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Things You Can Make With Leftover Marijuana Stems

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Cannabis stems are incredibly versatile and  easy to utilize. Here are some ways to repurpose them instead of tossing them in the trash.

One of the old adages of marijuana smoking has been to exclude sticks and stems. While true in smoking, this doesn’t mean there isn’t a place at the table for those remaining little twigs. 

In fact, cannabis stems are incredibly versatile and rather easy to put to use. With just a few items, you can put these once considered unwanted elements to highly effective use. 

Instead of tossing a valuable piece of the plant, re-use them in one of several ways:

Make a Hot Drink

What To Know Before Adding CBD To Your Tea
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RELATED: Cannabis Tea Made With Leftover Marijuana Stems? We Have A Recipe!

Stems work well with teas and other hot drinks like cocoa thanks to its relatively quick infusion process and its potent effects. You’ll need to decarboxylate your stems, then ground them down before placing it in a filter as you would tea. In a few minutes, you should have a strong cup of chai. 

Tinctures

Photo by Nisangha/Getty Images

Sometimes referred to as Green or Golden Dragon, all it takes to create a batch is some stems and high potent grain alcohol. Keep in mind you will need a Mason jar’s worth of seeds and about a week’s time, which calls for light daily maintenance to ensure the process is moving along smoothly. After about a week, strain the mixture, and you should have a fast-acting consumption method on your hands. 

Butter

butter
Photo by ponce_photography via Pixabay

RELATED: 5 Ways To Utilize Leftover Marijuana Pulp From Cannabutter

Marijuana stems are perfect for infusing butter to be used in an array of recipes. Grind approximately an ounce of stems in a food pan, then mix with the butter. Simmer for a little under an hour and let the combined ingredients cool in the refrigerator until it reaches an ideal consistency. 

Topicals

Here's What You Should Know About CBD Topicals
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You don’t have to consume the stems at all. Instead, stems can be used in infusing topicals to treat several conditions from muscle pains to bug bites. With the ability to make skin lotion to lip balm, several methods and recipes can get you started on your own creations. 

Cannabis Extracts

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RELATED: Here’s What Happens When You Smoke Marijuana Stems

Extracted cannabis products offer consumers a more potent consumption experience. With stems, you have two approaches to creating hash. One is a more time-consuming process, which takes several hours. Another method using rubbing alcohol, a bit of shaking and a coffee filter can take just a few minutes. 

Whichever option you choose, remember that marijuana stems are worth keeping around for a rainy day project. Store them in a jar or sealed bag until you have enough to put them to use. 

What You Need To Know About Investing In Marijuana With A Biden-Harris Win

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Industry insiders believe Democrat-held Congress would likely take up the SAFE Banking and MORE Acts, generating long-term market effects.

Despite ongoing attempts by the Trump Administration to delay the transition, President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris are expected to take power on January 20, 2021, creating an impact on the cannabis stock market that could be substantial. 

A Biden/Harris presidency could prove beneficial for a surging cannabis reform movement and its market after a clean sweep across five states on Election Day. Still, financial and legal experts point out that cannabis reform relies on more than the White House. As such, a delay in both reform and market impact could occur. 

Power, Potential Reform Remains In The Balance

The Biden White House should provide the marijuana market a bump of some form. However, its scope hinges on Biden, a decriminalization proponent, and the U.S. Senate’s power, which remains in limbo until January when two runoffs in Georgia are held. 

The results will determine if the Democrats control both chambers of Congress or Biden’s opposition from cannabis opponent Mitch McConnell

“We will see a positive bump due to the Biden/Harris win, but a Democratic Senate will be critical to effectuating any big changes such as the MORE Act,” said Matt Hawkins, founder and managing partner of Entourage Effect Capital

RELATED: Drug Decriminalization Vs. Legalization — Here’s The Difference

Jonathan Storper, a partner at Hanson Bridgett and leader of its Cannabis Law practice, said a Biden decriminalization plan would provide modest increases in market support if implemented. However, he does not expect the market to receive much of an early impact due to other pressing matters in the world. He did, however, say that an executive order from Biden could provide an early market impact. 

Joe Biden Keeps Stating Conflicting Opinions About Marijuana
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Storper believes a Democrat-held Congress would likely take up the SAFE Banking and MORE Acts, generating long-term market effects. He predicted that Biden would at least support SAFE banking, if not both acts. 

RELATED: What’s Next For Marijuana Legalization In The United States?

“This support could also enable more research and development of drugs and other therapeutics using CBD and THC,” he said of the potential impact. 

The Presidency and Senate remain in various stages of doubt. Hawkins said that if investors want to focus on policy, then January’s runoffs in Georgia are crucial to gauging what may happen in the 117th Congress.  

Upward Market Momentum Regardless

Both Hawkins and Storper predict continued cannabis momentum regardless of the results.

“We will see continued positive momentum simply because of how companies are performing, which is unrelated to what’s happening in Washington,” said Hawkins, crediting an overall positive perception of legalization around the country as the driving factor.

5 Gift Ideas For Stressed Out Friends & Family

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The holiday season is officially here, capping off a very stressful year. Here are some gift ideas for your loved ones who need some extra TLC.

This year was full of … surprises? … but at least it went by quickly. The holidays are already upon us, and although we’re all experiencing some solace over the fact that we’re all in this sh*tshow together, the stress is real. While you may be finding ways of staying healthy and positive, your friends and family members may be having a rougher time. What’s a better way to remind them that you’re there for them than by sending them a present?

Relaxing items that also make for good gifts are not that easy to find and they depend on the person you’re gifting them to. The following presents range in price and effect, but all are a little untraditional, just like 2020. Here are 5 holiday presents for that stressed out person in your life:

Cannabis bath bombs and soaks

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Photo by Pharma Hemp Complex via Unsplash

Bath bombs are the best. Cannabis bath bombs are even better. These are available in all shapes and forms, containing THC or CBD, and all kinds of smells. While the effects vary from person to person, with some believing that they’re just relaxing and others that they can get you high, they’re all pleasant and are especially soothing for those who are coping with annoying period cramps or for some kind of muscle pain. There’s a wide variety of cannabis bath bombs and soaks out there, with brands like Kush Queen and Vertly having some great reviews.

Weighted blanket

weighted blanket
Photo by Cavan Images/Getty Images

RELATED: Spending The Holidays Alone? Here’s How To Make The Most Of It

Weighted blankets sound like a fad, but there’s actual science behind their soothing effects. According to Penn Medicine, weighted blankets use “pressure therapy” to calm your body. When people are stressed out, their heart rate increases and their stress levels spike. Once you apply pressure, your heartbeat lowers, and produces a wave of calm and relief.

Planner

Photo by NAN728/Shutterstock.com

I know, I know, not the fanciest of gifts. But there are fancy planners out there, with beautiful covers and multiple purposes, whether they’re themed or just designed to look cute and feel good. Unlike scheduling your days with your phone’s calendar, paper planners are good for stress relief and creativity. The fact that the planner is separate from a phone might encourage people to use them more often. Plus, 2021 is right around the corner. How great to start the year with a new blank slate! It’ll give your loved one something to look forward to.

Face scrubs and exfoliants

how to choose cannabis topicals that will actually work
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RELATED: What You Should Know About Holiday Parties During The Pandemic

Stress results in a lot of skin issues, whether they’re noticeable, like zits, or easier to disguise, like dry skin. There’s plenty of options when it comes to skincare, with plenty of products utilizing cannabis or more traditional components.

Meditation cushion sets

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Meditation cushion sets aren’t necessary for a good meditation session, but they make the whole experience more efficient by allowing you to relax as you meditate. These cushions work on your posture, allowing you to not work as hard when it comes to the natural position of your body. This will in turn help you focus on your meditation session and what matters.

What Does The Future Hold For CBD Products?

The CBD market has already proven itself to be a lucrative one, and it’s only going to grow.

CBD products have become incredibly popular thanks to new legislation legalizing hemp-derived products with minimal THC content. The popularity of CBD is also attributable to the number of people experiencing benefits from it; CBD is being used to alleviate anxiety, help people sleep, and give people a deeper sense of wellness and relaxation.

But what does the future hold for this industry? Is CBD just a fad, or will it continue growing in popularity? And how will innovators direct the development of this market?

Product Innovation

First, let’s take a look at the area of product innovation. Already, there is a wide range of different CBD products available for consumers to try. You can buy and smoke CBD flower, just as you can buy and smoke weed, but most people prefer a different delivery system due to concerns about smoke and lung health.

Instead, many people are turning to full spectrum CBD oil, an extract designed to provide you with a full spectrum of different cannabinoids (except THC, of course), in a much cleaner, more efficient delivery system. We’re also seeing the development and circulation of topical forms of CBD, including creams, and CBD cartridges for vaporizers.

In the future, we’ll likely see an even wider range of products that contain CBD. Already, we’re seeing hints of what’s to come. For example, there are gummies and other edibles that contain CBD being sold by food manufacturers. There are also some restaurants offering signature dishes cooked with CBD oil. Over time, as extracts become more concentrated and new forms of CBD delivery become discovered, we’ll see an even more diverse range of options for consumers.

Consumer Demand

Consumer demand for CBD is unlikely to let up anytime soon. After becoming legalized, there was an understandable surge in demand due to the novelty of the substance. Some experts suggested that this would be short-lived; once people got over the newness of the substance, they would move onto something else.

But the numbers suggest something different. The market for CBD in 2020 is $967.2 million, but it’s projected to grow to $5.3 billion by 2025. There are many reasons why this growth trend will likely continue.

RELATED: Are There Any States That Restrict CBD Products?

For starters, people who try CBD and like it tend to keep buying it. They discover the benefits, and don’t want to lose them. It’s not a fad for them; it’s a source of relief. Additionally, the benefits of CBD are still being discovered; new studies are constantly emerging to suggest new benefits from the substance, or to reinforce already existing ideas about how it works.

Consumer acceptance is also likely to grow. While some people were excited to try something new when it became legalized, CBD still carries a stigma among some circles, due to its association with marijuana, which is still illegal at the federal level. In time, negative perceptions will likely decline, and more people will be willing to try this substance for their own personal benefit.

person holding amber glass bottle
Photo by Christin Hume via Unsplash

Regulation

While the 2018 Farm Bill allowed hemp-derived products to be sold legally, this isn’t the end of the line in terms of regulation. In the future, the FDA and other governmental bodies may step in to more heavily regulate the manufacture, advertisement, and sale of CBD products. This is an area of much uncertainty since it’s unclear how or when the government may intervene.

RELATED: How To Find High-Quality CBD Oil

Right now, there are minimal regulations for how hemp is grown and tracked. Companies are making bold claims about the health benefits of CBD, despite much of the research being new and limited in capacity. And some products, such as extracts, are hard to control in terms of potency and consistency. Increased regulation could make it more difficult for new companies to enter the space, and could cause headaches for companies that are trying to innovate and serve more consumers.

Increased Competition

No matter what, we’re likely going to see more competition in the CBD space. The CBD market has already proven itself to be a lucrative one, and it’s only going to grow in the future. Thousands of businesses are competing to become a top name in the CBD world, and entrepreneurs are coming up with new ways to help themselves stand out from the crowd.

This will have a cascade of different effects on the market. It will introduce more novel products. It will lower prices for consumers. It will bring more attention to the industry. And it will make it harder to be a business owner in the space.

The future of CBD products is somewhat uncertain, given the potential for further regulation. However, the CBD market is consistently growing, and will likely continue to grow for the foreseeable future. New CBD products will inevitably follow that demand.

This article originally appeared on Green Market Report and has been reposted with permission.

Does Vanessa Hudgens Smoke Weed?

Vanessa Hudgens is a successful Disney star who’s grown a holiday Netflix following. Does she smoke weed?

Vanessa Hudgens is one of Disney’s most recognizable faces. Making her breakthrough in the early aughts with the High School Musical series, Hudgens is familiar to many millennials. Recently, she’s made a niche for herself with The Princess Switch, a Netflix holiday movie that is so outrageous that it’s developed a cult following, one that pops up as soon as the weather grows cold.

Does she smoke marijuana?

RELATED: Does The Weeknd Smoke Weed?

In 2014, Hudgens make the news when she decided to go for a run while wearing a weed themed t-shirt. The controversy spiked when, in closer inspection, the shirt said “dank” and bore a striking resemblance to the Disney logo. Very nice. It wasn’t the first time Hudgens was photographed with marijuana-themed shirts.

Does Vanessa Hudgens Smoke Weed
Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Netflix

But a weed shirt, as fun as it can be, doesn’t mean that the wearer smokes it. In 2019, Hudgens made an appearance in the Museum of Weed in Los Angeles, a location that focused on educating the public on marijuana, its history of propaganda, incarceration and science. No cannabis was sold on site, but its purpose was clear.

“The story of cannabis is such a fascinating story to me,” said Hudgens to the Hollywood Reporter. “It’s mind-blowing to me how many people are incarcerated because of non-violent possession. … It’s really important to educate yourself as well, and I think that this museum will kind of debunk this mysticism that’s been around it.”

RELATED: Does Wendy Williams Smoke Weed?

While Hudgens hasn’t uploaded a photo of herself smoking weed or the paparazzi hasn’t caught her with a joint or exiting a dispensary, the actress has made her support for the herb pretty clear. After compiling and observing the evidence, we can safely assume that  Hudgens supports weed and that she’s most likely a smoker.

Could Marijuana Legalization Unite A Divided Country?

If Joe Biden wants to keep his promise to be a President for all Americans, pushing for marijuana decriminalization or better yet, legalization is a good place to start.

Election Day 2020 is in the books and it appears that marijuana is the biggest winner of the 2020 election. Every marijuana-related initiative won. Joe Biden also won after running on the idea of healing a divided nation. Could marijuana legalization united a divided country?

Marijuana legalization may be one of the few issues that Biden can use to garner support from both Republicans and Democrats, it was a perfect score. Here are the key results:

  • Arizona. Voters approved Arizona Proposition 207 to legalize the possession and use of marijuana for individuals over the age of 21, enact a tax on marijuana sales, and require the Arizona Department of Health and Human Services regulate the industry.
  • Montana. Voters approved Montana Initiative 190 to legalize the possession and use of marijuana for adults over 21, impose a 20% tax on marijuana sales, require the Montana Department of Revenue to regulate the industry, and allow for resentencing or expungement of marijuana-related crimes.
  • Mississippi. In Mississippi, voters considered two initiatives to legalize medical marijuana and approved the most permissive option in Initiative 65 which allows the use of medical marijuana for the treatment of 20 specified qualifying conditions.
  • New Jersey. Voters approved New Jersey Public Question 1 which amends the New Jersey Constitution to legalize the possession and use of marijuana for individuals over the age of 21 and legalizes the cultivation, processing, and retail of marijuana.
  • South Dakota. Voters approved both Amendment A to legalize marijuana and Measure 26 which legalizes medical marijuana.
Congress May Be Forced To Consider Nationwide Marijuana Legalization Now That 68% Of Population Supports It
Photo by Fokusiert/Getty Images

According to a post-election Gallup poll, 68% of Americans support marijuana legalization. Here is how that support breaks down along party lines.

  • Republicans: 48% think marijuana should be made legal
  • Independents: 72% think marijuana should be made legal
  • Democrats: 83% think marijuana should be made legal

Polling shows that marijuana is an incredibly popular issue right now. Well over a majority of independents and Democrats support legalization while, just about half of Republicans are on board with legal marijuana. This is relevant for the other big winner of the election: President-Elect Joe Biden.

RELATED: Did Marijuana Prohibition Cost Trump The Election?

Biden has not campaigned on marijuana legalization but has campaigned on the idea that he can unite a deeply divided country. In his November 7 victory speech, Biden said “this is time to heal in America.” He went on to remark that “I will work to be a president who seeks not to divide but unify. I won’t see red states and blue states, I will always see the United States.”

From deep red South Dakota to dark blue New Jersey, Americans showed major support for legalization at the polls. I do not want to claim that marijuana legalization is a panacea for the division among Americans, but I do think that it could be a “gateway” for a more United States (see what I did there?). According to Marijuana Moment, Biden made campaign promises that his criminal justice reforms would include cannabis decriminalization and automatic expungement, but the racial equity plan his transition team put forward omits any mention of marijuana reform.

RELATED: How Joe Biden’s Administration Could Legalize Marijuana

If he wants to keep his promise to be a President for all Americans, pushing for marijuana decriminalization or better yet, legalization is a good place to start. This recent election shows that a substantial percentage of Americans support marijuana legalization.

Daniel Shortt is a corporate and regulatory attorney based in Seattle, Washington who works extensively with entrepreneurs in the cannabis industry. This article originally appeared on Green Light Law Group and has been reposted with permission. You can contact Daniel at info@gl-lg.com or (206) 430-1336.

Top 5 Fresh Toast Stories Of The Week: Nov. 20, 2020

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ICYMI: Here are the headlines making news this week on The Fresh Toast.

Industry insiders believe Democrat-held Congress would likely take up the SAFE Banking and MORE Acts, generating long-term market effects; Even without Congressional assistance, the president has the authority to initiate the process of getting marijuana rescheduled. Will Joe Biden do it?; and is smoking weed bad for your lungs?

Let’s dive into these stories and more as we round up the top five headlines on The Fresh Toast this week:

What You Need To Know About Investing In Marijuana With A Biden-Harris Win

What You Need To Know About Investing In Marijuana With A Biden-Harris Win
Photo by Darren415/Getty Images

Despite ongoing attempts by the Trump Administration to delay the transition, President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris are expected to take power on January 20, 2021, creating an impact on the cannabis stock market that could be substantial.

A Biden/Harris presidency could prove beneficial for a surging cannabis reform movement and its market after a clean sweep across five states on Election Day. Still, financial and legal experts point out that cannabis reform relies on more than the White House. As such, a delay in both reform and market impact could occur.

Continue reading >>>

How Medical Marijuana Could Soon Be Prescribed By Doctors Nationwide

How Medical Marijuana Could Soon Be Prescribed By Doctors Nationwide
Photo by LightFieldStudios/Getty Images

While it is still kind of hard to see through the funk of the 2020 election, rest assured it is over for Donald Trump. As of January 2021, President-elect Joe Biden will take his shot at making America great again.

It will be during his first 100 days, a period that typically sets the tone for the presidency, that America will get to see precisely what kind of leader it is dealing with. Some citizens hope to see action that will help rebuild an economy crushed by the dreaded COVID-19, others want an effective vaccine, and a good deal of the population just wants medical marijuana.

Continue reading >>>

How Could Joe Biden’s Administration Legalize Marijuana?

How Could Joe Biden’s Administration Legalize Marijuana?
Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Joe Biden did not campaign on legalizing marijuana but it is possible, maybe even likely, that the federal prohibition of marijuana ends under President-Elect Biden’s watch. That is because Biden is likely to appoint pro-marijuana politicians to key cabinet positions.   

Congress crafted the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) in the 1970s to be a comprehensive federal drug law. The CSA places substances on certain schedules based on their danger to society. Schedule I is reserved for substances that are so dangerous that they cannot be used even under medical supervision. Marijuana is a Schedule I substance, alongside heroin and meth.  

Continue reading >>>

Here’s Why Congress May Be Forced To Consider Nationwide Marijuana Legalization

Congress May Be Forced To Consider Nationwide Marijuana Legalization Now That 68% Of Population Supports It
Photo by Fokusiert/Getty Images

It has been said that once the issue of marijuana legalization resides consistently near 65 percent in the public opinion polls, Congress will have no choice but to give it some consideration. Well, that time has come.

Not only has federal legalization managed to garner somewhere between 60%-65% favorability over the past few years, but the support has now grown considerably. The latest Gallup poll shows that nearly 70% of the population now believes the United States should legalize the leaf nationwide. It’s a signal to the boys and girls on Capitol Hill that now is the time to get serious about legal weed. But will they listen?

Continue reading >>>

Is Smoking Marijuana Bad For Your Lungs?

How Does Smoking Marijuana Affect Your Lungs Exactly?
Photo by JP Yim/Stringer/Getty Images

Last December, Willie Nelson shocked stoner circles around the world when the Red Headed Stranger announced he had quit smoking weed. A spokesperson later clarified that Nelson still uses marijuana, he just stopped smoking it for health reasons.

“I have abused my lungs quite a bit in the past, so breathing is a little more difficult these days and I have to be careful,” Nelson told San Antonio television station KSAT. “I don’t smoke anymore. I take better care of myself today.”

Not many of us smoke as often as Willie Nelson, but it’s worth asking: just what effect does marijuana smoke have on your lungs?

Continue reading >>>

The One Request Prince Harry Has When He Stays At Hotels

A close friend of Harry’s revealed to CBS the one thing the Duke of Sussex has no patience for when traveling.

When you’re royalty, hotels will bend over backwards to make your stay the most enjoyable. And that’s why when Prince Harry makes a request on behalf of the environment, it’s impactful.

During a 2019 interview with “CBS This Morning,” Harry’s good friend Nacho Figueras revealed that the Duke of Sussex has one main request when he travels and it’s a simple, yet important one: don’t use plastic.

Figueras, often referred to as the David Beckham of polo, explained to CBS that he saw first hand what type of guy Harry is when the two stayed at a hotel before a charity polo match last month.

RELATED: Prince Harry Says This Is His Biggest Fear About Becoming A Dad

“He talked to a person and said, ‘This morning I got my coffee and I saw that you have a plastic thing on the coffee. And then I also sent my shirt and I got my shirt in a big plastic bag.’ The prince then added, ‘Can we please not use the plastic?’”

“So that’s this guy, okay. I don’t like to talk about that at all, that’s who he is. That’s who they are. No plastic.”

Photo by Chris Jackson/Staff/Getty Images

In January of last year, during a roundtable discussion with Commonwealth young leaders, the then-expectant father said he’s worried about the state of the world that his child will grow up in.

RELATED: Here’s Why Prince Harry Wanted To Marry A Celebrity

“As someone who is about to become a father, I am acutely aware of our shared responsibility to make this world more resilient and its inhabitants more accountable for the next generation,” he said. “The only way to see real progress is not by chance, it’s by change.”

His father, Prince Charles, echoed those sentiments in November 2018 during a visit to Ghana, when he called the world “damaged” and “destroyed”.

How To Work Out In Your Apartment Without Annoying Your Neighbors

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Apartment don’t usually lend a lot of space for working out. Here are a few tips that can help you avoid your neighbor’s wrath.

If you live in an apartment, time spent at home is time spent listening in on your neighbors, whether you want to or not. All of those hours sharing a building translate into hearing more of their steps, their arguments, their furniture moving, and (unfortunately) more. It quickly stops being entertaining.

This year has seen a marked rise in noise complaints, which makes a lot of sense. We’re all at home and kind of sick of being in tune to each other. Now that cases of COVID-19 are rising and lockdown measures are being implemented again, you don’t want to be that neighbor everyone hates for being too loud, even if you’re just harmlessly working out and can’t control the sounds you make when making an effort.

Here are some tips on keeping your workout volume down:

Look into low impact workouts

5 tips to help you get fit after the holidays
Photo by Shopify via Burst

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Low impact workouts get a bad rep, but they can be pretty intense while producing less noise. They tend to limit jumps and other loud, annoying sounds. A lot of workout videos and classes feature low impact options, which go easier on the joints and are better suited for your apartment.

Get creative with your cardio

We tend to associate cardio with lots of movement, like running and jumping, but this is not true. Any activity that gets your heart-rate up can be considered cardio. Exercises like squats, push ups, and lunges can be considered cardio when done quickly, and can actually be more effective for getting fit and losing weight when compared to running on the treadmill, since these exercises target specific muscles.

The landing is the root of the problem

Mindful Movement Can Help You Change Your Relationship With Fitness
Photo by Dane Wetton via Unsplash

RELATED: Dealing With Pandemic Weight Gain? Here’s What To Do

Every time you jump and land, the person who lives below you can feel it. But this can be managed. You can do your workouts and jump without landing heavily, as if you were trying to avoid disrupting someone who is occupying your same space. This modification will likely result in a tougher workout, burning more calories and being more of a challenge. Win win.

Buy the right equipment

Medicine balls, yoga mats, and resistance bands are all silent and effective when it comes to burning calories and shaping bodies. They’re also pretty silent and accessible, giving you the chance to train other muscles and try out new things. Now that gyms are closing and people are being more cautious, it’s the perfect opportunity to experiment with new equipment. What do you have to lose?

What You Need To Know About Face Masks And How They Work

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Face masks are one of the fews tools we can use to curb the spread of COVID-19. Here’s how they work and why you should wear them.

Face masks have had a big year. As one of the most efficient ways of curbing the pandemic, their use has been politicized and highly discussed. While some think face masks are a breach of their freedom (they’re not), many states are asking people to wear their masks in order to keep themselves and others safe.

When it comes to the science, experts are clear on the benefits of face coverings. “The more people who wear a mask, the more the community is protected and therefore the more you individually benefit,” Dr. John Brooks told the New York Times. Still, there’s a lot we don’t know about face masks and it’s a prevention method that’s hard to accurately measure in effectiveness.

Here are some of the most important facts you should know about face masks:

The materials of the mask matter

How CBD Topicals Can Compliment Your Mask Wearing
Photo by EVG photos via Pexels

The effectiveness of the face mask depends on how it’s made. The most effective ones, worn by nurses and doctors who are in constant contact with the virus, are N95 masks. When talking about people who aren’t exposed to these pathogens in their daily lives, face masks with at least two layers of cloth should provide sufficient protection.

RELATED: How To Communicate Clearly While Wearing A Mask

During the first months of the pandemic any sort of covering was considered effective. Now the goal is for everyone to wear a well-made, effective face mask. These kinds of masks can be washed and reused, which is not the case with surgical and N95 masks.

How does the mask work?

How To Communicate Clearly While Wearing A Mask
Photo by Filip Bunkens via Unsplash

The masks work best when everyone in a community is using them. The clearest example of virus prevention is when the masks are worn by those who are infected. Their use directly reduces the amount of particles that are spread through talking and coughing. This is especially important when it comes to asymptomatic people, who may be responsible for over 50% of COVID-19 spread without knowing about it.

RELATED: Keep This In Mind When Choosing Your Face Mask

When it comes to the person who is wearing the mask, data suggests that the mask provides protection from the virus, however, to what degree is unknown. The studies that are available have been conducted under ideal conditions or with the use of mannequins, which don’t account for realistic situations. Still, it’s believed that wearing face masks reduce the viral load of the virus, resulting in less risky cases of COVID-19.

Only wearing a face mask isn’t enough

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Photo by Edward Jenner via Pexels

RELATED: COVID Is Airborne — What Does That Mean?

While an entire community wearing face masks regularly will definitely help in curbing the spread of the virus, it won’t do all of the work. Social distancing, proper ventilation and frequent hand washing are also important tools when battling the pandemic. In an ideal situation, people would use all of these tools regularly in order to keep themselves and others safe and in preventing shutdowns.

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