What Are the Advantages of Full Spectrum CBD for Chronic Illness?

Many studies have shown that CBD and products plus CBD oil have many health benefits that can help people who suffer from chronic illnesses. It’s known to have natural advantages that help reduce inflammation and relieve chronic pain. For patients who suffer from anxiety, CBD has calming properties that help reduce the episodes.  In this article, we will go through the various elements of full spectrum CBD oils and their benefits for chronic illnesses.

Full spectrum hemp oil:

Products plus CBD oil, are in high demand, but before purchasing a bottle for yourself, you need to know what the oil consists of and why it’s so popular with people. Full spectrum CBD oil has loads of great benefits that affect the human body. A full spectrum oil is extracted from the industrial hemp plant, which is part of the cannabis family; the components that are taken from the plant are mostly non-psychoactive. Industrial hemp has very fewer traces of THC, which makes it legal for sale in the United States. THC is a psychoactive element that is more prevalent in the marijuana variant of the cannabis plant. Hence, marijuana and THC based products are considered illegal and banned in most states in the US. Hemp differs from marijuana on a chemical level and the way it is cultivated as well.

Recently, farmers have recognized hemp as more than a recreational drug. They are growing it as an agricultural crop; the plant is cultivated to be used in many products like food, clothing, skin and health supplements, every part of the hemp plant is used as it has its unique properties. The hemp’s seeds and stalks are used during the extraction process, for the oil.

There are a few ways manufacturers use to extract full spectrum CBD oil. Some places make use of chemicals like Butane and Hexane to extract the oil while others use CO2 extraction. The chemical extraction process is not very popular because the substances that are used can be toxic and have adverse effects on your immune system when consumed.

CO2 extraction is a much safer way to extract CBD, and the critical method involves carbon dioxide in a highly pressurized chamber that includes low temperatures. These conditions are necessary, so that the compound is isolated, preserved, and the purity of the oil is maintained. When the CO2 extraction is conducted safely and carefully, then the end product is potent and safe to use.

Industrial hemp is known for being rich in CBD, and it’s safe to consume because of the minimal levels of THC; it can’t influence your mood or cognition.

Are all the delivery methods the same for full spectrum oils?

There are many variants of products plus CBD oil, and they are available as sprays, creams, gels, tinctures, balms, and capsules. However, not everybody can absorb the same amount of CBD. The dosage differs from person to person. A young person’s metabolism may be higher so they may need a stronger dose of CBD, while a senior citizen may need a low dose of CBD because their metabolism may not be as fast as it used to be. If you’re looking to increase the absorption rate of your CBD product, then you can go for a liposomal delivery form that will make the cannabinoids accessible to your body.

What are the benefits of full spectrum CBD for chronic illness patients?

Many studies have shown positive results of CBD, especially for people who suffer from chronic illnesses. Listed below are some of the points that will help you understand the link between CBD and chronic illnesses.

1.     Anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties:

If you constant fatigue or Lyme disease, or any other illness where the pain is a consistent factor, then you may want to find a good source of relief. A prescription medication does help with pain relief, but they have their fair share of adverse side effects that can make your condition go from bad to worse. If you’re looking for a natural remedy, then CBD oils are a great choice because of their anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties. They help reduce pain with minimal to no side effects.

2.    Can reduce anxiety:

Having anxiety episodes can be a terrifying situation, especially if it escalates to a full blown panic attack. Prescription drugs can be dangerous as it can have negative effects on your physical health while trying to rectify your mental health. CBD is known to trigger the receptors in your brain, allowing it to release endocannabinoids into your system, thereby relaxing you and reducing your anxiety levels.

This is a guest blog entry.

How to Help a Person Struggling With Drug Addiction?

Overcoming addiction may seem like an impossible thing, but countless people have managed to escape the vicious circle of drug abuse. Many people don’t understand how or why people become addicted to drugs. Some of them have the misconception that addicts lack willpower and moral principles and that they could stop using the drugs.  In reality, it is a complex disease, and quitting usually takes time.

1.    Understanding Drug Addiction

Before fixing the problem of drug addiction, you have to understand it first. It is a chronic disorder in which the sufferer has an urge to seek and use drugs despite the adverse consequences. It is classified as a brain disorder because it affects multiple brains functions including:

• Anxiety
• Stress
• Behavior
• Decision making
• Reward
• Pleasure
• Learning
• Memory
• Judgment

The changes in functions mentioned above may last for one or two years after stopping the drugs. Drug addiction is like other diseases. It is dangerous, but it is treatable. However, if the patient is left untreated, it can ruin his/her life.

2.    Effects of Drugs on the Brain
 
Drugs interfere with the way neurons receive, send, and process signals via neurotransmitters. Drugs flood the person’s brain with a chemical called dopamine. It gives a feeling of pleasure that keeps the drug addict high. Over time, the mind gets used to the extra dopamine, and needs to take in more of the drug to enjoy the same feeling.

When a person uses drugs for a long time, it can cause changes in the brain’s other chemical systems. Drugs can hurt the brain’s working process. These changes in the brain can drive a person to seek out and take drugs in ways that are beyond his/her control.

3.    Signs and Symptoms

Drug addicts tend to show signs of diseases. The most common signs of the problems are given below.

Physical Symptoms

Changes in a person’s appearance can be a clue to possible drug use and may include:

• Bloodshot or glazed eyes
• Constricted or Dilated pupils
• Abrupt weight loss
• Changes in sleeping schedule
• Unusual body odors
• Looking unkempt

Behavioral Symptoms

Drug use can change a person’s habit and behavior. Some drugs can impair the brain’s ability to think and focus clearly. Following changes in behavior can indicate a problem with drug abuse:

• Irritability or Increased aggression
• Changes in personality and attitude
• Depression
• Lethargy
• Changes in social network

4.    Rehabilitation Centers to Help Addicts

Rehab centers help people recover from addiction. Addicted people often need additional care to go back to their healthy lives.

However, they must choose between inpatient or outpatient programs once they decide to overcome any reservations and are ready to enter treatment.

There are two types of rehab centers:

1. Outpatient Rehab Centers
2. Inpatient Rehab Centers

Inpatient Treatment
 
Inpatient treatment requires drug addicts to live at the treatment facility during their treatment. It is the recommended option for the patients who want to get away from their current temptation and focus on getting sober without any distraction.
Inpatient treatment includes:

• Supervised detox
• Group and individual therapies
• Outing to beach, restaurants, or movies
• Medically assisted treatment
• Safe recovery environment

Outpatient treatment

It involves some sort of therapy at clinic or treatment centers that allows a patient to go home after receiving treatment. There are many options for those who are struggling with drug abuse. These clinic centers are an excellent option for those who need help for drug abuse, but they are unable to attend them.

You should not feel shame to join any rehab center if you or your beloved one is suffering from this problem then. There are several treatment centers in Virginia helping their patients to stop drug abuse. They provide group and individual counseling, aftercare monitoring and behavioral therapies to their patients.

Outpatient treatment includes:

• Group therapy
• Individual therapy
• Medication management
• Relapse prevention education

5.    When to Go for Help

Drug addiction keeps increasing with time. You shouldn’t wait to go for help. Other people feel reluctant to enter treatment due to lack of cost, support or fear. Treatment can help you or your loved one get out of this misery. Your treatment may include medicine, counseling, or both. You can ask your doctor to figure out a plan which gives you help to fight it.

This is a guest blog entry.

Caffeine-Free Ways to Fight Chronic Fatigue

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) can be a frustrating illness. Not only do you have to deal with symptoms that hinder your productivity and quality of life, many people, including doctors, don’t understand it and may assume that you’re just making an excuse. For a patient with CFS, simply getting out of bed can seem like an impossible task even after a good night’s sleep. Some patients are even confined to their beds.

People with CFS may turn to drugs like caffeine to keep them alert during the day, but not everyone likes the taste of coffee or tea or wants to rely on substances to stay awake. Read more to learn how to deal with CFS effectively without caffeine.

First, visit your doctor.

The tips shared in this article can still work if you’re just tired, but if you’re excessively tired and haven’t seen a doctor yet, please do so. You may have CFS, or you may have a completely different condition that is causing these fatigue symptoms. For example, iron-deficiency anemia, a blood condition, can also cause fatigue. Getting a professional diagnosis will ensure you’re treating the right condition.

Consider medications.

There is no cure for CFS, but your doctor may recommend certain medications to help relieve your symptoms. Know that if you’d like to avoid stimulant medications and caffeine, you have other options.

For example, antidepressants can help relieve pain and improve sleep. Dietary supplements may also help, but talk to your doctor first before starting any. These medications can get expensive, but patients can buy antidepressants like Clomipramine, Duloxetine, Setraline etc. from international or Canada drugs online through pharmacy referral services that ship medicine from licensed pharmacies.

Consider psychotherapy.

Depression and anxiety are frequently associated with CFS. Lethargy, lack of motivation, and reduction in quality of life, work, and relationships can definitely contribute to low mood and stress. In this case, you may wish to consider seeing a professional therapist.

Psychotherapy is not just about sitting down to tell someone your life story. Today, psychologists use techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help patients in the here and now identify and modify negative beliefs and behaviors. Therapies like CBT require active participation on your part, so prepare to be challenged!

Try graded exercise.

When you’re dealing with chronic fatigue, getting up to exercise may seem near impossible. However, it is a scientifically proven fact that physical activity stimulates alertness and has plenty of health benefits you shouldn’t miss out on.

CFS patients can try a type of therapy called graded exercise. Graded exercise gradually exposes you to physical activity, starting with extremely simple range-of-motion and stretching exercises that are an intimidating few minutes a day.

Remember that your feelings are legitimate.

People with CFS are sometimes unfairly judged. Others may assume that CFS patients are simply hiding behind their illness as an excuse to be lazy. After all, everyone gets tired from time to time.

However, recently, researchers found that there is definitely something different about the blood of people with CFS. By studying the way blood samples affected electrical currents, scientists were able to accurately identify 20 chronic fatigue patients from healthy controls. This study not only legitimizes the suffering of CFS patients, but may open doors for an effective CFS medication in the future.

Drinking a little coffee is probably okay.

Coffee is a drink beloved by office workaholics and procrastinating students the world over. Yet, many people are afraid of drinking coffee because they fear the potential negative health effects from the caffeine. For most people, however, a little coffee is okay. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 400 milligrams of caffeine per day is regarded as generally safe for most adults. This is equivalent to roughly eight ounces of coffee, but be aware that other substances can contain caffeine too, such as chocolate and soft drinks.

Yet, many people still think of caffeine as a bandage solution. Besides, caffeine is not always available, and your body may build tolerance over time requiring you to consume more. Know that there are other ways to improve your energy, and never underestimate the power of healthy lifestyle habits.

This is a guest blog posting.

Mind Your Mind During Menopause

Menopause is a pivotal point in life. It often coincides with major life milestones, such as retirement and saying good-bye to children as they leave the nest. As a result, it can be both an exciting and stressful time.

When you think of menopause, your first thoughts may be about hot flashes and sleep troubles. But don’t discount the psychological impact either! With menopause comes a number of changes to your body — and to your mental health.

What is menopause?

First, let’s define what menopause is.

Menopause is when you can no longer get pregnant and your menstruation stops permanently. You only officially reach menopause when it’s been a full year since your last period.

Before you can reach menopause, though, you go through the transition period called perimenopause. During this period, hormone levels can start to change. For instance, levels of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone will start to vary. And this shift typically causes menopause symptoms to happen. Your periods may become irregular, heavier, or lighter.

Symptoms of menopause include:

• Decreased libido
• Sleep problems
• Hot flashes
• Vaginal dryness

The average American woman reaches menopause by age 52, but the range can be between ages 45 and 58. Your age of menopause may be similar to your mother’s.

Psychological Effects of Menopause

Menopause can be a complicated time. Because your body is making less estrogen and progesterone, menopausal women have a higher risk of developing certain diseases, such as osteoporosis and heart disease.

Mental health is not exempt. Of course, some women may be happy that they no longer have to deal with the inconvenience of periods, or they may enjoy the increased freedom that comes with retirement and independent children. Other women, however, may feel directionless without career and childcare responsibilities, or they may struggle with a lower libido.

Menopause and Sex

It’s true that menopause has a large impact on your sex life. After all, two main symptoms of menopause are vaginal dryness and a reduced desire to have sex.

While these changes don’t sound fun at all, don’t throw in the towel just yet! The following tips may help you maintain a healthy sex life:

• Be patient. Allow more time to warm up. Arousal helps lubricate your tissues, so don’t rush through the initial stages of sexual activity.
• Avoid drugs and alcohol, and quit smoking. These substances can inhibit your sexual response. Cigarettes can also reduce blood flow to your genitals.
• Keep active — this includes having sex more often! Exercise boosts mood and energy, and regular sexual activity can help maintain a healthy blood flow to the vagina.
• Use lubrication. Lubrication products can make sex more comfortable for you and your partner.
• Practise safer sex. Even though you can’t get pregnant anymore, you can still catch sexually transmitted infections. A drier, thinner, and more delicate vagina can also mean a higher risk of infection if injury happens.

Finally, don’t be afraid to discuss sexual problems with your doctor. While often seen as a very private matter, sexual health is an important component of overall physical and mental health. Just because you’re older doesn’t mean you’re doomed to an unsatisfactory sex life. Doctors are trained and willing to help you have a satisfying one.

If vaginal dryness is a more serious issue, your doctor may prescribe you medication like Vagifem® (estradiol). You can access cheap Vagifem® online through international and Canadian pharmacy referral services. These places connect American patients with licensed pharmacies outside the U.S. that offer quality drugs at reduced prices.

Menopause, Body Image, and Health

Another impact menopause has on your body is weight gain. On average, women who gain weight after menopause gain about five pounds. This can be distressing, but remember that weight gain is part of the aging process for many people. It’s just one side effect from your metabolism slowing down as you age.

To help you feel and look good, keep in mind the following tips:

• Eat a healthful diet. Older people often don’t need as many calories as their younger counterparts, so try gradually reducing the amount of food you eat. To preserve enjoyment of food, try using smaller plates and practice mindful eating.
• Ask about supplements. Older women may be at higher risk for certain diseases if they are low on certain nutrients. Ask your doctor whether supplementary vitamin D and calcium would benefit you.
• Stay active. Physical activity doesn’t need to be intense. You can still benefit from 10-minute bouts of exercise. As an older person, you may also feel better doing low-impact exercises like water aerobics, swimming, and cycling, as they put less pressure on your joints.
• Stay up-to-date on health screenings. Make sure you get the appropriate health screenings for your age, such as mammograms and height measurements to monitor bone loss.

At the end of the day, try your best to enjoy the positive aspects of this stage in your life! If you are about to retire or have recently retired, plan trips to places you’ve always wanted to explore, whether it’s within your town or across the ocean. If your children are independent, fill up that extra time with volunteering, hobbies, or learning a new skill. Menopause is your oyster!

This is a guest blog entry.

3 Easy Steps to Grow Your Healthcare Business

The reason for the existence of most healthcare businesses is to: take care of patients, and generate revenue. If you are in the healthcare industry, there is a need to grow just like any other business.

However, this does not come automatically and you have to put in some effort. Here are the three things you could do that would increase the customer base of your healthcare business.

1. Use Technology

If you look around, you will notice that all healthcare facilities with regular attendees have one thing in common: they are not afraid to automate their workspace. Why do clients prefer working with companies that use technology? Well, it is pretty simple. The process is faster and more effective. No one wants to wait all day to be helped.

Adopting technologies like the EHR software will help you handle patient data. Instead of the patients being forced to make their way to your clinic or make phone calls to make appointments, they have the option of scheduling their appointments online.

Technology has proven to be a useful tool for enhancing customer experience and satisfaction.

2. Have a Positive Social Media Presence

This is yet another way that technology comes in handy. Social media platforms are excellent marketing tools that allow you to interact with potential clients. It offers a platform for you to communicate with your clients, post updates and let your patients give you feedback and support.

A positive social media presence will help you reach more people and attract traffic to your website.

As you may be well aware, having more traffic means you can have more leads and a higher chance of turning your audience into loyal customers.

3. Meet Your Customers’ Needs

With a positive social media presence on many different social media platforms, nothing should stop you from offering your patients the best customer service you can muster. Engagement with your audience will allow you to pinpoint what your customers’ needs are and the challenges they are facing with your services, which provides you with an opportunity to improve.

As your customer base continues to grow, you need to make your healthcare scalable to accommodate the growing demand. You can consider hiring more staff, acquiring more equipment, and creating more space in your business.

Growing a successful healthcare business can be daunting. Using technology and social media to your advantage will not only facilitate the process, but will be key to the success of your business.

This is a guest blog entry.

How to Take Good Care of Your Feet

Your feet take you everywhere you go. A healthy body begins from the feet, so it is essential that we take good care of them. If you notice that your feet are aching after a day’s work, you are suffering from infections such as athlete’s foot, or you just want to take better care of your feet, here are a few ways to do so. 

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Wash Often

How often do you really wash your feet - and be honest? Many people allow water to run over their fee but don’t actually take the time to wash them. You should be washing them each day with soap and water. A foot spa is not the way to do it, though, as soaking them for too long will actually strip the natural oils from the skin, leaving them dry.

Dry Them Properly

When you wash your feet, you need to make sure they are fully dry before dressing. If you do often find yourself with fungal infections, this could be why. When drying your feet, take extra care with your feet and ensure that you get in between those toes.

Moisturize

If your face is dry, you moisturize it right? So why do so many of us neglect our feet? Apply moisturizer all over the foot if it is dry, each day. If you have any hard bits, called calluses, you can purchase a foot file to get rid of this. Although it may feel slightly unpleasant, leaving it there could cause other problems down the line.

Cut Those Nails

To minimize the risks of an ingrown toenail, cut your nails often and in a straight line. Never cut down your nail’s edges or at an angle. Trimming regularly ensures that you are comfortable in your shoes and keeps your toes clean.

Shop for Shoes in The Afternoon

This may sound like a strange one, but your feet naturally swell through the day. If shoes fit properly in the afternoon, you know they will be the most comfortable. If you are finding your shoes uncomfortable, it may be worth purchasing an insole. There are insoles for work shoes, dress shoes, and running shoes, but insoles.com carry the best insoles for every occasion.

Limit Your Time in Heels

Heels cause all kinds of problems for your feet, back, and posture. If you do enjoy wearing heels, its important that you limit your time spent in them. Varying the heel height can also aid in minimizing damage. If you often wear heels that are above 5 cm, you could be damaging your feet and posture and later in life, this can cause many issues. Your heels change how you stand, therefore, misalign your joints over time, causing arthritis and other conditions.

Your feet go through some tough times, so we should always take good care of them. They help you get from A to B, are the reason you finished that marathon, and they helped you through your wedding dance, so help them by following the above tips.

This is a guest blog entry.

11 Tips for Running and Racing in the Summer Heat

While the longer days of spring and summer might offer you more hours in which you can find time to run, the heat that accompanies this sunny season can also make running sweatier and more fatiguing. Keep yourself safe, healthy, and running injury-free with these 11 important tips:

1. Run in cooler environments - dark asphalt literally absorbs and radiates heat which can make your summer run feel even hotter. Waterways, on the other hand, like lakes, rivers, and streams often generate a cooler, breezier local environment that feels nice to run beside as do trails and parks that offer plenty of tree canopy to cover you.


2. Keep your clothing light and bright - don’t wear dark, heavy workout clothes (ahem, no cotton) that will absorb the sun’s heat and your sweat. Opt for loose lightweight running clothes instead; loose clothes can allow cooling breezes through and bright colors will reflect the sun’s heat and wick away moisture (think materials like Lycra and polyester).  


3.  Hydrate smarter - forgetting to consume fluids throughout the day and then chugging a glass of water before you head out on your run won’t do you much good, especially when you are sweating upwards of 0.8 and 1.4 liters each hour. Make sure to drink water throughout the day, and take a portable water source with you (like a Camelbak) if your run outside in the sun is going to last longer than 45 minutes or an hour.


4. Slow down - your internal body temperature increases as you generate more heat with your movements during running and it simply isn’t as efficient out in 85-degree weather as it would be in 55-degree weather. If you are running in scorching temps, slow down when necessary to prevent symptoms of overheating like nausea, lightheadedness, and confusion.


5. Wear sun protection - want to hear a shocking statistic? Close to 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer during their lifetime. When running in the sun, make sure to safeguard your skin against harmful ultraviolet rays by wearing sunblock SPF 30 or higher in addition to protective clothing (mesh running hat, sunglasses, etc).


6. Cool off before your run - lower your body temperature prior to your run by sipping on icy beverages, sitting in air conditioning, or wearing cold wraps. Research suggests that precooling in the hour before a run can enhance endurance performance in hotter climates.


7. Update your running brace - if you wear an orthopedic aid to help stabilize critical joints like your knee or ankle while you run, you’ll want to make sure your summer miles are logged in a brace that won’t absorb all your sweat and become smelly. The best knee brace for running will be made of a lightweight breathable material like neoprene that is flexible but strong enough to adequately support your movements.


8. Don’t shy away from cross-training - if you are training for a race like a 10K, half-marathon, or even an ultra, cross-training will play an important role in your weekly exercise routine (and it can provide a nice respite from the sun). Complement your weekly running miles with indoor yoga, swimming, or a cool indoor spin class.


9. Freeze your water - few things taste worse than drinking hot water out of the bottle you brought with you on your run. Make your water breaks way more refreshing by freezing your water bottle, backpack, or belt before you head outside. It will melt as you log miles and then be a crisp cool treat once you stop for a sip.


10. Run when it is cool out - keep an eye on the forecast with weather apps like DarkSky or Weather.com. Plan your runs accordingly so that you are heading out during the coolest parts of the day, like early morning or mid-morning. If you would rather run after work in the evening, consider taking your trek indoors so you’re not battling the heat with each stride.


11. Use the wind to your advantage - if you can gauge wind direction (or use an app to look it up), you may be able to help yourself stay cooler on your run. Since your body only continues to heat up as you jog, coordinate your route so that you are running against the wind on the second half of your journey. A little added wind resistance won’t seem so bad when it’s the same breeze cooling you off.

Don’t let your running schedule lag behind because you think it’s too hot to get out during the summer. Be smart about knowing the outdoor temperature ahead of time, plan a thoughtful route, wear appropriate clothing, and stay hydrated!

This is a guest blog posting.