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Aches And Pains At Home? Here’s What (And What Not) To Do

Kate-Madonna Hindes
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Aches And Pains At Home? Here’s What (And What Not) To Do

It’s bad enough we’re all stuck at home, but for those struggling with pain, it’s a scenario that is even more frustrating and scary. Here’s what (and what not) to do if you need relief.

From the sudden onset of a migraine to working from home when working just plain hurts, individuals around the globe are looking at ways to eliminate aches and pains with medical doctors tied up in the fight against coronavirus.

Those struggling with a searing sensation of pain or a dull ache may turn to non-traditional remedies to get relief, but the problem is that often those fixes don’t help at all. When looking at alleviating aches and pains, here are three things not to do and three to consider:

DON’T take new medication without speaking to your healthcare provider. NPR shared that in communicating with your care team (even over email or phone), words matter when discussing pain. The numeric pain scale (of 1 to 10) often can be interpreted differently from person to person. It’s recommended you share how the pain is affecting your life and what you’ve already tried.

DO consider stretching, and alleviating pain. AskDrJo recommends spending 15 to 30 minutes each day in stretching and giving your body a breakthrough exercises proven to reduce tension. The National Institute on Aging says that exercise may actually help lessen symptoms to do with body pain. 

RELATED: A Pain Management Doctor Shares How Marijuana Is Impacting His Patients

Exercise is an effective way to lower your risk for some pain. For example, research has shown that exercise combined with education can reduce risk of lower back pain. The study looked at exercises like strength training activities targeting the back and abdominal muscles, stretching and spine range of motion exercises, and aerobic conditioning.

thyroid related headaches and cbd a new solution to an old problem
Photo by JGI/Jamie Grill/Getty Images

DON’T think that taking more pain medicine will help. Adhering to the prescribed amounts or the recommended doses on your bottles of Tylenol or Ibuprofen is always the best move. If you’re finding pain is especially intense, call your doctor and explain what’s going on. Your health care team may recommend you switch from one type of pain reliever to another or take another action. But taking matters into your own hands by taking more frequent or higher doses can lead to liver issues or even death.

DO consider looking into CBD and marijuana (depending on your state of residence). Dozens of studies have already confirmed that CBD and marijuana can help with pain in many cases. Depending on whether or not CBD, medical or recreational marijuana are legal, it may be a relief to know other options exist. You can find an updated list of state laws on the NORML website.

RELATED: How CBD Helps With Chronic Pain

DON’T use non-pain items to cope with pain. From alcohol to sleep medicines, many are turning to a creative approach to escape the frustrating side effects constant pain can bring. The problem is that it often leads to other issues, such as anxiety or sleep issues. If you are drinking or looking to numb your pain, experts agree it’s time to call for help.

DO put your future and health first. The National Institute on Aging suggests looking into support groups and putting your health first by sleeping well and avoiding weight gain. If pain is excruciating and you’re feeling at a loss, consider calling the U.S. Pain Foundation’s Support Line at 800-273-8255. 

Here Is What To Expect When You First Smoke Weed

Brendan Bures
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Here Is What To Expect When You First Smoke Weed

New or occasional users were more likely to experience adverse reactions from smoking weed than frequent users, a new study finds.

If you’ve never smoked marijuana before, you probably wonder how it will make you feel. Introduced by a frequent users, you’ll be reassured of all the good vibrations and relaxed mind state waiting for you just around the corner. But what if you have a bad experience? What type of negative reactions should I expect, in case it all goes the opposite way? Here is what to expect when you first smoke weed.

A new study provides some answers. In fact, researchers documented 26 adverse reactions caused by marijuana consumption. Paranoia, anxiety, and coughing fits rated as the most common of these negative effects. Those who were new to marijuana, or only used cannabis occasionally, were more likely to have adverse response than frequent smokers.

“There’s been surprisingly little research on the prevalence or frequency of various adverse reactions to cannabis and almost no research trying to predict who is more likely to experience these types of adverse reactions,” study author Carrie Cuttler said in a statement.

RELATED: Why Are Cannabis Users Skinnier Than Non-Users?

The impetus of the study, published in the Journal of Cannabis Research, came from the recent advent of adult-use marijuana legalization in 11 states. Researchers surveyed more than 1,500 college students for the study, collecting their adverse reactions to marijuana and the frequency of those reactions, as well as information like personality traits, how often they used marijuana, and why they smoked cannabis.

the potential of cbd and cannabis within the anxiety and autism community
Photo by Fernando @dearferdo via Unsplash

More than 50% of the participants said they had paranoia, anxiety, and coughing fits from smoking marijuana. Some other frequent negative responses included discomfort in the chest or lungs and body humming, experienced by approximately 30-40% of the group. Hallucinations, cold sweats, and fainting were the least common of symptoms caused by marijuana. Those in the study ranked passing out, vomiting, and panic attacks the most distressing of possible reactions.

“It is worth noting even the most distressing reactions to cannabis were only rated between moderately’ and quite distressing,” Cuttler said. “This suggests cannabis users do not, in general, find acute adverse reactions to cannabis to be severely distressing.”

RELATED: What Is The Safest Way To Consume Cannabis?

Overall, researchers found those who used marijuana less were more likely to report having adverse reactions. This was especially true for those who felt peer pressure to use marijuana or had anxiety sensitivity—that is, a tendency to imagine the worst possible outcomes.

“Interestingly, we didn’t find that quantity of use during a single session predicted very much in terms of whether or not a person was going to have a bad reaction,” Cuttler said. “It was the people who smoke on a less frequent basis who tend to have these bad experiences more often.”

Teenage Marijuana Use Could Cause Adult Insomnia

Brendan Bures
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Teenage Marijuana Use Could Cause Adult Insomnia

A third of people who smoked marijuana as a teenager later developed insomnia as adults, according to a new study.

About one in three Americans don’t get enough sleep, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Problems like insomnia or sleep apnea can arise for multiple reasons, including stress, PTSD, and chronic pain, limiting your ability to achieve a good night’s rest. Many have turned to marijuana as an effective sleep aid, thanks to the plant’s ability to reduce inflammation and restore a person’s natural sleep cycle.

But a new study, published in the journal Sleep, suggests the root of insomnia can begin by smoking copious amounts of marijuana as a teenager. University of Colorado Boulder researchers analyzed data from more than 1,800 twins, as recorded by the Colorado Twin Registry. The organization has been tracking these sets of twins since 1968, but the study’s authors focused on data related to sleep, marijuana use, and mental health.

According to the study, about a third of the subjects who started smoking weed before the age of 18 had developed insomnia in adulthood. Less than 20% of those who didn’t use cannabis as teens had similar sleep issues.

RELATED: Here’s What Can Happen If You Give Marijuana To Minors

“People tend to think that cannabis helps with sleep, but if you look closely at the studies, continued or excessive use is also associated with a lot of sleep deficits,” said Evan Winiger, the study’s lead author and CU graduate student.

Teenage marijuana users had double the risk of acquiring “short sleep” as adults. A hazardous variation of insomnia, “short sleep” constitutes getting less than six hours of sleep per night on a regular basis. Almost 10% of teenage marijuana users were victims of “short sleep” while only 5% of non-users had this issue.

Teen Marijuana Use Could Cause Adult Insomnia, Researchers FindTeen Marijuana Use Could Cause Adult Insomnia, Researchers Find
Photo by Annie Spratt via Unsplash

Though the study did find a link between early cannabis use and adult sleeping issues, the authors didn’t pinpoint an underlying cause as to why. Smoking marijuana as a teenager is associated with negative long-term changes to brain structure, having mental health disorders like depression and anxiety later in life, as well as breathing problems.

Winiger pointed to alterations in the brain’s gray matter as possible explanation to the connection. But he also suggested the body’s endocannabinoid system could also be modified from the influx of marijuana at a young age.

“One theory is that these receptors are being desensitized or disturbed from all the cannabis use at a time that the brain is still developing, and that leads to waking issues later,” he said.

RELATED: Study Links Teen Marijuana Use With Adult Depression

But the study’s authors added this doesn’t mean all marijuana is bad for all people looking to fall asleep. Instead, the research indicates another sign of how using cannabis at a young age could negatively impact adults later in life.

“We would not recommend that teenagers utilize marijuana to promote their sleep,” said study co-author Ken Wright, director of CU’s Sleep and Chronobiology lab. “Anytime you are dealing with a developing brain you need to be cautious.”

5 Creative Date Ideas

Maria Loreto
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5 Creative Date Ideas

Due to the pandemic, most of us are spending time in isolation. Here are some date ideas for this weird time in our lives.

The coronavirus pandemic has affected most aspects in our lives, dealing a particularly tough blow to sex and our dating lives in general. Now that we’re all social distancing, it takes a lot of creativity to come up with new ways to have a romantic time with someone. To help, here are 5 creative date ideas.

It is all about time and talk, so your key is something to spur getting to know the other person. While you can never go wrong with some Netflix, after a couple of weeks spent indoors, you’ll get bored of this sooner than you think.

Watch or listen to something scary together

For some reason people love to get scared together, whether that’s watching a scary movie in a packed theater or gathering around with friends and listening to scary stories. Since you can’t do any of those things, you can watch scary movies or listen to creepy podcasts with your significant other. This activity can be done in person, if you’re quarantining with someone, or separately, with the app Netflix Party, which allows you to watch the same content simultaneously. If you’re more into podcasts you can try Skyping or Zooming while listening to the narration on speaker.

Home workouts

how your monthly cycle affects your workouts
Photo by McKinsey via rawpixel.com

RELATED: How The Coronavirus Pandemic Is Affecting Our Sex Lives

Everyone’s talking about the importance of staying active during these stressful times. One way to make this easier to commit to is to plan workouts with someone, keeping you accountable. Use this time to find interesting workouts and for trying out new things, such as Ryan Heffington’s famous Live Instagram dance classes or routines uploaded by popular gyms.

Board games & video games

Nowadays plenty of board games can be played online. You can try downloading Words with Friends or Scrabble and waste your time away, or purchase something trendy like Animal Crossing. If you and your partner are self-quarantining together, there’s plenty of board games for two that you could try.

Prepare drinks

Are CBD Drinks Legal?
Photo by Annie Spratt via Unsplash

RELATED: Sex Clubs Are Now Hosting Digital Orgies Because Of Coronavirus

If you’ve always wanted to learn how to make fancy cocktails and delicious drinks, now’s the time. There’s plenty of recipes you can find online that are detailed and not that complex. Your first attempts might not be as good as the drinks prepared in your local bar, but if you keep trying, by the time your self-isolation is through you’ll be a master bartender.

Sexting

After you’ve tried all other activities with your significant other while under self-quarantine, you can always return to a classic: sexting. Use this time apart to work on your skills and try out new things that can bring you guys together virtually.

Hopefully 5 creative date ideas are helpful and bear fruit for you.

3 Weird Vibes Marijuana Paranoia Might Have You Feeling During Virus Lockdown

Mike Adams
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3 Weird Vibes Marijuana Paranoia Might Have You Feeling During Virus Lockdown

People have been experiencing varying levels of weed paranoia (presumably) since it was first discovered millions of years ago.

A lot of people use marijuana to relax after a long day of, well, riding the couch — we are, after all, penning this column from the eye of the Coronapocalypse — but there is simply no denying that weed can sometimes make us as paranoid as all get out. It has been known to cause users to flip their script on more than one occasion.

Some pros have theorized that the anxiety that stems from cannabis is because it is just too strong these days. But, the truth is, people have been experiencing varying levels of weed paranoia (presumably) since it was first discovered. We imagine that 28 million years ago, somewhere in the Qinghai Lake region of the Tibetan Plateau, where cannabis is said to have originated, there was a young man, perhaps the first to ever get high off the stuff, begging someone for help because he was deathly afraid of swallowing his tongue. Hey, it happens to the best of us.

In the spirit of stoned solidarity, we have assembled a list of three weird things paranoia might try to convince you of during this virus lockdown.

The Tightness In Your Chest Is ‘The Rona’

Although most cannabis-induced paranoia is mild, there are times when it can get pretty intense. This nerve-shattering affliction could strike, let’s say after you consume a pot edible purchased off the Internet from some hippy Brazilian baker, only to see later that it contained a whopping 2,500mg of THC. Wait, is that even possible? For you newbies out there: Yes, that’s a lot to eat at one time. The recommended dosage for the average person is somewhere between 5 to 10 mg.  

But it’s too late now. 

It might take an hour or so, but the paranoia from eating more weed than any weed eater in weed eating history is going to come, and come on strong. It’ll probably start with a tightness in the chest and the inability to breathe properly. Considering the climate of the times, this may even convince you that you have contracted the coronavirus and are in desperate need of a plastic bag to keep you from hyperventilating to death.

RELATED: How CBD Blocks The Paranoia And Anxiety From Marijuana’s THC

After obsessing over the CDC’s website and perhaps even referencing the “symptom checker” on WebMD, you realize that the bag is totally worthless and that a brand, spanking new, 2020 life support system is your only chance of surviving the night. But rest easy, friend, that’s just the weed playing tricks on you. It’s the paranoia climbing all the way up your back and sinking its gnarly fangs into your brain. You’re not going to die, and you probably do not have the Rona. But expect to be high for several days. 

Oh, and if you still show symptoms of the virus after the buzz subsides, you might want to get checked out by a doctor. 

Can Cannabis Be Used To Manage Anxiety?
Photo by rawpixel.com

Smoke Detector Is Really A Camera Planted By The Government

While sitting there on the couch trying to find the zipper on your skin so you can escape your body for a while, at least long enough to avoid the worst of the terror that is to come, you might start to see things around the house that you’ve never noticed before. There’s the framed Pink Floyd poster on the wall that’s just a little bit crooked. Oh, and what’s that? A crack in the ceiling that you cannot remember whether it was there yesterday or not. But it isn’t until you see the flashing red light in the smoke detector that those nerves start to rattle.

This is the point where the paranoia might really begin to do a number on you. It is not beyond the scope of imagination that the buzz from that mega-dose of THC could convince you that the device is not actually there for your safety. It might have you believe, instead, that it is a surveillance camera planted by the federal government, giving them the means to keep tabs on all your indiscretions. 

RELATED: Marijuana Makes You Paranoid? Study Suggests Your Genes Are To Blame

All sorts of twisted conspiracies might start churning through your head, and you’ll have questions, loads of them. Like, why me? What do they want? Who planted it there? How did they get in? Did they think the bathroom was messy? You might even go really nuts and grab the broom from the kitchen closet and start knocking every single one of those suckers down for further inspection. But that’s not necessary. Listen, the government has no interest in watching you hang around your apartment all day, getting high and eating potato chips. Let’s hope they have better things to do. But then again, there was all that stuff a few years ago with Edward Snowden. 

The Pest Control Truck Is Really a SWAT Team

At the height of your paranoia, well, there’s no nice way of putting this: You’re probably going to come unhinged. But you won’t dare call 911 for medical assistance because that’s precisely what “they” want you to do. Still, it can be difficult at this juncture of a savage high to escape the gnawing feeling in your gut that you’re being watched, investigated, and are perhaps even wanted for crimes ranging from petty pot possession to drug trafficking. You can feel your heart pounding out of your chest like you’ve just run a marathon. It’s mostly nerves, but the rest is all weed.  

That’s when you stand up from the couch to see what’s happening in the world from the living room window. Hopefully, you’ll catch a glimpse of a cute kitten or something to help calm you down. But there’s no kitty-kitty outside. Only a large, black SUV branded with the name of a leading pest control company. That’s funny, you weren’t expecting anyone, especially not the bug man. It’s then that you start to consider the possibility that it’s just a front for an undercover sting operation, and they’re about to send in a SWAT team to take you down. In reality, though, the pest company is likely real and was probably just there to service a neighbor. 

Try to relax, dude.

A Doctor’s Advice On How To Manage COVID-19

Thomas Green, MD
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A Doctor’s Advice On How To Manage COVID-19

This is a very dark time that we will get through. All of us will be affected by this virus. I am expecting to hear of many deaths and long-term side effects over the next few weeks.

Here is a doctor’s advice on how to manage COVID-19.

We are over two months into our national war against COVID-19. As a retired surgeon, I look for ways to keep all of us safe with less transmission of disease. Hand washing is critical. Washing your face immediately after being in public will also decrease the chance of spreading virus from your face to your mouth and nose.

The use of non-medical masks by the public is controversial. Cotton masks are highly breathable and will filter 20%-60% of particles. Other options such as blue shop towels are less breathable and will filter a greater percentage of particles. The CDC changed their opinion on the matter and now recommends the use of face masks during the pandemic.
We need to keep the medical masks in the hands of the medical professionals whom we really must protect so that they can protect us. Wearing cloth masks or bandanas outside will partially guard us from large droplets and shield others from ours. Most importantly they remind us not to touch our face. But they are not perfect.

It would be so much easier to see the virus in the air as little red specks like we see in the photos in the press. We could avoid the specks and be safe. This war is more like fighting the Silent Invisible Man. You do not know where he is because you can’t see or hear him.

We must go through this time not knowing who is carrying the virus to spread to others including ourselves. It is human nature to question the seriousness of the situation if it cannot be seen first-hand. Unfortunately, it is quite probable that we will all end up knowing someone who is greatly affected by the disease.

Cannabis Companies Step Up To Help Fight COVID-19
Photo by Kelly Sikkema via Unsplash

I appreciate the no-nonsense remarks of Drs. Deborah Birx and Anthony Fauci. They explain the seriousness of the pandemic in a straightforward medical manner and set the bar fairly high as to how to best manage our situation. Unfortunately, life is not perfect, people are not perfect, and I wish we could easily abide to their goal of social distancing to stop this dreaded disease. But we do have to go out to shop, have food delivered to our homes or have home repairs accomplished at times.

I have some thoughts about how to manage this imperfect world of COVID-19.

I certainly agree with the infectious disease physicians and epidemiologists that our best change for early control of this disease is through hand washing, social distancing and quarantine. Unfortunately, there are people who either deny the use of social distancing or think that just one time of breaking the rules will be okay. This is the same as running a red light. It might be okay or the impulse might result in a car accident in which someone is injured or killed. Each time this is done there is an increase in the chance of injury or death.

RELATED: As A Doctor, Some Words Of Advice About Self-Quarantine

It is natural for people to want to leave their homes at times to see friends or family. The sunshine of a beautiful day begs us to go outside. Being cooped up in bad weather for days on end also brings the spirit to be among loved ones.

It’s not uncommon for people to get too comfortable thinking they and others are safe, getting together for dinner or a drink, not knowing if any of them contain the Silent Invisible Man who can transmit the disease.

americans oldest state medical marijuana program will die next jan
Photo by Sarah Pflug via Burst

Social distancing is delayed gratification. Other than knowing you are decreasing your chance of contraction or spreading the disease, you do not get an award or trophy for doing it.

For those who have gloves, you might consider using one glove at a time when you are out. This would give you a dirty hand with which you can sign the credit card machine, open doors, push the grocery cart, and a clean hand that you can put in your pocket to get your wallet or car keys. This is not a perfect solution and hand washing is still essential.

RELATED: Doctor’s Advice On How To Ease Anxiety Around Coronavirus

Finally cannabis. Whether you use this medically or recreationally, there is something to consider. We know that people who have diseases of the lungs have a greater risk of severe consequences from COVID-19. It makes sense that anything other than fresh air, be it cigarette smoke, smoke from a joint, a vape pen or pollution, will increase the irritation and mucus in the lungs thereby increasing the chance of pneumonia.

So, for the time being, I would recommend sublingual or edibles as an alternative. Sharing joints, bongs or vape pens is considered very risky behavior at this time.

This is a very dark time that we will get through. All of us will be affected by this virus. I am expecting to hear of many deaths and long-term side effects over the next few weeks. Some of us are in the midst of a spike in COVID-19 cases while others are waiting for the spike to appear soon. I expect that we will have another spike in prevalence of disease soon after the governmental mandates of stay at home are lifted and again in the fall when the weather turns colder.

This time and virus will change all of us, but we will come through this with a new ability to help each other. There is a bright, wonderful light at the end of the tunnel

Stay safe all of you.

Does Dolly Parton Use Weed

Maria Loreto
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Does Dolly Parton Use Weed

Dolly Parton is a country music legend who has close relationships with famous tokers, including Miley Cyrus and Willie Nelson. But does she smoke weed?

Dolly Parton is an American icon. From starring in movies to winning all kinds of music awards, Parton’s first album debuted in 1967 and she continues to make great music to this day. But, does she smoke weed?

Despite Parton’s long and successful career, she’s been a celebrity with a relatively private life, never getting too personal in interviews or disclosing more information than necessary. She’s been married since 1966 to Carl Dean, a man who’s rumored to have only seen her perform once in all of their time together. Finding information on her marijuana habits — or lack there of — isn’t the easiest of tasks.

RELATED: Does Kanye West Smoke Weed?

Still, Parton is close to people who are kind of marijuana icons themselves: Willie Nelson and Miley Cyrus. Nelson even has his own marijuana brand called Willie’s Reserve. The relationship between Nelson and Parton spans decades, with both of them starting their careers in Nashville.

Miley Cyrus Blames Grammy Snub On Her Marijuana Love Affair
Photo by Ian Gavan/Staff/Getty Images

“Back in 1964, ’65, ’66, we both were writing for Combine Music. … And we used to hang out a lot together, different people. Even Kristofferson back in those days! We all knew each other, and we used to sit around and write different songs,” Parton said of the relationship. Then, when speaking of the challenges of singing with someone with his talent, she said: “I called him up and said, ’Willie, you should have sent me a sack of dope if you thought I was gonna keep up with you!’” Which is probably just a figure of speech but it suggests that she also might be open to the idea of trying out new things.

RELATED: Does Gal Gadot Smoke Weed?

Her relationship with her goddaughter Miley Cyrus, with whom she’s collaborated several times, is more telling of her stance on marijuana. When asked about Cyrus’s behavior and sudden divorce to Liam Hemsworth, Parton said: “Lord, I’ve done everything, and what I ain’t done, I intend to. She’s going to do that, too. But Miley’s smart; Miley knows what she’s doing.”

So while Parton might not have spoken up about issues regarding marijuana, we all just kind of know that she’s okay with it and has likely given it a shot. I mean, it’s Dolly Parton.

Patient Data Tracking: How Technology Is Evolving With COVID-19

Kate-Madonna Hindes
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0
Patient Data Tracking: How Technology Is Evolving With COVID-19

Companies are stepping up and looking inward to create lasting solutions for a more agile healthcare community.

With states all over the U.S. on lockdown and COVID-19 not yet reaching its peak, many in the healthcare and pandemic field are looking at ways to verify numbers of those infected against those who have recovered or perished. Digital epidemiology tools are on the rise as state and federal healthcare teams look to the power of data to not only predict a stress on resources, such as ventilators, staff, beds and masks all beyond the capacities of what current systems in place can accomplish.   

While tools hitting the market continue to revolutionize the way in which data educates, many health systems find themselves under-staffed or unprepared to manage an influx of not only COVID-19 patients, but the learnings their shared experiences bring.   

Researchers at the University of Oxford released a paper on March 31 that identified gaps in tracking numbers due to data lacking agility and personalization. They found in their research, “Traditional manual contact tracing procedures are not fast enough for the new coronavirus.” Citing digital technology as one way to stay-ahead of the virus, researchers found that incorporating real-time technology could make patient tracking and notifications, “instantaneous.”    

“Hospitals and health systems need to work with their physicians and clinicians to efficiently share information. This crisis will hopefully lead to managing any future pandemic much more effectively utilizing tools that will help us quickly address the challenges across our entire healthcare ecosystem, but these tools must also fit into the natural clinical workflows that physicians and other clinicians use today,” says, Dr. Nancy Auer, emergency physician and former Swedish Medical Board Chair.

The always-evolving data of healthcare technology 

With many healthcare organizations still feeling the sprint of the Electronic Medical Records (EMR) Mandate in 2014, many are recognizing that EMRs are in place, they offer little flexibility and personalization.  Hoping to elevate better data-sharing between organizations, the EMR mandate seems to offer little accommodation to “on-the-fly” adaptation by providers and staff looking for one, key number or diagnosis.

RELATED: What Is Cannabis Telemedicine And Is It Beneficial?

Seeking the need to both personalize EMR data and lessen physician burnout, companies are stepping up and looking inward to create lasting solutions for a more agile healthcare community. Doug Cusick, CEO for TransformativeMed explained, “While EHRs are highly optimized for high-volume routine workflows, they tend to be inflexible and unaccommodating to ‘on-the-fly’ adaptation by providers and staff – the need to be able to ‘personalize’ the EHR by specialty and disease specific workflow is never greater than in a pandemic.”    

Patient Data Tracking: How Technology Is Evolving With COVID-19
Photo by Gilles Lambert via Unsplash

Apps that integrate COVID-19 data 

TransformativeMed, founded by Dr. Erik Van Eaton, is a new healthcare company based in Seattle, Washington. It’s seeking to change the future of pandemic cases with the ability to offer predictive and adaptive data that not only illustrates current strains on resources through tracking of patients infected but can help offer insight to the future as well.  

Through a partnership with UW Medicine, TransformativeMed created a comprehensive COVID 19 screening and tracking app that is embedded within the Electronic Health Records and is EMR-compliant. Their application, Core Work Manager offers strategic insight to the COVID crisis through actionable data and real-time patient information on COVID-19 status, pertinent risks, labs, comorbidities, radiology finding, and analytics can immediately assist clinicians in providing more effective and efficient care. Non-disruptive to physician’s natural clinic workflow, the app’s ability to map patients and manage surges has offered calm in the chaos.  

RELATED: Doctor’s Advice On How To Ease Anxiety Around Coronavirus

Dr. VanEaton, a trauma surgeon at UW Medicine’s Harborview Medical Center, believes the time has come to use a new type of data to recognize patterns and develop solutions to better equip facilities and staff on the front lines. He states, “Our electronic health record systems were not designed to provide an at-a-glance understanding of the burden of COVID-19 disease in our hospitals, but over the last 5 weeks, we’ve already learned countless lessons and best practices in Seattle that we can apply across the nation.” 

With COVID-19 appearing to gain more momentum, now is the perfect time for companies and healthcare organizations to come together to utilize both patient data tracking for a better outcome for all.  

5 Places To Look For Lost Marijuana When Times Get Hard

Mike Adams
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5 Places To Look For Lost Marijuana When Times Get Hard

Although the odds may not be favorable, these are the five best places to look around the house for lost weed.

The threat of catching coronavirus has millions of people hunkered down all across America. Some of this solitude is forced by states that have been hit the hardest by this disease, while other parts of the country are doing it out of sheer paranoia. Because while the virus was initially thought to only affect older people with underlying health conditions, we have since learned that it does not discriminate. The latest prediction shows that 200,000 Americans could die from this thing. So, for now, civilization is better off being placed on hold while science finds a cure.  

For some people, being removed from society for months on end can make finding marijuana difficult. Sure, some legal states have allowed dispensaries to stay open, an effort intended to keep the masses from completely bugging out in this doomsday scenario. But pot lovers living in areas of prohibition — and, make no mistake about it, there are a lot of them — are not so lucky. These people’s dealers might be doing what they’re supposed to by practicing social distancing. Some of them may have even been forced into early retirement by this gnarly bug. This can bring on some tough times for the cannabis user in need, but what can they do if nobody’s holding? 

It has been our experience that longtime marijuana users typically misplace a nugget or two at times. Although the odds may not be favorable, these are the five best places to look around the house for lost weed. We suggest going on a search and rescue mission before starting to panic.  

The Couch

Is Old Marijuana Safe to Smoke
Photo by StockSnap via Pixabay

It may have happened months ago, maybe even years, but there is a distinct possibility that, at one time or another, you dropped some weed into the couch cushions, leaving it to mingle with the popcorn, escaped change and other unidentifiable crumbs. If you happen to find a piece of weed in there, never fear, it is typically safe to smoke — that is unless it was left in damp conditions (maybe spilled beer) and has started to mold.

RELATED: Is The Old Marijuana I Found Under The Couch Safe To Smoke?

It is also worth mentioning that, when not stored properly, marijuana degrades over time. This causes the bud to lose some of its potency. So don’t expect to get too ripped on it if, by some stroke of genius, you manage to pre-date it to the early 90s. We’re not saying it won’t do the trick in a pinch, just don’t expect any miracles. 

The Kitchen Floor

5 Places To Look For Lost Marijuana When Corona Times Get Hard
Photo by Alex Cooper via Pexels

For those of you who keep your kitchen spotless, there probably isn’t much of a chance at finding weed on the floor. But the other group, the ones who avoid sweeping and sanitizing in between the cracks of countertops and other nooks and crannies, there is a slight possibility that marijuana can be found in there along with god knows what.

If you think back to those kitchen hangs where you and your buddies were in there packing bowl after bowl while a frozen pizza was baking in the oven, you might recall a time when someone might have said, “Oops, dang, where did the weed go?” Maybe you and your crew were too high to sniff out the lost bud at the time. Maybe the pizza was distracting. All we’re saying is that it wouldn’t hurt to investigate further to see if it’s still possible to resurrect it from pot purgatory.

Sure, the five-second rule has come and gone, but maybe you’ll get lucky and find it resting on a perfectly clean area on top of some dried pasta or something.  

The Refrigerator

5 Places To Look For Lost Marijuana When Corona Times Get Hard
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As long as you’re in the kitchen, you might as well check the refrigerator to see if there’s any weed in there. It is possible you dropped some pot inside the butter dish or vegetable crisper one night while scouring the fridge for munchies, but it’s not likely. There is a chance, however, that you’ve got some edibles in there that you forgot about.

They might have been tossed in the fridge over the summer after you took too big of a bite and then spent the rest of the weekend with a weed hangover. You might have even sworn off cannabis edibles for good, but being the weed fan that you are, you didn’t have the guts to just toss them in the trash.

RELATED: Old Marijuana Edibles: To Eat or Not To Eat?

Try looking in the side panels where people keep all the condiments they never use. But be forewarned: If you find some old marijuana edibles, be sure to check for an expiration date on the packaging. Some of them contain milk and eggs and can go bad over time. We’re already dealing with the coronavirus, we don’t need another strange virus popping up because someone ate bad weed. 

Underneath The Bed

streaming service hit all time high list
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No, it’s not likely that you’ve been smoking weed in your sleep. We don’t know anyone who does that except for maybe Tommy Chong. But underneath the bed is one of the best places to find lost marijuana, and that’s because of the wake and bake factor. For some, this daily ritual is the only thing getting them out of bed in the morning. They might load a bowl or bong before hitting the sack, just to have it waiting on them when the alarm goes off, or they may wait to load it at the crack of dawn.

One way or another, though, some weed has probably escaped their clutches in those less than lucid moments and fallen under the bed. It doesn’t hurt to give it a look-see. And while you’re in there, go ahead and grab a nap. All of this weed hunting can be tiresome. 

The Computer Room or Home Office

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Maybe you always smoke weed there in the evenings when scouring your social media feeds for the latest news and gossip. Perhaps you keep a bowl of buds close by to inspire you to finish that novel you’ve been working on for the past few years. It doesn’t matter why, it’s just important to understand that the home office or computer room is a prime spot for finding lost nuggets of missing weed.

There might be some on the floor, underneath a stack of tax papers, or hidden in an old box, folder or sunglasses case. When it comes to the average toker’s office space, there is no telling where weed might be discovered. Sadly, if you don’t find any smoke in this spot, we regret to inform you that you’re SOL (Stoner Out Of Luck). It might be time to offer your dealer hazard pay.

How Marijuana Can Heighten Intimacy With Your Partner

Maria Loreto
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How Marijuana Can Heighten Intimacy With Your Partner

A study conducted on different subjects says that marijuana use created opportunities for intimacy, ranging from the emotional to the physical.

Not a lot of studies have been conducted on personal marijuana use, much less about the effect that the plant can have on couples. Legalization and an evolving perspective on marijuana has opened up the industry to more studies, giving scientists and researchers the chance to examine the plant more thoroughly by looking into the effect it has on people and relationships.

A study published in the journal Cannabis claims that, unlike alcohol, cannabis has a positive effect on couples when consumed together, increasing the odds of intimacy and providing more opportunities for bonding.

The study was a small one, collecting data from just 183 married or co-habitating couples, all of them claiming to be active marijuana users. Authors of the study asked the couples to monitor their cannabis intake for a period of 30 days, with participants reporting their experiences through their smartphones before and after consuming cannabis.

RELATED: The Fascinating Role Marijuana Plays In Sex

Couples were asked to write a brief report each morning, indicating whether they’d consumed marijuana and if they’d had an “intimate experience” with their partner, specifying the time of this encounter. The study’s definition of an intimate experience was wide, ranging from sex and meaningful conversations, to interactions that expressed love, support and care.

Survey Shows People Like To Use Cannabis Before Having Sex
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After the 30 days passed and participants’ input on the study concluded, researchers analyzed the data and found that smoking cannabis increased the couples’ likelihood of having an intimate experience, especially within two hours of consuming the plant. This increased intimacy remained even if only one partner used marijuana, disproving other studies that claim that personal drug use adds stress to a relationship.

RELATED: Using Medical Marijuana To Treat Sexual Dysfunction

In order to comprehend the full extent of marijuana’s influence on relationships and intimacy, more studies need to be conducted, particularly ones that focus on larger samples of couples and monitor their progress over longer periods of time.

This isn’t the first time that marijuana has been associated positively with relationships; many call the plant an aphrodisiac and a 2019 study found that it improves sex and the likelihood of orgasms, particularly when it comes to women.

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