The internet is filled with awful opinions that most of us ignore on a daily basis. This wasn’t the case with twitter user and podcast host Bria Badu was heavily criticized after tweeting that papayas and wild yams were an effective method of birth control.
The tweet, which has now been deleted, said: “Girls! Here are some natural birth control options.” There was a graph attached that showed off some fruits and plants with an explanation on why they were effective in preventing pregnancies. None of these methods have been tested by professionals.
Mashable reports that while some of the foods listed on the graph have a historic precedent in managing birth control, others mentioned, like Pennyroyal oil, could be deadly for the people consuming it, containing tons of toxins that could induce abortions while dealing damage to people’s livers and kidneys.
Other plants listed on the graph have a record of inducing miscarriages with great risks, especially if consumed unsupervised.
While it’s understandable to want to avoid putting harmful chemicals in your body, DIY methods are not the way to go, especially when it comes to something as delicate as birth control. Do some research on contraception methods and always stay informed. Do not trust social media when it comes to dispensing vital health information.
In the band’s new episode of Dr. Phil’s Fill In The Blanks odcast, the act also got candid about a topic near and dear to their hearts: how the trio’s fame (and accompanying breakup) impacted their parents.
“I think it shook him, for sure,” Nick said during the podcast of how the group’s troubles impacted their parents. At the time, Paul Kevin Jonas, Sr. played both the roles of father and manager, but Joe said that he has moved onto new ventures and has been able to take a step away from the entertainment industry after beating cancer in 2018. “He opened a restaurant in the same few months of finding out that he had cancer, so the restaurant business is like buying a boat. It’s a pretty scary and bad idea, but he opened up a beautiful restaurant in his hometown and employed all of his hometown friends from childhood,” he explained. For us, that’s kinda become a nice escape.”
Dr. Phil went on to urge the brothers to be as open and honest with their parents, specifically because of how much they helped make their dreams come true. “[Paul Kevin Jonas, Sr.] couldn’t be more proud and I think what he says in the doc is probably the thing that hurt him so much was seeing us have issues with each other when the band broke up,” Joe continued. “But the healthy relationship that we have now, he’s like ‘That’s the most important thing.’
Demi Lovato’s drug dealer, Brandon Johnson, who supplied the singer with the drugs that led to her near-fatal overdose, has been charged with heroin possession in a new case.
As per TMZ, Johnson is facing three misdemeanor counts for shoplifting and possession of both heroin and ketamine after he was caught trying to steal from Macy’s. Law enforcement sources told the celebrity gossip outlet that Johnson recently walked into the retail store in San Fernando Valley and went into a fitting room with a Michael Kors backpack, a pair of pants and a Puma hoodie. Johnson walked out with just the backpack and tried to run after not paying for the items, but he was stopped by security. The backpack was stuffed with the stolen items, totaling $440, and the drugs.
In August 2018, Johnson revealed that the chart-topper sent him a text message at 4 AM the morning of her near-fatal OD and asked him to come over. While she didn’t explicitly explain why she wanted him over, the reasoning was pretty clear. “I disclosed to her that these are not pharmaceutical. They’re aftermarket pills. They’re much stronger,” he explained. “[Demi] understood fully and it’s unfortunate what happened. I’m not here to hurt anybody. I care for her very much.”
Johnson never faced charges or was investigated for his association with Lovato’s overdose because the incident was categorized as a medical emergency, but it seems like his behavior has finally caught up to him.
Buying or adopting a dog is an important step that’s worth thinking over. While some people think that getting a pet is an easy way to get some company, dogs are an emotional and financial responsibility. Having one means that you’ll have to account for them in different scenarios, be that for their daily walks or the fact that you won’t be able to travel spontaneously anymore. It’s like having a child, but with less intensity. Here things you should know before you adopt or buy a dog which can help you start off on the right foot and make the most out of this new adventure.
Don’t let anyone pressure you into buying a dog and make sure you’re committing to one for the right reasons. Ask yourself if you can financially take on this burden, if you have the time to take care of it and if you see yourself being happy with this decision for the next ten years. While dogs are companions who don’t ask a lot of you, they still need you in order to lead happy and healthy lives. Before making your decision you can try fostering dogs or, if you want something less demanding, dog sitting for a friend.
Before you buy or adopt a dog, make sure you know what you’re looking for. Do you want a new puppy or to adopt a dog that’s older? Each of these options has their own pros and cons. Do you want a big dog who you can go on runs with or do you want a little one that can fit comfortably inside your apartment?
Once you have your dog you’ll need it’s necessary accessories, like food and water bowl, toys, wee wee pads if you’re having a puppy and more. Make sure you keep your valuable objects someplace out of reach and that your home is a safe place for a dog who’s wandering in without knowing anything about it. It’s also important to do your research on your dog’s medical health, making appointments with the vet and following up on shots and more, at least during your first year with it.
Make your choice between breeder or an adoption center
This is the part that leads to the most debate with some families and people preferring one dramatically over the other. While I believe that adopting a dog has gotten easier over time and that it does a lot of great things like controlling dog population and saving the life of an unlucky little guy, other people prefer breeders since that’s the most straight forward way of knowing what the dog is going to become. It’s up to the owner, their household and their expectations.
A 2018 study focused on cannabis usage amongst older adults revealed noteworthy findings — mostly because the largest increase in cannabis usage was the older adult generation (baby boomers). Essentially, it was discovered that cannabis consumption rates amongst adults aged 65 and older had the largest increase, suggesting that adult generations may be able to work longer and experience a well-being boost due to cannabis consumption.
Gerontology & Geriatric Medicine Review Findings Worth Paying Attention To
In June 2018, a gerontology and geriatric medicine review was conducted that revealed some interesting findings. For starters, out of all age groups that consume cannabis, recently, cannabis usage increased the most amongst individuals aged 65 and above. It was even found that older cannabis consumers used the alternative medicine at least 100 days out of the whole year. Whereas, over 26% of older cannabis users reported consuming cannabis 1 to 4 times per week.
In addition, the majority of older cannabis consumers reported using the plant for medicinal reasons rather than for recreational usage. A few main reasons why older adults consume cannabis is to help treat pain, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and lack of appetite. According to the review, roughly 55% of the older adult generation have one or more medical conditions and symptoms that can be relieved by medical cannabis.
Furthermore, the review mentioned several clinical trials that reported medical cannabis’s efficacy in treating symptoms due to nausea, vomiting, chronic pain, and sleep disorders. It was found that on average, adults aged 51 and older experience these kinds of symptoms due to different medical conditions. Fortunately, medical cannabis can be used to help treat these symptoms and many more.
Photo by PICNIC_Fotografie via Pixabay
The Role Between Cannabis Usage and Working Abilities
Moreover, baby boomers make up the current population of older adults in the U.S. In recent years, numerous older adults have opened their minds to the medicinal benefits of the cannabis plant, especially as medical and recreational cannabis legalization changes continue to spread throughout the U.S. This age group in particular have been the one that’s turning towards cannabis usage at increasing rates. But, what role does cannabis usage play with baby boomers’ working abilities?
As medical and recreational cannabis laws develop in more and more U.S. states, older adult generations are growing more interested in this alternative medicine. According to one study, the incorporation of medical cannabis laws has resulted in decreases in pain in addition to improved self-assessed health amongst older adults. It has also been reported that statewide medical cannabis laws lead to increases within the older adult labor supply. This suggests that older adults can work for longer periods of time and more efficiently as well.
Researchers even discovered that in states with medical cannabis laws, full-time employment increased by 5%. It doesn’t stop here though. The same 2019 study released the following statement about the relationship between medical cannabis laws and working abilities amongst older adult generations:
“If the implementation of a medical cannabis law, by promoting access to marijuana for medical use, reduces symptoms associated with work‐impeding health conditions, then medical cannabis laws could enhance labor supply among the fastest growing segment of the population.”
Photo by joyce huis via Unsplash
Cannabis’s Precedence over Conventional Medications with Side Effects
In addition, to help treat various medical conditions, diseases, and accompanying symptoms, many baby boomers have opted for conventional medications for years. However, due to the slew of adverse side effects that often come from conventional pharmaceutical drugs, more consumers are turning their attention towards cannabis and cannabinoids like CBD.
According to one study, the following was stated about this matter: “Conventional prescription medications for many medical marijuana‐qualifying health conditions often present patients with strong side effects that can impede work.” Many pharmaceutical anti-anxiety medications, in particular, have been known to deliver side effects such as irritability, headaches, confusion, and trouble concentrating.
If older adults experience these symptoms at work, it’s likely for them to struggle with their daily responsibilities, fail to perform to the best of their abilities, and not reach their full potential. In the initial review’s full sample, 31 percent of participants reported feeling pain with 29 percent reporting that their health impedes their working abilities.
However, since cannabis and CBD are known to deliver little to no side effects, they are gaining attention and popularity by the baby boomer generation in addition to increased consumption rates for valid reasons. Rather than tolerating negative side effects from pharmaceutical drugs, more older adults are going the natural route and opting for a beneficial and safe medicine, especially after the World Health Organization’s report came out about Cannabidiol (CBD).
Although cannabis and various cannabinoids contain a plethora of profound benefits, the role this medicine plays in older generations’ work lives is worth discussing. As the U.S. older adult generation (aged 65 and older) continues to grow to roughly 83.7 million by 2050, in your opinion, what percentage of them will transition into consuming cannabis including those with steady jobs?
It’s probably safe to assume that Prince Harry thinks that any woman would love to receive a warm embrace or a token of physical attention from him. But he’d be wrong, as he found out the hard way a few years back.
Hello!unearthed an event that happened in 2014 at the We Day assembly at Wembley Arena, where Harry not only gave a speech, he got to meet Malala Yousafzai — the Pakistani schoolgirl who survived an attempted assassination by the Taliban when she defended her right to an education.
Event co-founder Craig Kielburger told HELLO! that the event wasn’t exactly the meet-and-greet Harry was used to, recalling:
“Here is a funny but true story. I had the honor to introduce Prince Harry to Malala, the young girl who of course stood up against the Taliban. We were both backstage at We Day London. Malala, Your Highness so they met. Prince Harry put his arm around Malala for a photo and very loudly in the corner Malala’s mother in Urdu shouts ‘No, no no,’ which translated to ‘Not unless you marry her can you touch her.’ The Prince was so red in his face at that moment and he was clasping his hands in the front, Malala was so embarrassed.”
The two posed for a photo which Kielburger described as two awkward kids going to the prom. “They posed like two teenagers would, no hands touching in a line up getting ready to go to a prom. Every young woman’s dream, and I don’t think the Prince had ever been told that he can’t put his arm around someone.” Shouting aside, Keilburger said the scene was “Incredibly sweet and endearing.”
In a historic move, Nevada employers will no longer be able to deny jobs to candidates that test positive for marijuana drug tests. The measure goes into full effect starting January 1, 2020, when Nevada will become the first state to pass a law of this nature.
The legislation, signed by Gov. Steve Sisolak last week, does make exceptions for some jobs. Those applying for jobs that require the operation of a motor vehicle will still be subject to employment refusal if they test positive for marijuana. Same goes for firefighters, EMTS, or jobs where others’ safety could be in danger.
“It is unlawful for any employer in this State to fail or refuse to hire a prospective employee because the prospective employee submitted to a screening test and the results of the screening test indicate the presence of marijuana,” states the law.
This is significant news, as states where even marijuana is recreationally legal can still discriminate against cannabis users. New York City passed a similar measure earlier this year, perhaps signaling an end to marijuana testing moving forward.
That said, Nevada’s bill will not stop pre-employment drug testing all together. An employer can still screen would-be employees, but candidates now have the option to submit an additional screening test to rebuke any results. In that case, employers must accept these follow-up test results, the law stipulates.
“As our legal cannabis industry continues to flourish, it’s important to ensure that the door of economic opportunity remains open for all Nevadans,” said Gov. Sisolak. “That’s why I was proud to sign AB132 into law, which contains common-sense exceptions for public safety and transportation professionals.”
The video, courtesy of Tampa station Fox 13, shows Chad, the proud dad who is also barefoot, dangling a black balloon in front of Amos, the family’s pet alligator. The balloon is dangled until Amos is finally able to get a firm grasp on it and puncture it, revealing that the baby is a girl. To make everything even more depressing, after the balloon shows the pink dust, the father is seen skulking away in disappointment. Stacy does a little dance and yells “I told you” as he walks off.
Chad Wright is a Florida Wildlife Control nuisance wildlife trapper, explaining how he’s equipped to handle a large alligator as a pet. With the addition of the baby, the family is made up of 10 children, two parents and one alligator. Maybe there’s also a dog involved. Where do they all sleep?
There’s no better pick-me-up than the one you get when you see a clip of an animal acting silly, which is why we’ve compiled this weekly column. These short videos feature all sorts of animals, providing you with that much needed rush of endorphins.
This week’s column features several exotic animals like a deer, a llama and a jaguar but also staples of this column, like pugs and golden retrievers. Check them out!
This video exudes tons of confusion. The dogs are confused, the deer is confused, the person who’s recording is probably also confused. I think the animals thought they were the same species until the last seconds of the video where they look at each other and take a careful step back.
A jaguar who won’t let go
https://www.instagram.com/p/Byip4WrBrPu/
This very friendly large cat won’t let go of his bucket no matter how much his caretaker begs for it. Its fangs are particularly protruding and terrifying, but the attitude still makes the video adorable.
A llama and a dog
https://www.instagram.com/p/ByWB-l8h0dd/
This video features a long make out session between a llama and a dog, who don’t care that they’re being recorded. Be safe, guys.
There’s dozens of videos that continue to prove that one sleeps like a pug can. These lucky little guys are able to doze off in seconds and have particularly vivid dreams.
A therapeutic cow
https://www.instagram.com/p/Byl1lRXFoHl/
Easily the most relaxing video from this list, there’s so much goodness going on in these short seconds of footage. There’s a giant cow who’s eating grass, an unreal looking waterfall in the background and a really big cow bell. I thought those things didn’t exist outside of cartoons. Let’s all move to that cow’s farm and live peaceful lives.
One father who ended up in his child’s prom photo, though probably not in the way that he intended, was Jerry Seinfeld, who accidentally photobombed a picture that his wife, Jessica, took of their daughter, Sascha, and her date, Jack.
Jessica posted the shot of the couple on Instagram, Friday, with the caption, “I could not resist posting Couple of The Year and Jerry’s Rear. #PromRound2.” Sascha wore a long, kelly-green spaghetti-strap dress, and Jack wore a black tux, white dress shirt, and a black bowtie.
The Daily Mail notes that among the comments on the photo was one from bigspoonroasters: “Comedians in Shrubbery Bending Over,” a nod to Jerry’s Netflix show, Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee.
Katy Perry and Taylor Swift are putting their years-long feud behind them — and are raising fans’ hopes of a possible collaboration in the process!
On Tuesday, the “Never Really Over” singer, 34, posted a photo of a plate of chocolate chip cookies with “Peace at last” written in red icing above the treats. Two sprinkled peace signs were also drawn on each side of the celebratory icing phrase.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bylq5qjHUwj/
“feels good @taylorswift,” Perry cheerfully captioned the Instagram photo, which Swift, 29, was tagged in and commented 13 pink heart emojis on — her lucky number that she often references.
But that wasn’t all: Perry also included the geotag location of “Let’s Be Friends” in the post — which had some fans hoping that it would be the title of the singers’ upcoming collab.
To sleep or to snooze? You probably know the answer, but you don’t prefer it.
Most of us probably use the snooze function on our alarm clocks at some point in our lives. Just a few more minutes under the covers, a time to gather our thoughts, right?
While such snoozing might seem harmless, it may not be. For starters, it is important to understand why we are using the snooze button in the first place. For some it’s a habit that started early on. But for many, it can signal a significant problem with sleep. Poor sleep has been shown to be associated with a number of health disorders including high blood pressure, memory problems and even weight control.
I’m a facial pain specialist and have extensively studied sleep and how it impacts painful conditions. With testing, we discover that many of our chronic pain patients also suffer with various sleep disorders.
What does normal sleep look like?
If one is tired when the alarm goes off, is it helpful to use the snooze button? While there are no scientific studies that address this topic specifically, the answer is probably not. Our natural body clock regulates functions through what’s known as circadian rhythms – physical, mental and behavioral changes that follow a daily cycle.
Most adults require approximately seven and a half to eight hours of good sleep per night. This enables us to spend adequate time in the stages of sleep known as nonrapid eye movement sleep (NREM) and rapid eye movement sleep (REM).
We tend to cycle from the three stages of NREM into REM sleep four to six times per night. The first portion of the night is mostly NREM deep sleep and the last portion consists of mostly REM sleep.
Maintaining this well-defined structure is important for good, restful sleep. If this process is disturbed, we tend to awaken still feeling tired in the morning.
A number of factors can affect the sleep cycles. For example, if a person is not breathing well during sleep (snoring or sleep apnea), this will disturb the normal sequences and cause the individual to awaken feeling unrestored. Sleep quality can be diminished by the use of electronic devices, tobacco or alcohol in the evening. Even eating too close to bedtime can be problematic.
The use of snooze buttons often starts during the teenage years, when our circadian rhythms are altered somewhat, causing us to want to stay up later and get up later in the morning. Delaying getting out of bed for nine minutes by hitting the snooze is simply not going to give us any more restorative sleep. In fact, it may serve to confuse the brain into starting the process of secreting more neurochemicals that cause sleep to occur, according to some hypotheses.
Bottom line: It’s probably best to set your alarm for a specific time and get up then. If you are consistently tired in the morning, consult with a sleep specialist to find out why.
