to buy cannabis for them but having said that, it's already fairly easy for young people to purchase marijuana, whether it's legally acquired or not.

So What's Wrong With Marijuana?

Besides the statistics indicating that marijuana is a gateway drug for heavier drugs, marijuana itself can be very damaging to both physical and mental health. Physically it causes fatigue and increases the risk of heart disease and cancer, particularly lung cancer (if it's smoked) and cancer of the lymphatic system as well as oral tumors and other forms of cancer. Studies have shown that smoking marijuana is far more carcinogenic than nicotine and most people are well aware of the cancer risk from smoking cigarettes. Neurologically, marijuana is a well-known trigger for mental illnesses such as bipolar and schizophrenia and the damage it can cause to a developing brain can be catastrophic.

In normal brain development, significant changes occur in brain structure and function during the adolescent years and healthy brain function and growth needs to be supported through a healthy diet, adequate sleep and other favorable lifestyle factors. So consider the outcome if the developing brain does not receive the ideal requirements for normal growth and instead is exposed to neurologically-toxic substances such as marijuana (or other drugs).

Research carried out at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in the US showed that adolescents who use cannabis regularly have abnormal changes to their brain structure and the youngger the person is when they begin using marijuana, the greater the brain abnormality. Some of the brain damage that has been identified includes changes to the working memory – even two years after stopping the drug.

Furthermore, other research has shown that addiction develops very quickly, particularly in teenagers, and often results in the young person losing their motivation to engage in learning; no longer visualizing and working towards their dream career and no longer caring about their health. The long-term risks of marijuana use are well-known such as cancer; mental health conditions and other risk factors – often resulting in regular users becoming walking zombies that are mainly focussed on their drug use and little else. Teenagers that are addicted to cannabis are also more likely to experience feelings of anger or discontent whenever they have not had the drug for a while and there are at high risk of becoming anti-social and losing their friends.

The reason that addiction happens so quickly nowdays compared to years gone by is because the drug is so much stronger. So, these days, teenagers that beginning smoking marijuana at parties may soon begin to smoke every week and before they know it, they are seeking it daily. Large numbers of addicted teenagers are smoking marijuana several times a day just to feel 'normal'. This sort of use has a dramatic effect on their developing brain; their heart and lungs; their ability to learn and on their finances – they either need to steal to pay for their addiction or they find themselves going to work just to pay for their habit.

Sadly, even those that decide to stop using cannabis are unable to repair the irreversible brain damage that may have occurred if they have been regular users during the critical brain development phase. Psychiatrist, Dr Paula Riggs, quoted the statistics from long-term research in New Zealand that was conducted on adolescents that regularly smoked marijuana. The research was carried out over 38 years and found that there was a 6-8 point reduction in IQ in regular users which can affect them for the rest of their lives. The brain damage caused by marijuana use includes a reduction in executive function which is an important set of mental processes that are required for organization, planning, memory and other essential brain functions. Executive functioning helps you to 'join the dots' in terms of what you have learned in the past and how it relates to your current situation and what you need to do.

Therefore, regular use of marijuana alters the brain circuits in a really negative way and you do not have to be a rocket scientist to understand the impact this would have on brain development and the ability to achieve in life. As marijuana shapes the way the brain develops – a developing brain that is focused on learning versus a brain exposed to mind-altering drugs may have dire consequences for the rest of that person's life – even if they stop smoking marijuana later on. This is probably why the research shows that regular use of marijuana during the teenage years increases the likelihood of unemployment in adulthood or at best, results in a cannabis user or ex-cannabis user only being able to find work in (unsatisfying) sub-standard jobs that are far removed from the dream job they once saw themselves doing.

The only people to benefit from any kind of drug addiction are those that are making profits from the sales and I think it's a great tragedy that any government can 'approve' any substance that can irreversibly damage our young people's brains and potentially destroy their futures – no matter how much they may earn from the taxes on marijuana sales. Adolescents are vulnerable as the 'pleasure-seeking' part of their brain developments much faster than the 'self-control' part – leaving them much more susceptible to drug taking and other risky behaviors and they do not have the capacity to comprehend long- term consequences. Therefore, in my opinion, it's deplorable that a government does not protect their young citizens by saying "No" to legalization.

Particularly as some of the legalized edible marijuana is being packaged specifically to appear like lollies which would be far more attractive to children and teens! So, call me cynical but it would appear that the marketing of marijuana is actually targeting our youngsters. This is despite the fact that eating marijuana allows much more THC to be absorbed into the body compared to smoking, so it increases the likelihood of overdoses, particularly in young people.

Parents, educators and policy makers around the world have a responsibility to protect our young generations and should not be fooled by well-oiled marketing campaigns advanced by those who stand to make millions while teenager's brain structures are being destroyed along with their futures.

Source by Sar Rooney

Often when I first engage with clients wishing to quit using cannabis products they raise the topic of how to achieve a proper nights rest without smoking their regular pre-bedtime ‘joint’. In many cases there is evidence to suggest that the grim feeling arising from sleep deprivation acts as the catalyst for relapse. So the question for those wishing to smooth the passage through to becoming free of a dependence on marijuana is: What can be done to get that great night’s sleep that seems so elusive?

Why Can’t I Sleep! – Anyone who has been through a period in their life when they have suffered from insomnia will vouch as to the affect it has on a person’s overall well-being. It is easy to imagine therefore the increased impact that fitful sleep patterns have on those also suffering from the myriad of other consequences arising when breaking away from a dependence on cannabis. In my practice as a Cannabis Cessation Specialist the first step is to understand in each individual case to what ratio the issues are physical versus psychological.

As an example ‘Bob’, in his capacity as a restaurant Owner, has for many years spent his evenings consuming large volumes of coffee and then returning home and smoking marijuana for 2 hours prior to sleep. Bob’s attempt to quit smoking without adjusting his evening caffeine intake leaves him with a largely physical reason for his insomnia.

In another case ‘Tony’ has become accustomed to using cannabis in the evenings as a way of expelling the huge stress he feels whilst performing his job as a Stockbroker. When he does not smoke in the evening his anxiety levels raise to such a height that dispelling active thoughts related to work becomes impossible, as does then sleep.

What can I do? – Whatever the primary reason for your sleep issues the starting point has to be an honest appraisal of exactly what your routine is. It is important to detail every aspect of your typical evening activity. So begin by assessing your personal situation and remember to include; your mood patterns; food intake; exercise; alcohol consumption; any brain energizing intensive computer gaming; the typical period of time between going to bed and going to sleep; reading habits; TV time. Then try and apply the following useful rules:

• No caffeine after 6.00pm. This means all drinks containing caffeine and vast quantities of sugar. So beware not just coffee and many types of tea, but also avoid most fizzy drinks and hot chocolate products too. Remember lots of ‘off the shelf’ painkillers are packed full of caffeine so read the label carefully or avoid altogether.
• Get ‘ready’ for bed. A routine of falling asleep in front of the T.V. then waking in the early hours and trudging upstairs to bed will not give you the quality unbroken sleep period that you need to feel fresh and energized in the morning. So set a time (no later than 11.30 is a good general rule), brush your teeth, climb into your chosen sleep clothes and hit the bedroom.
• Clear your mind and relax into sleep. 15 minutes reading whilst in bed is acceptable, as is listening to some mood music. Personalized hypnotic suggestion recordings can also be a valuable aid to sleep (avoid the off the shelf mass market products – only those produced specifically for you are of any value). Computers and televisions are a definite no in the bedroom. Mobile phones need to be left in another room (no excuses on this one – if you need to use the alarm function on your cell phone then go buy yourself an alarm clock. As for sleeping with it under your pillow – forget it!)
• Don’t swap dope for booze! Yes two bottles of red wine may seem to be a great way to doze off but you are simply exchanging one bad situation with another. Go with a green tea instead and you’ll enjoy the relaxing feeling that comes from a component called Theanine. Of course, keep fluid intake in moderation as having to wake three times in the night to visit the bathroom will do nothing for your sense of vitality in the morning.
• Avoid nicotine. I always recommend that clients quit all smoking when they are withdrawing from cannabis use. Late night nicotine acquired through tobacco smoking will sabotage any effort that is made to gain restful sleep. If you are using nicotine ‘patches’ as part of your tobacco smoking cessation (there are better methods for the majority of people) then these must be removed in the early evening – trying to sleep with nicotine pouring into your body is hopeless, and the bizarre dreams that patch users report offer no assistance to those seeking sleep.
• Correct your melatonin levels. If you have not been fuelling your body with healthy foods and providing the correct vitamins and nutrients for melatonin to be naturally produced, then there may well be a case for giving your levels a ‘boost’. Make no mistake you need this hormone to sleep. When it is dark (a dark bedroom is a ‘must have’ for a restful night) melatonin begins to work its magic inside your brain and allows you to get to sleep quicker and maintain deep sleep longer. Take as a supplement around one hour before you wish to sleep. You’ll feel far more refresh when you awake. I recommend my clients always buy a synthetic melatonin product not one that is labelled as natural. ‘Natural’ melatonin supplements are produced from extracts of the pineal gland of animals (mostly sheep) and should be avoided.
• Add exercise to your life. Even it is just a brisk walk for twenty minutes the addition of daily exercise will give structure to your internal body clock. The fitter you are the better your sleep will be. The only exception to the ‘exercise is good’ rule is late evening high heart rate activity. If the only time you can get to work out is in the evening then allow a minimum 3 hours between exercise and sleep, or you’ll be trying to rest whilst your body is still in a charged state. Of course there are forms of exercise which are ideally suited to creating a more relaxed mind and body such as Yoga, Pilates and Tai Chi – all are highly recommended by those clients of mine who have adopted them as part of their overall commitment to personal well-being.

Source by Tom Downham

Legalizing any drug evokes strong emotions from people on both sides. This article is not intended to be an opinion piece, but rather an effort us look at some broad issues, facts, and monetary concerns regarding the potential legalization of marijuana.

In the United States, marijuana is currently classified as a Schedule 1 narcotic. That category indicates it has no medicinal use and a high abuse potential. There have been attempts over the past 2 decades to shift it into a different category, but unsuccessful. It is obvious there is lack of a consensus as to whether it has medicinal properties, as 15 states as of 2011 have legalized its usage for multiple medical conditions.

Is it reasonable for the US to continue classifying marijuana as such when other addictive and cancerous substances like nicotine are allowed? That is a hot button topic. The link between tobacco and various cancers is clear, yet it is big business and it does produce tax monies. There are clear labels on these products, yet over 20% of the American public smokers.

A 2002 Time magazine poll showed an amazing 80% of Americans supported legalizing medical marijuana. In the early 20th Century, artists and intellectuals were frequent users of marijuana for the purpose of enhancing creativity. By the mid 1920's, the American media had latched on to the idea that there was a connection between marijuana and crime, both violent and sexual. It is pretty clear at this point that is not true at all, but then even without any research to back up that fallacy all states had laws by the 1930's regulating marijuana usage.

The Commissioner of Narcotics at the time, Harry Anslinger, crusaded against marijuana in front of congress, the medical establishment, and the media warning against its dangers to society. As a result, in 1937, congressional flames ensued with the result being the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937. This did not make marijuana illegal, but created a hefty tax structure around every part of the marijuana cycle (cultivation, distribution, sale). The onerous nature of the Act pushed marijuana use to a negligible status.

Finally in the 1940's research began coming out showing marijuana to be reliably harmless compared to hard drugs like cocaine and heroin. The association with violence became negated and understood to be most likely from the alcohol being consumed in conjunction with marijuana. However, with the legal structure placed around marijuana the general public saw it as dangerous since an increasing body of research showing it to be relatively (not completely) harmless.

During the 1950's and 60's marijuana use increased, but research mostly focused on LSD and other hard drugs. By 1970, the National Institute of Mental Health reported that 20 million Americans had used marijuana at least once. In 1970, a Gallup poll showed that 42% of college students had smoked marijuana.

As more and more research shows that marijuana does not contribute to violent behavior, it seems only natural that people would feel they've been lied to by the government agencies who are in charge of interpreting these issues. Marijuana has to be obtained illegally for medicinal use in 35 states to this day, and patients have to live in fear of federal prostitution. Should marijuana law and policy be re-considered? Should it simply be re-considered for medicinal use or for overall usage and be sold next to cigarettes, cigars, and alcohol?

In the 1970's, there was a push to de-criminalize small amounts of marijuana. For those supporting decriminalization, the general view was that the laws against marijuana were more harmful than the drug itself. President Jimmy Carter in 1977 called for the decriminalization of small amounts, so did the American Medical Association and American Bar Association. It did not happen.

The 1980's saw a reverse of these efforts, and with President Reagan the War on Drugs ensued with tougher policies and penalties on pretty much every drug. Marijuana usage went down during this decade while alcohol, cocaine, and crack skyrocketed. The 1990's saw a reversal of usage trends. Between 1992 and 1994, marijuana use doubled in adolescents.

Marijuana is not harmless. The cannabis plant has over 400 chemicals in it, and there's a lot we do not know about it. Should it be illegal though? Should it still be a Schedule 1 Narcotic? It is a big cash crop and regulating it could bring in significant tax monies along with eliminating the need to provide resources for so much prosecution. Many medical and scientific professionals have produced evidence about marijuana's medicinal benefits, and 15 states have allowed for its use for debilitating conditions.

A recent study shown marijuana can have long lasting effects on adolescent brains, and it can affect coordination and mental capacity while under its effects. So this needs to be weighed in the pros vs cons debate. The "illegal" label promotes a significant negative aura in people's minds, and the robust debating has shown no evidence of letting up.

Source by David L Greene