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Vaping and e-cigarettes have seen a marked rise in popularity over the last several years. While initially marketed as a smoking alternative or quitting aid, vaping has expanded to other niches and products. As teens and others flock to use the products, concerned parents have questions.
The Latest Craze Unlike regular cigarettes, e-cigs come in a variety of flavors and aromas to choose from that stand in stark contrast to the ashy and unpleasant smoke of a cigarette. As e-cigs have risen in popularity, however, their use among teens, both smokers and nonsmokers, has skyrocketed. As the effects and potential dangers are not well known, this has left parents in the lurch. Additionally, there are questions about marketing and whether teens and nonsmokers are being specifically targeted. Nicotine, CBD and THC “Vaping” is somewhat of a catch-all term, but not all vaping products or liquids are the same. Vaping liquids are made from nicotine, CBD or THC. Nicotine is the same substance found in cigarettes and comes from the tobacco plant. While generally considered better than traditional cigarettes, nicotine is an addictive and harmful chemical. Nicotine vaping is not a healthy activity for a nonsmoker. CBD is an oil produced by the hemp plant, and it does not contain nicotine. Vaping is an alternative to direct CBD oil consumption and is used for a variety of reasons. THC is derived from marijuana and represents an alternative to marijuana smoking and edibles. CBD does not produce the "high" associated with marijuana unless it also includes THC. The Market is Booming There are a number of CBD vape juices marketed towards people suffering from anxiety, pain, etc., that can seem appealing. The appeal comes from the fruity flavors and lack of side effects that come with consuming nicotine, marijuana or some prescription medications. Additionally, hemp-based CBD is not illegal on a federal level, unlike marijuana, and will generally not show up on drug tests. Some states have heavier regulations and may require doctor approval or prescription to use CBD products. Use Among Teens Vaping e-cigs and pens are easy to disguise and hide, and the vapor it produces can be flavored or odorless. This makes the behavior much more difficult to identify than traditional cigarettes or marijuana smoking and easier for teens to engage in at many places, such as schools. It is also a contention that companies are marketing their products specifically to a younger crowd, especially teens. While CBD may be a relatively benign use of vaping, the problem is that many teens are using nicotine- or THC-based liquids, which can be harmful. Governmental Intervention The huge growth rate of potentially harmful e-cig use among teens has drawn the attention of the federal government. One issue that has specifically become a point of contention between e-cig and liquid makers, such as Juul; parents; and the government is whether young people are intended targets. In response, companies have launched new advertising to try and discourage teen vape use. It is likely that without a significant change in the number of teens who vape, federal regulators may impose strong restrictions and laws in the future. Ultimately, the safety questions regarding vaping and e-cigs can be difficult to answer. While CBD vaping does have legitimate health uses, nicotine and marijuana vaping and the difficulty in discerning the difference can cause problems. Parents with medical questions can consult medical professionals for CBD vape alternatives while using online resources to discuss the problems presented by nicotine and marijuana use with their younger children. This may help reduce the use of potentially harmful products among teens. Here’s another article we think you’ll like: Veterans seek alternative treatments to post-traumatic stress
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What do you REALLY know about one of the most common food ingredients?
After more than a century of debate over the role of salt in human health, new medical evidence suggests that reducing salt in the U.S. diet may pose a greater risk of harm to the average person. Consider these four common myths about salt.(BPT) - After more than a century of debate over the role of salt in human health, new medical evidence suggests that reducing salt in the U.S. diet may pose a greater risk of harm to the average person. Consider these four common myths about salt: Myth 1: Salt consumption leads to hypertension According to the Mayo Clinic, “For most adults, there's no identifiable cause of high blood pressure [hypertension].” Dr. Jan Staessen, head of the Research Unit on Hypertension at the University of Leuven in Belgium, has written that, “The evidence relating blood pressure to salt intake does not translate into an increased risk of incident hypertension in people consuming a usual salt diet.” Having a temporarily elevated blood pressure is not the same thing as having hypertension, as blood pressure varies normally throughout the day depending on a variety of factors. Myth 2: Americans could massively reduce their salt consumption without any negative health consequences Dr. Andrew Mente, of McMaster University in Canada, and his team conducted the largest ever epidemiologic study of the impact of sodium intake on blood pressure, cardiovascular disease risk and mortality. “We found that regardless of whether people have high blood pressure, low-sodium intake is related to more heart attacks, strokes and deaths compared to average intake,” he said. Myth 3: The U.S. population would gain significant health benefits from major population-wide salt reduction The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends a maximum daily limit of 2,300 mg of sodium per day and a maximum of 1,500 mg for people with certain conditions. Salt is 40 percent sodium. According to Dr. Michael H. Alderman of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, “Sodium consumption around the globe has a mean of about 3,600 mg/day, and a range from 2,600–5,000 mg/day. This mid-range describes about 90 percent of the world’s population. ... Optimal survival is realized by those whose intake is between 2,800 and 5,000 mg/day. Specifically, there is no evidence of a superior health outcome at intakes less than 2,000 mg/day compared with those in the usual range.” Myth 4: Americans eat more salt than ever Military records from the early 1800s up to WWII show that the average soldier was consuming between 6,000 and 6,800 mg/day of sodium. We eat about half of that today, and that number has remained consistent since WWII. The advent of refrigeration meant that we could preserve food with less salt, but salt remains a critical ingredient for food safety and preservation. Sodium chloride (salt) is a nutrient that the body cannot produce, and therefore it must be consumed. The average American eats about 3,400 mg per day of sodium, according to The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, right in the middle of the healthy range.
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3 Ways to Make Your Heart Healthier
One in four people die from heart disease each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and millions more have it or are at risk of developing the disease. Here are three tried-and-true ways you and your friends and family can help each other give your hearts a boost.3 Ways to Make Your Heart Healthier
(Family Features) Did you know that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States? One in four people die from it each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and millions more have it or are at risk of developing the disease. Smoking, being overweight or having diabetes, high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure or a family history of heart disease all increase your chances of getting the disease. The good news is that you can do something about it. “It’s never too late – or too early – to lower your risk for heart disease,” said Josephine Boyington, Ph.D., a nurse, licensed nutritionist and program director in the Division of Cardiovascular Health at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), part of the National Institutes of Health. “Heart disease is a general term for a variety of conditions, such as clogged arteries, that make it difficult for your heart to pump blood properly,” she said. “Adopting small changes, like moving more and following a heart-healthy eating plan, can make a big difference. Research has shown that making healthy lifestyle changes that last can be a lot easier when you have friends or family doing it with you.” To mark American Heart Month, the NHLBI – the nation’s leader in research on the prevention and treatment of heart, lung, blood and sleep disorders – is encouraging that kind of group support. It is celebrating “Our Hearts,” a national effort to motivate Americans to join each other in adopting heart-healthy behaviors throughout the year and beyond. Ready to start? Here are three tried-and-true ways you and your friends and family can help each other give your hearts a boost. 1. Adopt a healthy eating plan. Try NHLBI’s Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan. It’s free and, when compared to a typical American diet, has been scientifically proven to lower blood pressure and improve blood cholesterol levels. The DASH eating plan features fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, beans, nuts and lean meats, and it limits foods that are high in saturated fats, sugars and sodium. Have fun with menus by inviting friends to join you for a heart-healthy dinner party or start a lunch club at work and trade creative recipe ideas with your colleagues. 2. Move more and #MoveWithHeart. One of the major risk factors for heart disease is inactivity. Getting up and moving helps lower that risk – and you don’t need to put in hours at a time to see results. Breaking up your daily activity into small chunks, such as 10-minute increments three times a day for five days a week, can begin to make a difference. To stay motivated, find a walking buddy or make a standing date to walk with a friend or neighbor, dance at home with your kids or play a pickup soccer or basketball game with colleagues. The bottom line: just move. 3. Quit smoking. It can be hard to stop, but the benefits to your lungs and heart are huge. For inspiration and to keep you motivated, consider a support group. You can find resources and connect with a trained counselor by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW or visiting smokefree.gov. For more information about heart health, and to discover what activities are going on in your community, visit nhlbi.nih.gov/ourhearts. Use #OurHearts on social media to share how you and your friends and family are keeping your hearts healthy. Photo courtesy of Getty Images SOURCE:National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
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As the future of contraception remains uncertain, one point bears reminding: access to birth control has come a long way. Whether you’re a woman considering prescription oral contraception or a parent whose daughter is exploring her options, these facts to can help you get to know the birth control pill. How Well Do You Know Your Birth Control?
(Family Features) As the future of contraception remains uncertain, one point bears reminding: access to birth control has come a long way. It was not until 1960 that the first oral contraceptives – coined “birth control pills” or “the Pill” –were approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and hit the market.¹ Now, more than 50 years later, over 35 varieties of the Pill exist on the market.² Additional options have also been introduced: intrauterine devices (IUDs), vaginal rings, implants and more. Even with the availability of various birth control methods, the Pill remains the most popular form of contraception, used by over 10 million women of reproductive age in the U.S. annually.³ “When my patients express interest in prescription birth control for pregnancy prevention, while individual needs vary, I generally recommend they first try the Pill. If used appropriately, it can be an effective option for women,” OB/GYN Jessica Shepherd, M.D., said. “That said, because the Pill may not be right for everyone, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider about your options and make the decision together.” Whether you’re a woman considering prescription oral contraception or a parent whose daughter is exploring her options, Dr. Shepherd shares the following facts to help you get to know the birth control pill:
For additional facts about the birth control pill, visit KnowYourBirthControl.com, and speak to your healthcare provider to determine the method that is right for you. What is Lo Loestrin Fe?
IMPORTANT RISK INFORMATION
Who should not take Lo Loestrin Fe? What else should I know about taking Lo Loestrin Fe? What are the most serious risks of taking Lo Loestrin Fe? What are the possible side effects of Lo Loestrin Fe? Birth control pills do not protect you against any sexually transmitted disease, including HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Please see the full Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warning, and Patient Information which are also available at loloestrin.com. © 2017 Allergan. All rights reserved. Photo courtesy of Getty Images ¹Selections From FDLI Update Series on FDA History - FDA's Approval of the First Oral Contraceptive, Enovid. (n.d.). Retrieved Nov. 9, 2017, from https://www.fda.gov/aboutfda/whatwedo/history/productregulation/selectionsfromfdliupdateseriesonfdahistory/ucm092009.htm Allergan
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