Category: Men & Womens Health

Daily Writing Prompt
Celebrate Life · Daily Writing Prompt · Family · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

Daily Writing Prompt

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Daily writing prompt
Write about a few of your favorite family traditions.
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I went to live with my grandparents at 14 and my gramps was a year from retirement. Why would grandparents take on a 14 year old wild child a year before the freedom of retirement. WHY? Unconditional love.

Like all families, we have our issues yet that doesn’t stop us from getting together, mostly during the holidays and birthdays. My granny would cook enough for the neighborhood, not literally but everyone took goodies home with them.

My favorite tradition from childhood is going to a mexican restaurant with my grandparents and brother because they had a flag on your table to use when you wanted more food. My brother wore the flag out every time we went.

David and I have created a few traditions of our own, mostly holiday traditions. On Christmas Eve we eat a wide variety of cheeses, hard meats, olives, fresh rolls and a French Tart. We open our gifts after eating and kick back to relax after all that eating.

On Christmas morning David makes pancakes, another longstanding holiday tradition. He spends most of the day watching football until it’s time to start dinner. It’s much easier when you only have two people to plan for. Dinner is traditional with a spiraled backed ham, sweet potato, rolls and another desert!

selective focus photography of man preparing food beside smiling women and kids
Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com

Traditions can start or change at any time. I love my grandparents with my whole heart but that doesn’t mean I have to continue it.

I’m thinking of a tray of cheese, hard meats and a hot roll right now. :)

Melinda

What Do First Time Home Renovators Wish They’d Known?
Celebrate Life · Family · Future Planning · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

What Do First Time Home Renovators Wish They’d Known?

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Home renovation is an exhilarating, frustrating, emotional, challenging, and often addictive process. The journey of seeing a house go from unloved wreck to home of your dreams is a feeling quite unlike anything else. Getting there can be quite the ride, but you may find that you love the end result so much you’re soon itching for your next big project. There are many reasons to renovate an older home. Generally speaking, you can get much more for your money and it may enable you to buy a bigger plot or in a nicer area that would normally have been just out of your budget. If the property is liveable, you can then give yourself some extra time to save up the money needed for construction work.

It can also prove a good investment – if you buy at the right price and are able to make the renovation budget work, and you don’t overdevelop the property when it comes time to sell hopefully you will have made a profit. It’s also a chance to design and develop a home exactly as you want it, specific to all your own needs and preferences. There are a lot of plus points to renovating your first home.

On the other hand, being prepared is everything, or first-time renovation projects can be quite a shock. The expense, noise, mess, unexpected problems, and missed deadlines can be enough to put some people off for life. So how do you get ready for renovation if you’ve never done it before? And what do more experienced home renovators wish they had known before their first project?

Photo by Rene Asmussen on Pexels.com

It may not be very romantic to hear, but everything within your project is driven by one factor: budget. There’s no denying the extensively redeveloping property is hugely expensive, so understanding from the outset exactly what your renovation budget is, and estimating realistically are vital. After all, no one wants to run out of cash part way through a building project. It’s quite likely you may have to scale back some of your expectations, especially on a first project, when you’re unlikely to have huge cash reserves to fall back on. Plan out the projects you want to do in phases, in order of how urgent they are.

You may have to wait a while between phases if you need to save up more money or secure a loan for the building works. Keep a close eye on the budget during the project and remember that the small things can be expensive and quickly add up. Decide in advance what features of the renovation are an absolute deal-breaker for you, and what you will be prepared to compromise on if you have to. Always create a contingency fund. It’s likely that there may be unforeseen issues that pop up during the course of the project – especially with older properties – that you haven’t budgeted for, so this margin could save you. You may find yourself having to pay for additional structural work, new electrics, or even things like local pest control. And if by some miracle, you don’t spend it, it can be spare cash to spend on the final decorative touches. Remember that it is possible to save money on a home renovation.

Learning to DIY some of the slightly easier bits yourself can be very cost-effective, so jobs such as painting, adding skirting, etc are all easy wins. Shop around for everything, from equipment hire to kitchens, to get the best price, and consider what preloved elements you could either reuse from the original property or source elsewhere.

Get The Layout Right

The key to a successful renovation is to find a new layout that works. You will either be working within the original floorplan of the house, but with the option to remove and add walls and reconfigure the space – or you may be extending your home to add on additional space. You’ll be surprised what the right layout change can do to transform both the feel and the usability of a property – for example, opening up a maze of little rooms to form a free-flowing, open-plan space. If you do want to keep smaller rooms, there are lots of tricks to make them appear more spacious, from the clever placement of mirrors to dressing the windows so that they look taller and choosing paint techniques that make the room look bigger. 

It’s a time in your life you will always remember, so be prepared, do your research and embrace the chaos – your ideal home is now within reach.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

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Eight Benefits to Tamanu Oil
Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Medical · Men & Womens Health

Eight Benefits to Tamanu Oil

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Tamanu oil is derived from the Tamanu tree, which originates in the Polynesian islands, tropical Southeast Asia, south India, and the tropical African Coast. With antioxidants, antibacterial, anti-inch, and healing properties, it has been used for skin care as well as hair care. The smell is slightly sweet and someone nutty, the color is greenish-yellow, and the shelf life is normally two years, depending on how it’s stored. Here are eight ways this oil benefits your overall health.

  • Treats Acne by reducing bacterial growth.
  • Soothes dry skin by moisturizing and adding antioxidants.
  • Smooths wrinkles with fatty acids and antioxidants.
  • Heals wounds, cuts, and abrasions with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties.
  • Reduces the appearance of scars and stretch marks thanks to the cell regenerating and renewal characteristics.
  • Treats ingrown hairs with antibacterial property.
  • Fights scalp irregularities and antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agents.
  • Restores hair health and shine by sealing in moisture.

Notes

Before using Tamanu oil, test it on a small area of your skin to make sure you’re not allergic or sensitive to it. 

Avoid using Tamanu oil if you have a tree nut allergy.

For deep, infected wounds, please seek immediate care from a healthcare provider.

Melinda

Reference:

Willow & Sage

3 Ways To Stop Wasting Money On Your Car
Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Saving Money

3 Ways To Stop Wasting Money On Your Car

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When many people think of car costs, the first thing that pops into their heads is the purchase price. That’s far from all you’ll have to pay for it, however. You’ll have to put quite a lot of money into maintaining it.

These car expenses add up quickly, especially with older cars. It can often seem like a money sink. Figuring out how to stop wasting money on your car can be difficult. Your car will need some TLC, but you might want to spend much money on it.

Thankfully, there are more than a few ways you can do so. While you’ll need to put some time into it, it’ll be more than worth the effort. Three particular ways are suggested, as they’re quick and easy ways to look after your car.

Top Three Ways

1. Buy Parts Online

Perhaps the most obvious way to spend less on your car is to buy auto parts online. These will usually be much more affordable than the ones you can get at a mechanic’s. Since they’ll be the exact same parts, there’s no reason not to take this route.

You could save quite a bit of money on this, especially if you’re able to replace any parts yourself. While this approach involves spending a bit of time waiting for parts, the savings are worth the wait.

2. Change The Air Filter Yourself

Your car’s air filter needs to be changed regularly. You could be surprised to hear that focusing on this is one of the better ways to figure out how to stop wasting money on your car. You can do this yourself, with the car owner’s manual showing you how and when to do so.

Buying the air filter online – as recommended above – lets you save a significant amount of money on the fix. Replacing the air filter doesn’t take much time. If you’re good with your hands, it should only take you a few minutes to do so.

3. Shop For Prices

As much as you could DIY many of your car repairs, there comes a point where you’ll need to hire a mechanic to take care of things. Many people simply go to the first mechanic they can think of – or the closest one to them – and stick with that. Doing this costs more than you’d think.

Instead of taking this approach, you should shop around for prices. Depending on the issue at hand – and several other factors – the mechanics mightn’t even need to see your car before giving you a quote. While this could vary when you get there, taking this approach gives you an idea of how much each mechanic costs.

Choosing a more affordable option helps you stop wasting money on your car.

How To Stop Wasting Money On Your Car: Wrapping Up

Figuring out how to stop wasting money on your car is a difficult process. Your car will need some maintenance and attention. Depending on how you go about it, that could prove costly. With each of the above strategies, however, it’s something you won’t need to worry about.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

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Daily Writing Prompt
Celebrate Life · Family · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

Daily Writing Prompt

Looking for the Light1 Comment
Daily writing prompt
If you could make your pet understand one thing, what would it be?
View all responses

To potty on the potty pads and not somewhere else, like my husbands bathroom. Griffy is totally laid back until she wants a snack. Jet’s close to the same size and is calm until he thinks it’s time of a snack ot petting.

Melinda

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Daily Writing Prompt
Celebrate Life · Daily Writing Prompt · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

Daily Writing Prompt

Looking for the Light7 Comments
Daily writing prompt
What’s your dream job?
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I’m retired so by far this is the best job. At 12 I had a paper route to make some play money and my second job was being a cashier in a grocery store. Every job I’ve worked has taught me new lesson’s. There were plenty of jobs I didn’t like and other’s I gave all to.

After retiring and giving my body time to decompress, I had a store on Ebay for five years. It was a blast and kept me busy. I won’t forget the guy who bought one homeade soap a month, and when I offered a deal on three soaps for the price of two, he continued to buy one soap.

Not working has been a blessing and life contiues to teach me lesson’s. My days are slower now and I know how difficult it can be to balancce work with health issues.

New Orleans

Melinda

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Take Advantage Of Savings Cards Where You Shop!
Future Planning · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Saving Money

Take Advantage Of Savings Cards Where You Shop!

Looking for the Light2 Comments

We’ve saved plenty of money without sacrificing quality, by joining company Saving Card’s like CVS ad Kroger or pay for a membership at a big box companies like Costo or Sam’s.

The free savings copay cards:

Amazon-Paid Membership-Prime Members get free shipping and returns on most items.

Starbucks

JCrew

Madewell

Petco

HEB

CVS

Kroger

Sam’s Club- paid membership

Costco-paid membership

Golf Pass

A few restaurant we frequent also have memberships to co-pay card’s free of charge. Your points add up based on what you buy and when you’ve reached a certain tier you see your coupons or more.

I have disover that many companies including include a savings program to dine there and even Starbucks offers a membership available. Keep you eye open where you shop or dine.

Amazon-Pharmacy

Wow, talk about saving money! Always ask the pharmacist what the price is to fill for 90 days. Most of mine at 90 days when possible. Take a look at Amazon Pharmacy and you may be surprised at how little you being you’re being charged. Take a look at see if the support the medication and insurance. The easiest way for me was to completely start over, had all scripts sent to Amazon and thus far, I’m impressed by how quik they turned the script and no issues to date.

We shop the Costo’s ad each week, they have the great deals, if it’s not in the catalog you have, keep your eye’s open for the next catalog. David makes a monthly trip to stock up.

When we don’t plan for the future, we can find ourselves there without any savings.

Save every penny saved and is put back into savings, will be surprised you how quickly the money adds up.

Costco is one membership that is worth every penny. If living alone, maybe buying in bulk isn’t the answer unless you visit with a free to see what they offer.

I’m working on a post on ways to save money on your medication cost, and learn where to go for help when medical insurance denies your claim. I have some great referrals to share.

Melinda

Your Mental Health Is Important: Tips On Moving To A New Town
Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Your Mental Health Is Important: Tips On Moving To A New Town

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Moving to a new town can be challenging. You’re uprooting your life and starting over in unfamiliar surroundings where no one knows you or where no familiar faces exist. However, with an open mind and positive approach, moving can be both enjoyable and beneficial for your mental well-being. It will help to expose you to new people from various walks of life, and there may be exciting opportunities out there that lead to improved quality of life. Here, we will cover everything from how to find housing in a new town to practical advice for making it feel like home in your new environment. So read on for advice on settling comfortably into life in a brand new city and its potential impact on mental health.

Photo by Ketut Subiyanto on Pexels.com

Research Your Options

A new town can be both exciting and overwhelming. Before making the leap, it is wise to research its characteristics – neighborhoods, parks, and community events are good places to begin exploring your options, as are local schools and businesses. Spend some time getting acquainted with its amenities, such as shopping centers, medical facilities, and recreational activities, so you can form positive associations between yourself and the place you will soon call home.

Find An Experienced Realtor

Whether selling or renting out your current home, consulting with a realtor can be invaluable in the process. Their expertise and market knowledge will ensure you obtain the maximum return for your property sale or rental investment. Finding the best realtor for yourself is key; seek someone who understands your individual needs, who will guide the process in an optimal way, and who will help you find a home in your new town that fits both your requirements and budget.

Declutter Before Moving

Moving can introduce feelings of excitement and anxiety all at once, and decluttering before the big day can make all the difference. While it might be tempting to simply pack everything up and deal with it later, reducing clutter will create a more organized and soothing atmosphere when you arrive in your new home. Not only will you have less to unpack, but you’ll be able to easily find what you need and avoid feeling overwhelmed in your new surroundings. 

Get To Know Your Neighbors

Making new friends in a new town may be daunting, but getting to know your neighbors can be one of the easiest ways to build a new community. Remember that building relationships take time; one way of making this transition more manageable is by getting acquainted with your neighbors – they may become your close friends, gym partners, or trusted pet sitters! So take the time to introduce yourself, invite them over for a meal, or offer to lend a hand whenever they need it.

Make Time For Yourself

Take time for yourself by participating in yoga classes, going for leisurely walks, or sitting quietly and meditating – however, you choose. Doing this will allow you to unwind, assess your emotions, and process changes in life more easily. Making this investment in yourself will reduce stress while improving your overall well-being; your mental well-being should be treated just as seriously as your physical well-being, so take the time needed for both!

Technology Makes Making Friends Easier

Moving away from those you love and places you are familiar with can be daunting, particularly when you don’t know anyone in your new town. But thanks to technology, making friends has never been simpler: friendship apps such as Bumble BFF are a great way to meet people who share similar interests or hobbies – you could meet potential friends within seconds by signing up. And who knows, you might just find your soulmate!

Explore Local Attractions

One of the best ways to familiarize yourself with a new town is by visiting its attractions. Take time out to visit landmarks, take part in outdoor activities, and try local eateries; doing this can quickly break down any barriers you might be feeling around meeting new people. It will also provide the opportunity for you to socialize with locals as well as learn about the town’s history while discovering hidden gems that will enhance your life experience.

Final Thoughts

Moving to a new city can be an immensely enriching experience for many, which is why it’s essential that it be done the correct way. Your mental health and well-being should always come first, so use the tips given above to make sure you have a successful transition into your new home. With a little effort, you’ll soon be feeling like a local in no time.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Daily Writing Prompt
Daily Writing Prompt · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

Daily Writing Prompt

Looking for the Light5 Comments
Daily writing prompt
If you could un-invent something, what would it be?
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My gut says Social Media platforms, have you seen the “dares” going around Tic Tok? Teens and younder adults walking on moving trains, and the list is long. I was a teen and made plenty of mistakes yet I’m smarter than the people doing the stunts.

I closed all of my accounts last year because a company I worked with was hacked and all of my data was released. I took the comments Apple said about safety, and applied every ounce of help they provided. Because my personal information was leaked and confirmed the information is on the Dark Web, that’s data is roming around which can lead to identity theft the rest of my life

I wouldn’t un-invent something because as life goes on, we get to watch new versions of a product eveolve.

Photo by Karola G on Pexels.com

Melinda

Book Review One Step At A Time By Francesca Giacomozzi
Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health · Self-Care

Book Review One Step At A Time By Francesca Giacomozzi

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I was kindly gifted a copy of One Step At A Time, by Francesca Giacomozzi from Soraya Nair at Cherish Editions for an honest review. Thank you, Soraya.

About Author

“Francesca Giacomozzi has lived in the UK since April 2016.

After quitting a full-time job that wasn’t fulfilling her, she studied to become a yoga teacher and reflexologist and now owns her own yoga teaching and massage therapy business.


Her drive to help others overcome mental health issues has pushed her out of her comfort zone, leading her to raise awareness about eating disorders as a daily mission.


Francesca has two degrees and can speak five languages.”

Excerpt From: Francesca Giacomozzi. “One Step at a Time.” Apple Books.

Blurb

“My long-winded journey into a fuller and healthier self. Written with the hope that if you are lost, you will soon be found. This is the honest and unfiltered truth about me and my experiences as a warrior in eating disorder recovery. All the people mentioned in this book are real, and therefore have been made anonymous unless they provided consent to be spoken about by name.”

Francesca Giacomozzi found herself on the verge of a crisis, exhausted from waking up day after day without a sense of purpose. Determined to get her life back on track, she decided to take on a challenge to engage both her mind and body: a two-week walk along the South West Coastal Path.

She invested in kit and prepared – or so she thought – for the solo trek. Little did she know, her journey would leave her with a completely different outcome to the one she expected. Her diary pages are filled with two tales: what happened on the trail, and how it made her feel on the inside.

My Thoughts

When you’re faced with demons, you have two paths you can take. You can tackle them head-on or you can turn and run. Francesca found herself at a crossroads and decided to face her demons in the most interesting way. She set out to trek 360 miles across England to find herself and found so much more. 


Armed with her diary, she sets out and discovers the generosity of others feeds her need for food. When you struggle with an eating disorder, you over focus on food and look for an emotional fulfillment which doesn’t come. Fran struggles with her thoughts and self loathing along the way but as she reaches her destination there is a new sense of self. A sense she can overcome and ask for help. 


Ask for help she does, she sees a therapist for the first time and starts a new, more informed and self assured chapter. I beleive she is living her best life and inspires others with deep rooted struggles that there is light at the end of the tunnel. 


Fran sprinkles in poetry throughout the chapters. She is a great writer and the book is a fast read, you can’t wait to see what adventure she will encounter next. You can also fully relate to the insecurities she feels about herself and in social situations. 


I struggled with an eating disorder for years and can say this book hit home. It’s real and gives a look at the true mental and physical toll an eating disorder can take in the body. 


This book is a great read for most types of mental health struggles, not just eating disorders. The guilt, anger, insecurities and shame are universal. 


I highly recommend One Step At A time to everyone and give it 5 stars! 

Cherish Editions

Cherish Editions is the self-publishing division of Trigger Publishing, the UK’s leading independent mental health and wellbeing publisher.

We are experienced in creating and selling positive, responsible, important and inspirational books, which work to de-stigmatise the issues around mental health, as well as helping people who read them to maintain and improve their mental health and wellbeing. By choosing to publish through Cherish Editions, you will get the expertise of the dedicated Trigger Team at every step of the process.

We are proud of what we do, and passionate about the books that we publish. We want to do the very best for you and your book, holding your hand every step of the way.

Happy Reading!

I know you will enjoy the book as much as I did and encourage you to pick up a copy today.

Melinda

Book Review Navigating Loneliness By Cheryl Rickman
Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Book Review Navigating Loneliness By Cheryl Rickman

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I was kindly gifted an advanced copy of Navigating Loneliness by Cheryl Rickman from Maddie Kirby-Dunne at Wellbeck Publishing Group for an honest review. Thank you, Maddie.

About the Author

Cheryl Rickman is a qualified Positive Psychology Practitioner and Sunday Times bestselling author and ghostwriter of twenty self-help, wellbeing and business books.

After her parents’ lives were cut short, Cheryl decided to devote her life to helping others make the most of their own precious lives through the books she writes.

She specializes in writing practical books to help people fret less and flourish more, and is a Wellbeing Ambassador for the Network of Wellbeing.

Having qualified with a Certificate in Applied Positive Psychology in 2016, Cheryl also runs wellbeing retreats and delivers workshops on acceptance, balance and compassion, The ABC of FlourishingTM.

Cheryl lives with her husband, daughter and two dogs in a country cottage in Hampshire, UK. She is an unashamed tree- hugger and nature-lover, has an overflowing bookshelf and her favourite colour is rainbow. She loves pizza and the seaside, but is not a fan of mushrooms or spiders.

You can find out more at http://www.CherylRickman.co.uk

OTHER WELLBEING BOOKS BY THIS AUTHOR

Be More Wonder Woman: Fearless Thinking from a Warrior Princess

(DK, 2020)

The Flourish Colouring Book: Art Therapy Mindfulness

(CreateSpace, 2015)

The Flourish Handbook: How to Achieve Happiness with Staying Power, Boost Your Well-Being, Enjoy Life More and Reach Your Potential (CreateSpace, 2013)

The Happiness Bible: An Ultimate Guide to Sustainable Wellbeing

(Godsfield Press, 2019)

The Little Book of Resilience (Gaia, 2019)

The Little Book of Serenity (Gaia, 2020)

May You Be Well: Everyday Good Vibes for the Spiritual (Pyramid, 2021)

You Are Enough: Embrace Your Flaws and Be Happy Being You

(Summersdale, 2021)

Blurb

Navigating Loneliness is part of a Trigger Publishing series of books about managing mental health issues. Throughout this book you’ll learn what actions you can take to tackle the main causes of loneliness and reduce it.

My Thoughts

The book is a very fast read at only 155 pages long and includes helpful resources at the back of the book. It’s a great read with a long list of resources.

Wellbeck Publishing Group

Wellbeck Publishing Group is an exciting, fast-growing independent publisher based in London, dedicated to publishing only the very best and most commercial books spanning a number of genres and categories, from leading authors and well-known brands to debut talent. We live for books that entertain, excite and enhance the lives of readers around the world.

Melinda

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National Stalking Awareness Month
Domestic Violence · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Self-Care · Trauma

National Stalking Awareness Month

Looking for the Light7 Comments

Stalking is like being in Alice & Wonderland, paranoid, scared, no control, threats and you can’t get out until it’s over, it took over 7 months the last time. I had my claws out during the entire time and continued to listen to my gut more often. There are thousands of people are out there with a scam on their mind’s, if you have not met them in-person or you could find out how yourself another TikTok video. You may feel under a microscope until you can move forward, keep working through the trauma.

What is stalking?

Legal definitions vary from one jurisdiction to another. Still, stalking is generally defined as a pattern of behavior directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to feel fear. A crime in all 50 states and at the federal level, stalking is dangerous and potentially lethal.

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Who are victims of stalking?

In 2019, about 1.3% of Americans ages 16 and older (3.4 million people) were victims of stalking, according to a report from the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS). The most frequently reported traditional stalking behaviors included the offender following and watching the victim. Stalking with technology most commonly included unwanted phone calls, voice or text messages, and emails and Internet messages.

The percentage of people who experienced stalking declined from 2016 (1.5%) to 2019 (1.3%). However, women continue to be victims of stalking more than twice as often as men. Overall, the data show most stalking victims know their stalkers.

Among adults, 18- to 24-year-olds experience the highest rates of stalking, placing students on college and university campuses at high risk of becoming a victim. Research shows that most college students are stalked by someone they know, usually a fellow student. Colleges and universities that understand the dynamics of stalking and the negative impacts associated with it can support victims and hold stalkers accountablethrough campus programs and thorough investigations.

In 2019, only 29% of stalking victims reported their victimization to police. Stalking victims who chose not to report the crime to police most often said they didn’t feel it was important enough to do so.

 Source: The Stalking Prevention, Awareness, & Resource Center

 

What help is there for victims of stalking?

If you believe you’re a victim of stalking, the Stalking Prevention, Awareness, and Resource Center provides guidance and resources in the What to Do if You Are Being Stalked section of their website.

Supported by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), the Violence Against Women Research Consortium published a series of training videos and resources that cover stalking laws and best practices for law enforcement and prosecutors in stalking investigations.

January is recognized as National Stalking Awareness Month – an annual call to action to recognize and respond to the crime of stalking.

Date Modified: January 11, 2024

Additional Resources

Internet Safety Special Feature: Cyberbullying and Cyberstalking
This online resource offers a compilation of publications and referrals to organizations dealing with cyberbullying and cyberstalking.

National Stalking Awareness Month
This webpage provides access to resources and materials that provide information about stalking and how to share information about National Stalking Awareness Month, which is recognized each January.

Office for Victims of Crime (OVC): Stalking
This website provides information about stalking and includes links to related organizations and topical publications.

Office on Violence Against Women (OVW): Stalking
OVW provides information on the U.S. Department of Justice’s legal and policy issues regarding violence against women and responds to requests for information regarding violence against women, including stalking.

Stalking Prevention, Awareness, and Resource Center (SPARC)
Funded by the Office on Violence Against Women, the goal of SPARC is to ensure first responders and other allied professionals have the specialized knowledge needed to identify and response to stalking cases.

Violence Against Women Research Consortium
The Rutgers Violence Against Women Research Consortium works collaboratively with interdisciplinary researchers and National Institute of Justice research scientists to identify, implement, and disseminate research and evaluation projects that fill the gaps in our current knowledge on stalking, as well as intimate partner violence, sexual violence, and teen dating violence.

Melinda

Reference:

https://www.ojp.gov/feature/stalking/overview

Gluten-Free Peppermint Mocha
Celebrate Life · Cooking · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

Gluten-Free Peppermint Mocha

Looking for the Light5 Comments

Coffee drinks give me a chance to stop & relax, which we all need.

What you need

1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk

1-2 shots of expresso

1 TB raw cacao powder

1 TS pure maple syrup

1/4 TS teaspoon peppermint extract

How to make

In a small saucepan, warm the coconut milk to your desired temperature over medium to high heat.

Pour the warmed milk into a high-powered blender and add the espresso, cacao powder, maple syrup, and peppermint.

Blend until the drink is combined and slightly frothy, about 1 minute.

Pour into a mug and enjoy it immediately.

Serves 1

Double the recipe to make 2 servings.

Enjoy

Melinda

Reference:

The recipe is from Kristin Cavallari’s cookbook True Comfort.

What are Glutens and how to start a Gluten-Free Lifestyle
Cooking · Family · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

What are Glutens and how to start a Gluten-Free Lifestyle

Looking for the Light4 Comments

It’s important to understand what glutens are and where to look for in order to establish a gluten-free lifestyle. As more people are diagnosed gluten intolerant more pre-made products will become available making choices much easier. I plan to write a number of post on the Gluten-Free lifestyle in the coming months. Below is a short list of items and ingredients you can eat. The Information is taken from Gluten Freedom by Alessio Fasano, MD. Founder and Director of the Center for Celiac Research at Massachusetts General Hospital Harvard Medical School.  Melinda

Gluten is found in common foods such as breads, cereals, baked goods, and pasta. Because it’s used in processed foods as an additive or preservative, gluten is also found in a wide variety of foods and nonfood items from prescription medications to Play-Doh. If you are the food shopper in the family, you must learn to read labels very carefully to comply with gluten-free diet.

Things you can eat on the Gluten-Free Diet

Gluten-Free Grains, Flours, Seeds and Starches

  • Amaranth
  • Arrowroot
  • Buckwheat
  • Cassava
  • Corn
  • Flaxseed
  • Nut Flours
  • Millet
  • Montina
  • Gluten-Free Oats
  • Quinoa
  • Rice
  • Sago
  • Sorghum
  • Tapioca
  • Teff
  • Wild rice

Safe Ingredients List 

  • Vinegar except malt vinegar 
  • Distilled alcohol
  • Carmel color
  • Citric acid
  • Spices
  • Monosodium glutamate
  • Maltodextrin
  • Mono- and diglycerides
  • Artificial flavor and color
  • Natural flavor and color 

Melinda

Daily Writing Prompt
Celebrate Life · Daily Writing Prompt · Health and Wellbeing · Medical · Men & Womens Health · Mental Illness · Self-Care

Daily Writing Prompt

Looking for the Light1 Comment
Daily writing prompt
What is your mission?
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That is a short sentence for a big answer! I live a laid back life now and the answer is actually shorter than you might expect.

Mission

Stay close to God

Be a good wife

Take care of my physical & mental health

Find joy by looking out the window

Help the charities I work with

Always looking forward to life

Be informed about the world around me

Cut negatives out of my life

Help when you can

Stay true to myself

Melinda

Looking for the Light

The Future Is Behind The Door
Celebrate Life · Family · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Moving Forward

The Future Is Behind The Door

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The seller accepted our offer over the weekend! During the closing period you find yourself filling out a ton of paperwork and making phone calls, yet every step counts.

Melinda

Natural Seasonal Allergy Relief
Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Medical · Men & Womens Health · Self-Care

Natural Seasonal Allergy Relief

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Nettle Leaf Tea

Made from stinging nettle plants, organic nettle tea can help relieve seasonal allergy symptoms with its natural antihistamine. You reap all the benefits of antihistamine symptom relief without having to take conventional medicines. You can drink the daily as a preventative or as needed.

Spirulina & Other Superfoods

Spirulina is a superfood full of amazing plant nutrients, like iron, calcium, vitamin A and C, and protein. While great for overall health, spiraling may be beneficial during allergy season because it is high in antioxidants and has been shown to protect the body from anything that might compromise the immune system. It is high in chlorophyll and is detoxifying. Other superfoods like Kale, turmeric, mace powder, hemp, and flax are great for reducing inflammation and boosting your immune system.

Probiotic

A probiotic can help boost your gut and immune system health, which plays a big part in seasonal allergies. You can digest probiotics by eating fermented items like sauerkraut, and kombucha, or by taking a supplement. Make sure it is a high-quality probiotic from an organic source.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple Cider Vinegar is detoxifying and practically a remedy for everything. Taking as little as 1 tablespoon a day can help you feel and be healthier, which will, in turn, reduce your allergy symptoms. Make sure you purchase unfiltered organic Apple Cider Vinegar.

Essential Oils

Essential oils, such as melaleuca, peppermint, lavender, frankincense, lemon, and eucalyptus, help with seasonal allergy relief. I like to fill a roller bottle with a carrier oil and 5-10 drops of each chosen essential oil. I apply this to my nose, on my temples, and behind my ears when I begin to feel swollen or puffy, as well as to the bottom of my feet. You can use these as needed as well as preventative.


All great ideas from one of my favorite bookazines, Williow & Sage by Stampington.  


Melinda

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3M Agrees to Pay $10.3B in Settlement of Lawsuits Claiming ‘Forever Chemicals’ Contaminate Drinking Water
Family · Health and Wellbeing · Medical · Men & Womens Health

3M Agrees to Pay $10.3B in Settlement of Lawsuits Claiming ‘Forever Chemicals’ Contaminate Drinking Water

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The settlement will help public water systems across the U.S. detect and remove PFAS, known as “forever chemicals,” which are linked to serious health issues

The corporation 3M has reached a settlement to resolve lawsuits that claimed it contaminated water supplies in the U.S. with toxic “forever chemicals.”

The company — based in Paul, Minnesota — announced on Thursday that it had agreed to pay up to $10.3 billion over 13 years to fund public water suppliers that have detected or will detect these chemicals in their drinking water, according to the New York Times.

The chemicals in question are polyfluoroalkyl and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) which are used to make coatings that repel water, grease, and oil and are present in many common items, such as cosmetics, nonstick pans, and water-resistant productions.

PFAS are called “forever chemicals” because they do not break down easily in the environment or in the human body. 

According to CNN, 3M has been to court many times in the last twenty years over PFAS-related health issues. Cancer, liver damage, and developmental defects are among conditions linked to forever chemicals. The lawsuits allege that 3M knew PFAS caused harm and failed to warn the public or regulators about the risks.

As reported by the New York Times, 3M chairman and CEO Mike Roman said in a statement that his company would stop producing PFAS in the next two and a half years, and that they ceased the manufacturing of two types of PFAS — PFOA and PFOS — two decades ago.

“This is an important step forward for 3M, which builds on our actions that include our announced exit of PFOA and PFOS manufacturing more than 20 years ago, our more recent investments in state-of-the-art water filtration technology in our chemical manufacturing operations, and our announcement that we will exit all PFAS manufacturing by the end of 2025,” he said.

However, CBS News reported that 3M insists the settlement “is not an admission of liability” and “3M is prepared to continue to defend itself” if the agreement is not approved by a judge.

According to Reuters, Scott Summy — an attorney for the water systems suing 3M — stated, “We have reached the largest drinking water settlement in American history, which will be used to help filter PFAS from drinking water that is served to the public. The result is that millions of Americans will have healthier lives without PFAS in their drinking water.”

The settlement comes after three other companies — Chemours, DuPont, and Corteva — agreed to pay more than $1 billion earlier this month to settle similar lawsuits over PFAS contamination. 

Melinda

Reference:

https://people.com/3m-agrees-to-pay-10-billion-settlement-forever-chemicals-7552793

We Will Never Forget
Celebrate Life · Chronic Pain · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Survivor · Trauma

We Will Never Forget

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January, 6th, 2001

Sending prayers to police officers who fought for country and the vote happened. Each officer faught for their lives and the public during an non-succeesful Government take-over or thier life, many officeries were injured that day.

Melinda

National Blood Donor Month: Save A Life
Celebrate Life · Chronic Illness · Family · Health and Wellbeing · Medical · Men & Womens Health

National Blood Donor Month: Save A Life

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Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. It is essential for surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illnesses, and traumatic injuries. Whether a patient receives whole blood, red cells, platelets or plasma, this lifesaving care starts with one person making a generous donation. The statitics are only for America, think of the tremendous need around the world. It’s a privilege as an American to give blood and pallets to save anothers life. What if you or your family needed blood? You would pray there would be enough blood supply.

Facts About Blood Needs

  • Every 2 seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood and or platelets.
  • Approximately 29,000 units of red blood cells are needed every day in the U. S.
  • Nearly 5,000 units of platelets and 6.500 units of plasma are needed daily in the U.S.
  • Nearly 16 million blood components are transfused each year in the U.S.
  • Sickle cell disease affects 90,000 to 100,000 people in the U.S. About 1,000 babies are born with the disease each year. Sickle cell patients can require blood transfusions throughout their lives.
  • The average red blood cell transfusion is approximately 3 units.
  • A single car accident victim can require as many as 100 units of blood.
  • Blood and platelets cannot be manufactured; they can only come from volunteer donors.
  • The blood type most often requested by hospitals is type O.
  • One donation can help save more than one life.
  • According to the American Cancer Society, more than 1.9 million people are expected to be diagnosed with cancer in 2023. Many of them will need blood, sometimes daily, during their chemotherapy treatment.

Blood Supply Statistics

The Red Cross provides about 40% of our nation’s blood and blood components, all from generous volunteer donors. But supply can’t always meet demand because only about 3% of age-eligible people donate blood yearly. Each new donor helps us meet patient needs.

  • Each year, an estimated 6.8 million people in the U.S. donate blood.
  • 13.6 million units of whole blood and red blood cells are collected in the U.S. in a year.
  • About 45% of people in the U.S. have Group O (positive or negative) blood; the proportion is higher among Hispanics (57%) and African Americans (51%).
  • Type O negative red cells can be given to patients of all blood types. Because only 7% of people in the U.S. are type O negative, it’s always in great demand and often in short supply.
  • Type AB plasma can be transfused to patients of all blood types. Since only 4% of people in the U.S. have type AB blood, this plasma is usually in short supply.
  • Red blood cells must be used within 42 days (or less).
  • Platelets must be used within just 5 days.
Giving blood on a regular basis helps keep people alive and platelets are essential for people diaognosed with Leukemia and Sickle Cell patients who require blood transfusions throught their life. Making a blood donation is easy and doesn’t take long, if you give pallets it only takes two hours out of your day. Also if you have O negative blood, your blood is needed more than ever because it’s a rare blood type.
Melinda
References:
Daily Writing Prompt
Celebrate Life · Daily Writing Prompt · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Moving Forward

Daily Writing Prompt

Looking for the Light5 Comments
Daily writing prompt
Do you spend more time thinking about the future or the past? Why?
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Spending too much time thinking about the past is holding you back from planning your future. Daydreaming about the future is very healthy, we use our imagination and we can manifest a brighter future. That’s not to say I never look back, there’s great joy in thinking about my grandparents and looking at old photos all the way back to when I was born.

Thinking about the past all the time can stagnate your growth and could mean you have unresolved anger or trauma. I first experienced trauma shorthly after I was born because my mother abused me. I’ve had other trauma’s like being stalked, sexually assaulted and my father’s suicide, I don’t want to wallow in those memories. Seeing my Therapist for 32 years has helped me resolve my trauma and I don’t look back.

The future is wide open and you have the ability to live your best life.

Melinda

Looking for the Light

January Is Mental Wellness Month
Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Self-Care

January Is Mental Wellness Month

Looking for the Light1 Comment

Notice the heading is Mental Wellness, not Mental Health or Mental Illness because they are each separate topics. Good Mental Wellness allows children and adults to live a fullfilling live and is critical for overall health. Put any preconcieved ideas aside and read the post for your health.

What Does Mental Wellness Mean?

Mental Wellness is a term that considers psychological, physical, emotional, and social well-being. Looking at the whole self in this way can help people flourish. Mental Wellness is relevant to all of us, not just those experiencing mental health challenges.

Mental Wellness is marked by

  • feeling up to the challenges of day-to-day life
  • experiencing moments of pleasure and joy in activities or relationships
  • feeling satisfaction with life
  • experiencing positive emotions
  • having the resources to help cope with the circumstances you face.

Definition and Components

Mental wellness encompasses emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It influences how we think, feel, and act, and is not merely the absence of mental illness. Instead, it represents a proactive approach to maintaining a balanced and fulfilling life. Key components of mental wellness include:

  • Self-awareness: Understanding one’s emotions and thoughts.
  • Resilience: The ability to cope with stress and bounce back from challenges.
  • Healthy relationships: Building and maintaining supportive connections with others.
  • Purpose and fulfillment: Engaging in activities that provide meaning and satisfaction in life. 

Working on Mental Wellness daily is like taking care of our body only a salad isn’t the answer.

Don’t let your misunderstanding of what Mental Wellness emcompasses stop you from living your best life.

To your health!

Melinda

References:

Harvard

What is: Mental wellness

Daily Writing Prompt
Celebrate Life · Daily Writing Prompt · Family · Fun · Men & Womens Health

Daily Writing Prompt

Looking for the Light3 Comments
Daily writing prompt
What is the greatest gift someone could give you?
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What would be the greatest gift? WOW, that is a big question however true love and committment are the greatest gifts for me. I’ve been fortunate to have received expensive gifts and small simple gifts and honestly they both made me happy but love can’t be bought.

I’ve been married 23 years and everyday my husband shows me he loves me in little ways that make me feel joy inside. Sometimes, like for Christmas this year he bought me a couple of small Swarovski Crystal trinkets including an ornament for 2025. He is the only person to buy me the trinkets and it’s been at least 15 years since he purchased the last one, it was quite a surprise.

Love is all a we need!

Melinda

Looking for the Light

You Are Not Alone: Quotes for the Toughest Days
Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health · Moving Forward · Self-Care

You Are Not Alone: Quotes for the Toughest Days

Looking for the Light12 Comments

Leaning on the hard-earned wisdom of others helps shift your perspective and uplift your spirits, serving as a reminder that resilience is possible even on the toughest days. 

May these words serve as a gentle source of inspiration and comfort. If you have a specific quote that helps you through the hard times, we invite you to share it in the comments.

Love’s Power to Ease Life’s Sorrows

“Love has, at its best, made the inherent sadness of life bearable, and its beauty manifest.” ~ Kay Redfield Jamison (An Unquiet Mind, 1995)

Seeing Stars Beyond the Tears

“If you cry because the sun has gone out of your life, your tears will prevent you from seeing the stars.”
~ Rabindranath Tagore

Finding Safety in the Present

“In times of pain, when the future is too terrifying to contemplate and the past too painful to remember, I have learned to pay attention to right now. The precise moment I was in was always the only safe place for me.”
~ Nicholas Sparks

Courage Is Something Quiet

“Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, ‘I will try again tomorrow.’”
~ Mary Anne Radmacher

Perseverance Is the Foundation 

“Of all that is good, sublimity is supreme. Succeeding is the coming together of all that is beautiful. Furtherance is the agreement of all that is just. Perseverance is the foundation of all actions.”
~ Lao Tzu

The Power of Hope

“Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul — and sings the tune without the words — and never stops at all.”
~ Emily Dickinson

Imagination, Love, and Laughter 

“I believe that imagination is stronger than knowledge; myth is more potent than history; dreams are more powerful than facts; hope always triumphs over experience; laughter is the cure for grief; love is stronger than death.”
~ Robert Fulghum (All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten: Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things, 1986)

Life is Music — Both Joyful and Sad

“Life is like a piano; the white keys represent happiness and the black show sadness. But as you go through life’s journey, remember that the black keys also create music.”
~ Ehssan

How Our Loved Ones See Us

“Those who love you are not fooled by mistakes you have made or dark images you hold about yourself. They remember your beauty when you feel ugly; your wholeness when you are broken; your innocence when you feel guilty; and your purpose when you are confused.”
~ Alan Cohen (Wisdom of the Heart, 2002)

Embrace Nature’s Reality

“It isn’t the language of painters one ought to listen to but the language of nature…. Feeling things themselves, reality, is more important than feeling paintings, at least more productive and life-giving.”
~ Vincent van Gogh (letter to Theo van Gogh, The Hague, on or about Friday, July 21, 1882)

Welcoming the Day With Joy

“Hello, sun in my face. Hello, you who made the morning and spread it over the fields… Watch, now, how I start the day in happiness, in kindness.” 
~ Mary Oliver (poem, “Why I Wake Early,” 2004)

The Art of Living Well

“Living well is an art that can be developed: a love of life and ability to take great pleasure from small offerings and assurance that the world owes you nothing and that every gift is exactly that, a gift.”
~ Maya Angelou (Wouldn’t Take Nothing for My Journey Now)

Happiness is What Drives Life

“Happiness is what greases the wheels of life, what opens the floodgates, raises the sun, aligns the stars, beats your heart, finds true love.”
~ Mike Dooley

Courage Through Facing Fear

“You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face.”
~ Eleanor Roosevelt (You Learn by Living, 1960)

Accepting Life’s Unexpected Path

“We must let go of the life we have planned, so as to accept the one that is waiting for us.”
~ Joseph Campbell (to Diane K. Osbon, as recorded in Reflections on the Art of Living: A Joseph Campbell Companion)

Stronger After Life’s Storms

“And once the storm is over, you won’t remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. You won’t even be sure whether the storm is really over. But one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm, you won’t be the same person who walked in. That’s what this storm’s all about.”
~ Haruki Murakami (Kafka on the Shore)

Keep Moving Forward

“If you can’t fly, then run; if you can’t run, then walk; if you can’t walk, then crawl; but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.”
~ Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (“Keep Moving from This Mountain,” speech at Spelman College, April 10, 1960)

It’s Never Too Late to Be You

“For what it’s worth: It’s never too late or, in my case, too early to be whoever you want to be. There’s no time limit. You can change or stay the same; there are no rules to this thing. We can make the best or the worst of it. I hope you make the best of it.… I hope you live a life you’re proud of. If you find that you’re not, I hope you have the courage to start all over again.”
~ Eric Roth (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, film, 2008)

Melinda

Reference:

https://www.bphope.com/bipolar-buzz/20-inspirational-quotes-to-help-cope-with-bipolar-disorder/?utm_source=iContact&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=bphope&utm_content=BUZZ+-+Jan4+-+Quotes

Common Myths About Cannabis
Health and Wellbeing · Medical · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Common Myths About Cannabis

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It seems like there are new myths about Marijuana popping up all the time. The reality is that many of these myths have been disproven long ago. However, they persist in today’s society for one reason or another. Some people believe them because they haven’t done any research on their own. In contrast, others may do so because it benefits them to keep these misconceptions alive. We’ll be giving you the facts about some common myths associated with Marijuana and dispel them once and for all!

You Can’t Get Addicted To Marijuana

You can find this myth in many pro-marijuana campaigns across the world. The truth is that it’s entirely possible to get addicted to Marijuana, just like any other substance out there. Of course, it will not happen overnight, and you shouldn’t be able to do so by smoking one joint either! When people argue about whether or not marijuana addiction exists, they are usually talking about cannabis dependency. This type of dependency occurs when someone smokes on a daily basis for an extended period of time, usually several months. It slowly becomes harder and harder for them to function normally without getting high first.

This doesn’t mean that these individuals have no control over their actions, though; they simply use weed as a crutch because they’re too anxious or uncomfortable without it. The next time you’re around someone who is high, really think about whether or not they look like they need it to function normally.

Marijuana Is Always Safe To Use

One of the most common things heard about weed is that it’s safe and harmless to use. This couldn’t be further from the truth! We’ll touch on some key points here, but if you would like more information, then research Marijuana safety tips.

There are many negative health effects associated with smoking marijuana regularly or excessively. For one thing, long-term smokers usually end up getting respiratory problems such as bronchitis because they inhale so much tar and ash into their lungs. If this doesn’t sound healthy to you already, keep in mind that Marijuana contains 50% more carcinogenic hydrocarbons than regular cigarettes do too! There have also been studies showing an increased risk of lung cancer among people who smoke Marijuana regularly.

Getting your Marijuana from the best dispensary possible is an additional factor to consider as there are legislative quality controls they need to follow, ensuring you get a pure and clean product.

Marijuana Is A Gateway Drug

This is a controversial point, but it has been proven that Marijuana does not cause people to try out harder drugs. Sure there are cases where this happened due to the influence of others, but overall it would be an unfair label to place on Marijuana.

The problem here lies in the fact that some unscrupulous dealers will sell their customers harder drugs when they come back. It’s not because the Marijuana itself made them do it, but you can’t deny that Marijuana is an easy way to get someone hooked on something else! There are studies showing that people who already have a tendency towards addiction may try harder substances if given access to an alternative like Marijuana in most cases.

Marijuana Doesn’t Have Any Medicinal Value

The biggest argument for legalizing Marijuana is its medicinal properties. There are many positive uses for Marijuana, both as an analgesic and to help with the symptoms of certain diseases. It makes sense that people who could benefit from this would want access to it without having to wait until the laws change in their state or country!

There has been a wealth of research done in the past several years that have shown Marijuana’s amazing medical value. The US government even holds a patent on Cannabis for its antioxidant and neuroprotectant abilities.

In conclusion, there are many common myths when it comes to marijuana use that simply isn’t true at all! This is especially important nowadays when more and more states are legalizing the drug either recreationally or medically.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

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