The use of marijuana for both medicinal and recreational purposes has been increasingly legalized in many states. Eating marijuana is considered a better alternative to smoking or vaping it, but there are still downsides.
Marijuana edibles pose increased risks to children and pets because of the ease of overdosing. While no children have died as a result of consuming edibles, at least two pets have, and some children have ended up hospitalized and on life support from overdosing.
Edible marijuana also poses an increased risk for overdosing in adults. Commercial marijuana edibles are often mislabeled and lack proper guidelines on usage. Even when serving sizes are given, effects are not felt until one to two hours later—which can lead to consuming more than the recommended amount. Marijuana is also a known psychoactive substance and can cause psychotic episodes if overconsumed.
“Is It Safe to Consume Cannabis Edibles?” NutritionFacts.org, Apr. 18, 2023.
Recent studies show that losing just 39 minutes of sleep can significantly affect a child’s quality of life and a consistent lack of sleep can have significant effects on children’s ability to cope with school.
Children who don’t get enough sleep have more problems controlling their emotions, paying attention in school, and making friends. Young children (between the ages of 3 and 7) who are regularly short on sleep will have slower neural development, which includes attention, memory, problem-solving, and reasoning.
Here are some tips to help your child sleep better:
“How Losing Just 39 Minutes of Sleep Can Affect Your Kid’s Health,” Healthline, Mar. 18, 2023.
“Study flags later risks for sleep-deprived kids,” The Harvard Gazette, Mar. 10, 2017.
If you’re suffering from conditions such as depression and anxiety, medications might not be your best treatment option. Medical researchers from the University of South Australia have discovered that physical activity was 1.5 times more effective than traditional counseling and medical prescriptions.
Physical activity was shown to especially improve symptoms of anxiety and depression in pregnant and postpartum women, those who suffer with HIV and kidney disease, and those who were otherwise healthy.
All types of exercise showed benefits, including aerobic exercise.
“Some Mental Issues Are Best Treated With Exercise,” Medscape, Apr. 17, 2023.
Ginger has long been known for its healing benefits. Ginger is helpful for nausea, including morning sickness and chemotherapy-induced nausea. It is also helpful in managing menstrual pain, since ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties work similarly to NSAIDs. And due to its anti-inflammatory properties, it may help reduce the risk of chronic disease.
If you prefer a flavored drink over plain water, ginger water or tea can be an alternative to unhealthful sugary drinks. In addition, consuming non-sweetened forms of ginger has shown to be helpful in reducing blood sugars in diabetics.
“To make ginger tea, simply add grated or sliced raw ginger to boiling water and let it steep for at least 10 minutes before straining. You can adjust the ratio depending on how strong you want the flavor to be.”
“The 5 Best Health Benefits of Ginger Water,” Pocket, Jan. 11, 2019.
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