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The Health IDEA
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Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a component of the cannabis plant lacking the “high” associated with marijuana, and right now products claiming to contain CBD are everywhere — from gummies to cocktails, ice cream to hand cream, and more. An estimated 64 million consumers, according to a January 2019 Consumer Reports survey, have tried products containing CBD in the past two years alone. But do you know what you are buying - and taking?
(BPT) - Before you reach into that jar of CBD gummies, or add some CBD oil to your bath, proceed carefully. Do you really know what’s in that “miracle cure” that you purchased online or at the health store for anxiety or your aching back? Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a component of the cannabis plant lacking the “high” associated with marijuana, and right now products claiming to contain CBD are everywhere — from gummies to cocktails, ice cream to hand cream, and more. An estimated 64 million consumers, according to a January 2019 Consumer Reports survey, have tried products containing CBD in the past two years alone. With widespread marketing that is largely unregulated, CBD purchased online or at stores is often promoted as a one-stop product for a range of potential health benefits, such as relieving stress, soothing aches and pains, reducing inflammation or improving sleep. Interest in — and access to — CBD increased with the passage of the Farm Bill which removed CBD derived from hemp (a variety of cannabis that contains very low levels of tetrahydrocannabinol or THC) from the list of controlled substances. Although CBD products are now available online or in many stores, health or medical claims made by the product manufacturers are still subject to regulation by the FDA to ensure consumer safety. Through all the current interest surrounding CBD one critical question remains: Are widely available CBD products safe and effective? Separating fact from fiction The contents and dosage of CBD products sold in retail stores or online are often unknown and not consistently, if at all, regulated. To navigate the current environment, consumers first need to understand that not all CBD products are equal:
So, what’s the bottom line for the millions of people currently using CBD products? As the saying goes, the smart consumer is the wise consumer. The FDA approval process is considered by many to be the gold standard in the medical field and was put in place to protect patients. Taking unregulated CBD products that lack scientific evidence can pose health risks, particularly for very sick patients who may be looking for hope in these products, in part, because of unproven health claims. You deserve to know what you’re taking It can be difficult to know if CBD products actually contain what they claim. A 2017 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that almost 70% of all CBD products sold online did not contain the amount of CBD stated on the label — 42% contained a higher concentration of CBD than the label claimed, and 26% of the products contained less. Twenty percent included enough unlabeled THC to cause intoxication, especially in children. The FDA also evaluated some of these products and found that they did not contain the levels of CBD that they claimed. More studies and regulations are needed to ensure these products are safe for consumer use. An important moment in the evolution of CBD occurred in June 2018 when the FDA approved Epidiolex® (cannabidiol) oral solution CV, the first prescription CBD medicine. Because it is a prescription, available in pharmacies just like any other FDA-approved medicine, it is legal throughout the entire U.S. when prescribed by a licensed health care professional. It is the only FDA-approved CBD product currently available. “The approval of Epidiolex is historic not only for the long-awaited relief it provides patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome, two very difficult-to-treat epilepsies, but also for the parameters it has put in place for how a CBD medicine should be studied to understand its safety profile and efficacy,” said Justin Gover, CEO of GW Pharmaceuticals, plc, the company responsible for Epidiolex. “We hope that this opens the door for further well-controlled clinical studies of CBD in other medical conditions to achieve FDA approval and ensure patients are getting the medicines they deserve.” To learn more, visit www.StraightFactsCBD.com. Epidiolex safety information can be found at www.Epidiolex.com. This sponsored article is presented by Brandpoint. KEYWORDS
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When you are touring an assisted living facility for a loved one, you should ask questions, explore the property with a critical eye and talk with the staff. You want to ensure that your loved one will be well taken care of and that they will be happy during the duration of their stay. If you have browsed through brochures, you have to check that the reality does indeed look like the pictures in the marketing materials. Here are three red flags to watch out for when you're picking out an assisted living facility.
Avoided or Unanswered Questions As you view the property in person, ask questions. You want to know how many staff members are on per shift, the kind of credentials they have and if they can handle your loved one's condition. You want to know the steps involved in the admission process, the kind of patients already at the facility and a breakdown of the fees, too. According to After 50 Living, if you notice some or all of these kinds of questions are avoided or unanswered by the staff, it should raise a red flag. While you might come across a new staff member who does not have all the answers, there should be someone who can help when you are in the process of making such an important decision. History of Violations According to Assisted Living Center, information regarding a facility having outstanding compliance violations or complaints can be found by checking with the agencies responsible for overseeing these reports. Disciplinary action is a red flag because it means the facility is not in compliance with industry standards. Seeing repeated offenses is a good reason for you to cross that facility off your list simply because you do not know if your loved one will be properly cared for or safe. Whether it is lack of staff, medical equipment or cleanup, these things pose a risk. You Have a Bad Feeling While you are checking out the assisted living facility, according to Boomer Bloomer, it’s a good idea to do a gut-check. If you are not sure if this is the facility for your loved one, it is OK. You can seek reassurance before making up your mind. If you don't feel good about a place, keep searching for an assisted-living facility that you feel 100% confident about. Picking an assisted living facility is a task that should not be taken lightly. Most facilities are well-staffed and genuinely care for their patients. It is OK to ask questions, tour the property and speak with staff members before you make a decision. If you enjoyed this article, check out this other article with tips on how you can help aging parents! KEYWORDS
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