How To Take Care Of Your Libido When In A Full House

Maria Loreto

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May 24, 2020

How To Take Care Of Your Libido When In A Full House

It is an interesting time but it has taught us to be creative with our libido when trapped in a house full of people.

Time is weird under quarantine. It can feel eternal, like when you have to complete a single work task, but it can also zoom by when you’re scrolling through social media only to realize that you’ve wasted three hours of your time. And then you feel even more frustrated. To help out, here is how to take care of your libido when in a house full of people.

What many have discovered during lockdown is that boredom results in more time spent doing comforting things, such as binging a show you’ve already seen thousands of times or masturbating. Researchers are observing all sorts of behaviors from people and their libidos, with some reporting more horniness than usual and others the complete opposite. All reactions are valid.

Masturbating is a good way of keeping your mood up, whether you need a boost or simply want to feel something other than anxiety. In the words of the New York Health Department, masturbating is also the safest kind of sex you can have nowadays, so there’s that.

Despite all of this, masturbating is hard to do if you’re living with family members or roommates during the pandemic. Here’s how to find some privacy and sneak in a little relifed:

Music is your ally

Playing some music will ensure that all strange sounds are kept to a minimum. We’re not talking death metal or rock. Choose some music that is nice and relaxing and keep the volume to a manageable level. That way you can keep an ear out for people who may be walking by.

Lock your door

Locking your door is very useful while in quarantine, especially once you’ve been cohabitating with others for a long period of time and boundaries start to crumble. Have an excuse ready if someone knocks on your door to manage the awkwardness.

Soundproof your room

If you’re still feeling a little anxious over getting caught, cover the gaps in your room with towels and use headphones if you’re watching porn. Still, be careful if you decide to soundproof your room, since it’s possible it will create more questions.

Make up an excuse for your alone time

Before you do anything, make sure to have a block of time that’s exclusive for you, whether you’re living with a roommate, family member or significant other. Depending on your audience, you can be honest or say that you’re going to do some work, send out some emails, etc./

Get creative if there’s no space

If you’re living in a situation where there’s literally no doors and space for yourself, get creative. Use your shower time wisely and don’t be ashamed of needing alone time. When living with others and having little space to yourself, alone time is a matter of mental health, so find a way to get some.

How CBD May Be Able To Help Your Dog’s Epilepsy

Natalie Fertig

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May 24, 2020

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How CBD May Be Able To Help Your Dog’s Epilepsy

It’s estimated that less than 1% of the overall dog population suffers from seizures, but some breeds — such as Labrador Retrievers and Belgian Shepherds — have a higher rate.

Seizure treatment was one of the first and most well-documented areas of cannabis medical research conducted on humans. The only FDA-approved use of CBD, in fact, is in the medicine Epidiolex, which is used for treating epileptic seizures.

So it’s only logical that epilepsy was one of the first conditions researched when veterinarians started looking into the effects of cannabis on man’s best friend.

A 2019 study published in the journal Pet Behavior Science showed CBD treatment might be able to help dogs suffering from the symptoms of epilepsy, including seizures.

The most common form of seizures in dogs is called idiopathic epilepsy, and it is an inherited disorder – meaning it passes from a grown dog to its pups. Epilepsy is defined as two “unprovoked seizures” more than 24 hours apart, and idiopathic means the cause of those seizures is unknown.

It’s estimated that less than 1% of the overall dog population suffers from seizures, but some breeds — such as Labrador Retrievers and Belgian Shepherds — have a higher rate. More than 9% of Belgian Shepherds, for example, suffer from epilepsy.

When researchers went to study the impact of CBD on epilepsy, they did a small trial on three dogs: a Labrador, a Pappillion and a Chihuahua. Turns out, the CBD had a positive impact on the Labrador and the Chihuahua, but not on a Papillion.

dogs keep getting high from eating human feces — Photo by James Barker via Unsplash

After eight weeks of CBD oil treatment (which the researchers mixed in with organic coconut oil), the Labrador and Chihuahua’s owners reported that the number of seizures their dogs experienced had decreased and their dogs seemed more settled or calm. Both dogs also experience other improvements, like less aggression or banking.

The Papillion, though, didn’t experience a major decrease in seizures, despite it seeming more settled and sleeping more during the day.

The researchers who looked at how CBD may help with these seizures work at the Yamazaki University of Animal Health Technology in Japan. It’s important to note that the study was done on a small sample size — just three dogs — and so can’t be applied widely to all animals or even all dogs. It’s more important because it gives both pet owners and other researchers an initial indicator that CBD may be helpful for some other mammals in the same way it helps humans.

5 Ways To Contribute To Healthcare Workers

Culture
News

Maria Loreto

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May 24, 2020

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5 Ways To Contribute To Healthcare Workers

Healthcare workers have been deeply affected by the coronavirus. Here’s how you can help.

The coronavirus has affected all of us, but there’s no doubt that health workers have received the blunt of the impact. These people have been working grueling hours and have endured terrible amounts of stress. In New York only, more than 900 public hospital employees have tested positive for COVID-19.

Here are some simple ways to help them and offer support during the pandemic:

Follow your state’s rules

The strongest measure we can take to help healthcare workers is to stay home and not overwhelm hospitals and clinics. If you have to leave your home, be sure to follow social distancing guidelines, avoid cluttered spaces (even if they’re outdoors), and follow your state’s guidelines. For example, if you live in New York, be sure to wear masks when outside, even if you’re going for a run.

Donate equipment if you have it

Perhaps Blame Marijuana For Coronavirus, States Discredited Author On FOX News — Photo by Javier Zayas Photography/Getty Images

Ever since the coronavirus appeared, hospitals have reported shortages on masks, gowns and all sorts of medical equipment. If you happen to have a surplus, donate it to hospitals in need. You can also donate money to PPE (personal protective equipment) fundraisers through sites like Fundly and GoFundMe.

Help make masks for hospital workers

People who can sew or know their way around a 3D printer have been getting creative with face masks and coverings, donating these to hospitals that need the help. While cloth masks aren’t as effective as N95 masks, they’re better than nothing and have been found to lower the spread of COVID-19. Facebook is a good place to find groups and organizers that are requesting these items and that can connect you with workers in need.

Donate blood

Due to social distancing guidelines the U.S. is in dire needs of blood donations, which is why the FDA has loosened up some of its restrictions, even if for some reason gay men still can’t donate. In order to give blood, give a call to 1-800-RED-CROSS and ask for your nearest center. You can also visit the Red Cross website which provides all the necessary information.

Don’t hoard supplies

One way to help everyone right now is to be mindful with your purchases. Although you should take advantage of delivery services, don’t crowd them. Don’t hoard supplies, medicines or foods, especially those products that are in high demand. Buy a reasonable amount of toilet paper and don’t take hand sanitizers or other cleaning supplies from hospitals or grocery store staff. The reason these items are in short supply is because people see others stockpiling and do the same…and the vicious cycle repeats itself. The country is not going to run out of toilet paper. We’re just not.

Does Lana Del Rey Consume Weed

Maria Loreto

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May 23, 2020

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Del Rey sings a lot about getting high, so the question becomes: has anyone actually seen her consume weed in public?

She is one of the more strange popstars. Unlike her contemporaries with broad appeal, like Ariana Grande and Lady Gaga, Del Rey’s audience is more niche. Her music tends to be moody and her albums don’t have the required pop dance anthems. She’s polarizing in the sense that she has rabid fans and people who just don’t care at all what she’s doing. There’s not much of a middle ground. But, does Lana Del Rey consume weed?

RELATED: Does Jeff Bezos Smoke Weed?

The answer is an obvious yes. Del Rey sings a lot about getting high — she has a song called “High by the Beach” — so this column isn’t questioning whether she does it or not. We’re focusing more on whether anyone has actually seen it.

Unlike Ariana Grande or Miley Cyrus whose fanbases are made up of a lot of young girls (Miley’s fans should’ve aged up; Hannah Montana was years ago), Del Rey inhabits a space that allows her to be more open. She’s one of those singers whose music embodies a mood and a personality, someone who can sing about sex with nobody batting an eye. Seeing her smoke a joint at a show wouldn’t spark outrage, it’d be kind of fitting.

Luckily, Del Rey kind of doesn’t care much about her image. There’s that time where she went to the Grammys in a dress she bought at the mall and there’s also this gem of a photo.

lana del rey getting high with fans backstage. that’s the tweet. pic.twitter.com/phpfhRECGT

— ✩ (@gagasyuyi) October 15, 2018

To be fair, what they’re smoking might be a cigarette, but we choose to believe it’s a joint.

4 Bits Of Advice For Couples Who Need Help Right Now

Maria Loreto

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May 23, 2020

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4 Bits Of Advice For Couples Who Need Help Right Now

Couples are facing new challenges during quarantine, which is resulting in extra stress nobody needs right now. Here are some tips on how to keep your bond strong.

Whether you’ve been reading stats online or accidentally listening in on more arguments coming from your neighbors, quarantine hasn’t made it easy for cohabitation. Couples are going through a rough time, getting on each other’s nerves and losing their patience. Adding to it all are the different ways in which we cope with the pandemic and the challenges that occur due to economic and health uncertainty.

A lot of couples have been forced to face new challenges, whether that’s living together in closed spaces, moving in after having been dating for only a couple of months or navigating an unexpected long distance relationship. If you’re feeling stressed out or your significant other is getting on your nerves more than usual, you’re not alone. Experts and therapists say this is expected and that relationships that manage to overcome this time period will come out stronger than before.

Here are 4 tips couples living in different kinds of situations can try to implement in their daily lives and try to work things out:

Start scheduling

https://www.pexels.com/photo/couple-sitting-on-the-bed-working-4008733/ — Photo by Elly Fairytale via Pexels

Whether this includes talking every day, checking in on each other, sex or video chats, schedule ahead of time and make your relationship a priority. Although it’s understandable if you’re feeling down due to everything that’s going on right now, the virus isn’t leaving us anytime soon. At some point we’re going to have to try to get our lives back in order.

Get creative with date ideas

You’re going to have to get creative with dating right now by trying to incorporate fun and intimacy in different ways. If you live together, make the time to cook a nice meal, have some wine and light some candles. Take this opportunity to talk about what’s going on, preferably avoiding any virus talk (not sexy). You can also plan to watch a movie together whether you’re in the same house or not. While Hollywood is not working, there are plenty of new movies being released on a weekly basis online.

Express your feelings clearly

If you’re having a hard time communicating with your partner, it’s very important to be clear about your feelings, whether you’re angry, sad, upset or whatever. Use simple words that can encapsulate your feelings and help you both get to a place where there’s understanding.

Make time for yourself

Staying in touch with your feelings is necessary when you’re living with someone or flying solo. Just like you prioritize your relationship and make the time to call the important people in your life, you should touch base with yourself regularly to see how YOU are doing. If you’re living with others, it’s especially important to find a space for ‘me time,’ asking people to give you some room if you need it. Listen to music, go on walks, read a book, etc. Solitary activities are important in order to stay healthy and present with others.

Prince William Shared His Biggest Fear About Lockdown And Every Parent Can Relate

Patricia Wallace

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May 23, 2020

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Prince William Shared His Biggest Fear About Lockdown And Every Parent Can Relate

During a call with healthcare providers, Prince William talked about the quarantine side-effect that’s making him most anxious as father of three small children.

As we all hunker down and try to get through this mandated quarantine, let’s take a moment to remember nobody is above this lockdown. The royals are also trying to keep it together while stuck indoors with their loved ones.

Recently, while on a video call with caregivers in Northern Ireland, Prince William talked about his fears regarding the longterm effects this pandemic is going to have on our children.

During his chat with members of the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust organization, William revealed:

I’m particularly worried as to how the young people are going to cope longterm because we’re all muddling through this period at the moment and helping each other. But the longterm implications — of school being missed, anxiety levels, family members sadly dying and the sort of general economic outlook.

According to People, psychiatrist Frances Doherty, who runs an inpatient mental health unit for teenagers, replied: “Interestingly in our service in the short-term, some of our referral rates have gone down, but I would imagine that as we’re starting to come out of lockdown and people are starting to get back into the world again, [we’re] starting to realize just what we’ve been through and we’ll start to see our referral rate increase and the impact on our services.”

kate middleton upstaged victorias secret model — Photo by WPA Pool/Pool/Getty Images

Child psychiatrist Dr. Clare McKenna said that the children she works with “don’t understand social distancing,” to which William, a father of three kids, insightfully replied, “That’s all children, isn’t it? I don’t think any children understand social distancing!”

“I know it’s unprecedented and it’s scary and it’s daunting, but you’re all making a huge difference,” William told the caregivers, “so please pass on to all your team how grateful everyone is and how appreciative everyone is at what they’re doing at the moment.”

NY Lawmakers Want Marijuana Reform To Boost Post-Pandemic Economy

Brendan Bures

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May 22, 2020

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NY Lawmakers Want Marijuana Reform To Boost Post-Pandemic Economy

New York has a $13 billion deficit and lawmakers believe marijuana legalization should be part of the solution.

The coronavirus pandemic halted any chance New York had at passing marijuana reform earlier this year, but lawmakers have reintroduced the idea as a way to kickstart the economy once a semblance of normalcy returns. New York state Sens. Jessica Ramos, Jamaal Bailey, and Brad Hoylman, in conjunction with the Legal Aid Society, urged Gov. Andrew Cuomo and lawmakers this week to legalize recreational marijuana.

In a press release, the lawmakers stated tax revenue from legal cannabis could alleviate growing budget concerns in New York. The state currently holds a $13 billion deficit and Cuomo announced last week the state needs $61 billion in federal aid to avoid “devastating” cuts to New York schools, police departments, hospitals, and more.

“It’s not enough to say the state doesn’t have money. We have to find it,” Ramos told The New York Post. “I believe legalizing marijuana can help.”

Cuomo has advocated strongly in favor of marijuana legalization over the past year, though his efforts to legalize through the state budget earlier this year fell short. Differences in opinions about how marijuana-generated tax revenue should be allocated appeared reconcilable in March, but then the coronavirus outbreak hit New York. With an April 1 deadline looming, lawmakers focused on passing a workable budget to keep the state running amid the pandemic.

New York Is Betting Heavy Marijuana Will Be Legalized This Year--Should They? — Photo by Robert Bye via Unsplash

During a recent press conference, Cuomo was asked why he hasn’t pushed marijuana legalization or sports betting as economic kickstarters over federal aid. Cuomo objected to the characterization.

“It’s the federal government’s obligation as part of managing this national pandemic that they provide financial relief to state and local governments, just the way they took care of the big corporations,” Cuomo said.

“I support legalization of marijuana passage,” he added. “I’ve worked very hard to pass it. I believe we will, but we didn’t get it done this last session because it’s a complicated issue and it has to be done in a comprehensive way.”

Legalization advocates agree with Cuomo’s sentiment, although they still pushed for legal marijuana as an immediate solution instead of a problem for later.

“Legalizing cannabis does not happen overnight, and the COVID-19 pandemic will likely continue to affect our society past 2020, the approval of a regulated cannabis program – gets us closer to helping the communities that have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19 and over-policing,” Ryan Lepore, Deputy Director of New York City NORML, told New York County Politics.

“Tax Revenue, Job Creation and a de-burdening on our criminal justice system are now needed more than ever. So immediately implementing a legal cannabis program would align with the state’s ability to recover in the coming years post-COVID-19.”

Biden Steps Into It Again About Legal Weed

Brendan Bures

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May 22, 2020

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Biden Steps Into It Again About Legal Weed

The former Vice President underscored the need for more cannabis research, as anecdotal evidence suggests how marijuana impacts the brain.

Joe Biden joined The Breakfast Club radio program Friday, where the former Vice President discussed his agenda for black Americans as well as his drug policy. In an attempt to explain why marijuana should be decriminalized instead of legalized at the federal level, Biden replied, “I know a lot of weed smokers.”

The conversation started with Biden reprising his drug policy platform’s aim to undo the damages caused by the war on drugs, particularly for communities of color. Biden emphasized the need to eliminate jail time for drug possession crimes and provide mandatory rehab as an alternative solution.

“No one should be going to jail for drug crime. Period. Nobody. Nobody,” Biden said. “No matter what the crime, particularly marijuana which makes no sense for people to go to jail.”

“It costs less to put people in a drug rehabilitation program than it does in jail,” he added. “And you have a chance. We’ve got to give people a chance.”

Breakfast Club host Charlamagne tha God asked Biden if he felt strongly about the issue, why did he differentiate between legalizing and decriminalizing marijuana? The presumptive Democratic presidential candidate replied it’s because marijuana research is lacking. Biden underlined that while cannabis is not a gateway drug—an opinion also stated by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)—we need better understanding of marijuana’s impact on brain development.

“We should wait until the studies are done,” Biden said. “I think science matters.”

Joe Biden Keeps Stating Conflicting Opinions About Marijuana — Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Stringer/Getty Images

Charlamagne suggested America has “decades and decades of studies” from actual cannabis users, which should provide some indication of how marijuana impacts the brain. Biden adopted a joking manner in response.

“Yeah, we do,” Biden said. “I know a lot of weed smokers.”

Though Biden stressed the need for rigorous cannabis research, the offhand remark concerned cannabis advocates like the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP). It appeared like Biden was going back on his word, using personal anecdotes about marijuana’s long-term neurocognitive impact to guide policy.

“It is irresponsible for any policymaker to make decisions on the basis of anecdotal evidence,” MPP Deputy Director Matthew Schweich told The Fresh Toast. “We call on both President Trump and Vice President Biden to listen to the American people and take firm positions in support of comprehensive federal marijuana reform.”

Legal MDMA-Assisted Therapy For PTSD Likely By 2022

Brendan Bures

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May 22, 2020

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Legal MDMA-Assisted Therapy For PTSD Likely By 2022

MDMA-assisted psychotherapy is expected to receive FDA approval by 2022, following successful Phase 3 trials.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tapped MDMA as a “breakthrough therapy” to treat post-traumatic stress disorder three years ago. This was seen as monumental because, like cannabis, MDMA is classified as a Schedule I drug by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). That designation is given to drugs “with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.”

Fast forward to the present day and the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), the organization behind the MDMA research, is experiencing rapid success with their Phase 3 clinical trials examining how MDMA can treat PTSD. According to MAPS founder Rick Doblin, the FDA is set to approve MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD by 2022. The organization believes such treatment will become widely available the following year.

To be clear, this research doesn’t mean dropping MDMA acts as a cure-all for PTSD. Instead, this treatment combines MDMA with traditional psychotherapy where trained professionals guide patients to therapeutic outcomes. In Phase 2 trials, in which researchers test the efficacy of a new treatment, MAPS-sponsored studies found that more than half of patients no longer experienced PTSD symptoms after two months. At the 12-month mark, the figure was even higher—two-thirds of patients who received MDMA-assisted psychotherapy didn’t meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD.

Doblin’s optimism comes following a recent interim analysis conducted amid Phase 3 trials, which are scientifically rigorous as approximately 25-30% of experimental treatments receive approval. In agreement with the FDA, third-party data monitoring committees (DMC) typically review Phase 3 clinical trials after 60% of participants have completed the study. After analyzing the MAPS trials, the DMC determined a 90% probability the study will produce statistically significant data once all participants have finished.

The Connection Between Cannabis And Multiple Sclerosis — Photo by rawpixel.com

In other words, the treatment should meet FDA approval.

“In the pharmaceutical drug development community, this is what you dream about,” Doblin told Forbes. “The results of the interim analysis of MAPS’ pivotal first Phase 3 trial are the most powerful evidence yet that MDMA-assisted psychotherapy could help transform the lives of people suffering from PTSD.”

MAPS have already begun preparing next steps following the research’s conclusion. The organization launched a $30 million Capstone fund, with already $12 million raised, attracting big names like Dr. Bronner CEO David Bronner and Austin Hearst, the grandson of William Randolph Hearst. MAPS will partner with the Psychedelic Science Funders Collaborative (PSFC) to raise additional funding.

“This first look at data from the first-ever Phase 3 trial of a psychedelic-assisted therapy only makes us more confident that we’re standing on the cusp of a breakthrough,” PSFC co-founder Joe Green told Forbes. “The approval of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy would be a catalytic event that brings psychedelic medicine into the mainstream.”

The Coronavirus Probably Won’t Die Just Because It’s Getting Warm

Maria Loreto

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May 22, 2020

0

The Coronavirus Probably Won’t Die Just Because It’s Getting Warm

Although some hoped that the warm weather would stop the spread of the virus, experts aren’t so sold on that idea.

With every passing week, evidence suggests that there will be no stopping the spread of the coronavirus until a vaccine is found — something that likely remains, at minimum, a year away.

COVID-19 has been compared to influenza, another disease that spreads through respiratory droplets, but it remains unknown if the weather will have some kind of effect on it. Even if it does, experts don’t know if it will matter.

Different viruses have different behaviors, which is why the flu is more common in the fall and the winter, when the weather is colder. When it comes to COVID-19, the weather might reduce its life and survival when the virus particles hit hard surfaces, such as doorknobs and light switches, but that still won’t stop the spread between people. With the arrival of summer, experts fear that large amounts of people will be spending their time with others outdoors, especially after growing tired of following social distancing guidelines for several months.

Research conducted on the pandemic during the month of March found that COVID-19 is unaffected by climate. The study involved different countries and discovered that what determined the number of deaths and infections was not the weather, but the guidelines each specific country embraced, like closing schools and quickly enforcing social distancing guidelines.

The Coronavirus Won't Die Out Due To Summer Weather — Photo by Ethan Robertson via Unsplash

There’s a lot we don’t know about the coronavirus, but the data shows that it spreads incredibly fast between people, especially in crowded locations indoors. The virus can spread by coughing, sneezing and even talking to others located within 6-feet of someone who’s sick. The fact that there’s asymptomatic people who can spread the virus makes this all the more complex.

As is the case with most viruses that jump from animals to humans, these pathogens tend to be harder to predict and control since our bodies haven’t been exposed to them, lacking the necessary antibodies and defenses to fight them off.

At this time, we don’t know who is or isn’t infected. Without this information, the most accurate way to stop the spread of the virus and to stay safe is to comply with social distancing guidelines and remain isolated as much as possible. It’s the one method that has worked in coronavirus hubs across the board.

The Fresh ToastThe most trusted name in cannabis

How To Take Care Of Your Libido When In A Full House

It is an interesting time but it has taught us to be creative with our libido when trapped in a house full of people.

Music is your ally

Lock your door

Soundproof your room

Make up an excuse for your alone time

Get creative if there’s no space

How CBD May Be Able To Help Your Dog’s Epilepsy

It’s estimated that less than 1% of the overall dog population suffers from seizures, but some breeds — such as Labrador Retrievers and Belgian Shepherds — have a higher rate.

5 Ways To Contribute To Healthcare Workers

Healthcare workers have been deeply affected by the coronavirus. Here’s how you can help.

Follow your state’s rules

Donate equipment if you have it

Help make masks for hospital workers

Donate blood

Don’t hoard supplies

Does Lana Del Rey Consume Weed

Del Rey sings a lot about getting high, so the question becomes: has anyone actually seen her consume weed in public?

4 Bits Of Advice For Couples Who Need Help Right Now

Couples are facing new challenges during quarantine, which is resulting in extra stress nobody needs right now. Here are some tips on how to keep your bond strong.

Start scheduling

Get creative with date ideas

Express your feelings clearly

Make time for yourself

Prince William Shared His Biggest Fear About Lockdown And Every Parent Can Relate

During a call with healthcare providers, Prince William talked about the quarantine side-effect that’s making him most anxious as father of three small children.

NY Lawmakers Want Marijuana Reform To Boost Post-Pandemic Economy

New York has a $13 billion deficit and lawmakers believe marijuana legalization should be part of the solution.

Biden Steps Into It Again About Legal Weed

The former Vice President underscored the need for more cannabis research, as anecdotal evidence suggests how marijuana impacts the brain.

Legal MDMA-Assisted Therapy For PTSD Likely By 2022

MDMA-assisted psychotherapy is expected to receive FDA approval by 2022, following successful Phase 3 trials.

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