It’s been a weird time for me lately. I keep trying to “feel better” without much luck. One day I will give up a bad habit, and the next I am right back to it (like smoking cigarettes). My motivation levels are low, I avoid what brings joy to my life, and I cannot seem […]

Surface Pressure — Undiagnosed

I’ve reviewed several Delta 8 products and found them to be helpful for stress relief and overall quieting of the mind in order to go back to sleep. I have not felt any type of buzz or high from them and feel very comfortable adding them to my nightly routine. 

Let’s explore what Delta 8 is and if it’s right for you.

Like CBD, delta-8 (delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol) is just one of more than 100 chemical compounds found in the cannabis sativa plant. Most people are familiar with THC (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol), the main psychoactive compound in cannabis that gives you a euphoric high.

The 2018 Farm Bill legalized the production and sale of CBD products (which don’t get you high) on the federal level in the U.S. as long as they contain less than .3% of THC. In theory, this would allow federal legalization of CBD products with delta-8 under those same guidelines, but doctors, like internal medicine specialist Paul Terpeluk, DO, are expressing concerns about delta-8 products because delta-8 is psychoactive and produces same or similar highs as THC.

Is Delta-8 Legal?

Another reason for Delta-8’s growing popularity is that, unlike heavily regulated THC, Delta-8 is legal to use in most states. That’s because it’s extracted mostly from hemp-derived CBD, which is legal to farm across the U.S.

But Delta-8 sits in a legal gray area. Hemp’s legality stems from the so-called federal farm bill (the Agriculture and Nutrition Improvement Act of 2018), which removed hemp and its byproducts from the list of controlled substances. The reason: Hemp’s low THC levels (less than 0.3%). The bill doesn’t mention Delta-8 anywhere. Hemp advocates and others who sell it have used this loophole to legally market Delta-8 products, usually with no age restrictions. As a result, it’s now the fastest-growing product from the hemp industry.

Because there’s little oversight or lab testing on what goes into Delta-8 products, chemists and other scientists have safety concerns. Products labeled as Delta-8 may contain impurities, including high levels of THC. As a result, around a dozen states, including New York and Colorado, are beginning to restrict or ban the use of Delta-8.

Is Delta 8 right for you?

The key is to find a product that is rated and reviewed. I did several searches for the top 2022 Delta 8 Products and worked from those list. When I go to a new site, I check out the company “About Us” information. Then I see where the product is made and if it’s lab tested. From there it’s truly a guessing game but I look for products that are rated by users and read the reviews. I don’t go by price alone but do know that they aren’t cheap and will be cautious if a price is too low. 

To Your Health!

Melinda

References:

          https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/what-is-delta-8

It takes more than eating right and taking medication to stay healthy and be our best selves physically and mentally. Alternative Medicine has been used for thousands of years and if truth be told, since the beginning of time. 

What is Alternative Medicine?

It’s complementary to Traditional Medicine which we are most familiar with. The two can work hand in hand to provide a total health solution. Some forms are Homeopathy, Acupressure, Acupuncture, Natural Medicine, Naturopathy, Ayurveda, Biofield therapy, Bioelectromagnetic therapy, Chiropractic and Reiki. 

I don’t buy into all the methods of Alternative Medicine but believe in those I’ve seen results for or studies results. These are my favorite Alternative Medicine hacks to help augment Traditional Medicine which I rely heavily on. 

Supplements:

Collagen, Ginseng and Probiotic and Multi-Vitamin

Chiropractor

2-3 times per week

You can also book weight loss or quit-smoking hypnosis

Acupuncture

Acupressure

Massage

Full body and head

Reflexology

Essential oils

Nightly as a part of my bedtime routine

Hemp Pain Relief Cream

Part of my bedtime routine

Magnesium Pain Cream

Part of my bedtime routine

What types of alternative medicine hacks do you use to stay your best self?

Melinda

Chronic illness & depression are intimately linked. Here are 8 triggers from life with illness, pain & disability that affect mental health.

Chronic Illness & Depression : 8 Trigger Points  — Invisibly Me

I have written about anxiety before.  I have even written about some of the things below.  I am writing about it again because I know someone out there has been through it or knows someone that has. Someone out there needs to know they are not alone. The Strange Feeling In My Head Many years […]

Another Anxiety Story — Webbblogs/Ocd and Me

The world of cosmetic surgery has recently seen an increase in the number of procedures becoming available to patients interested in improving their appearance. With the boom in popularity, a certain amount of controversy has come surrounding these surgeries. The rise in some non-surgical options leads to questions about which type is best for people considering enhancement.

Invasive vs non-invasive cosmetic surgery options have been a hot topic in the media. In some cases, the controversy about which is better for patients has led to botched surgeries and malpractice claims.

The most common question people ask is whether or not an invasive surgery is automatically better than a non-invasive procedure. While it might seem like there is a simple answer and that invasive surgery would be the preferred option, sometimes it can vary based on the person and their specific needs.

Two Common Types Of Cosmetic Surgeries Can Be Classified As Either Invasive Or Non-Invasive

1. Invasive (or “open”) surgeries typically include more risks than non-invasive brethren. 

These surgeries are performed through cuts made in the skin rather than around or through it. The benefit of this cut is that the surgeon will have direct access to what they need to correct.

Because invasive surgeries require cuts, patients typically need to spend more time recovering from them and may not return to work as quickly.

2. Non-invasive surgeries are often known as minimally invasive or surface techniques. 

These surgeries do not require any cuts in the skin, but instead, they create small incisions around the area they are working on.

The main difference between invasive and non-invasive cosmetic surgeries is where doctors make their incisions. While one requires cuts into the skin, the other allows surgeons to make small incisions around the area they need to work.

Typical Examples:

• Liposuction is done through an invasive surgery that requires cuts into the skin to pull the fat out of the body. The benefit of these types of Weight Loss Surgery is that they allow for more accurate removal of fat cells. This means less pain and better-looking results than surface techniques that rely on suction alone.
• Laser hair removal options like laser tweezing and pulsed dye lasers can be done through invasive and non-invasive procedures. Typically, the more invasive option involves making an incision over the skin area where the procedure is being performed. New techniques allow for less invasive surface surgeries that include breaking up the hair follicle with an electric current.
• Cosmetic procedures like chin implants and facelifts are less common surgeries typically performed through invasive methods to get more accurate results. This requires making incisions in the affected area of the face or neck, but they offer greater accuracy than techniques like surface fillers.

In Conclusion

Invasive and non-invasive surgeries offer patients benefits and drawbacks, which is why it’s essential to talk about their differences with a surgeon. While some invasive surgeries may require more recovery time or have higher risks of complications, they often lead to better results that last longer. Non-invasive procedures are generally considered less risky, but they can often offer less accurate results that don’t last as long.

As with all medical procedures, patients need to understand which type of surgery is right for them before making a final decision about their cosmetic enhancements. Before choosing either invasive or non-invasive cosmetic surgeries, it’s helpful to speak with a surgeon about the risks and benefits of both to get the best results possible.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Did you know that over 60% of Americans have experienced childhood trauma of some sort? Yes, trauma faced while growing up is more common than you might think.

So common that you may have experienced trauma of some sort too. Perhaps you’ve repressed the memory, forgotten it, or even processed it – but it is essential to know where you’re at so you can move on in adulthood.

You may be wondering, how exactly can you measure trauma? Well, that’s where the childhood trauma test comes in. Below, we share the essential guide to the ACE childhood trauma test and everything you can learn from it.

What Is The Childhood Trauma Test?

The ACE childhood trauma test for adults is a score summing up the extent of difficult childhood experiences. The ACE test questions for childhood trauma include a series of 10 questions about various incidents that occur during the earlier stages of life.

According to the test, the rougher your childhood, the higher you’ll score on the quiz. This, in turn, has implications for experiences well into adulthood. For example, this may manifest in symptoms that range from headaches and heart disease to depression and substance abuse.

If you are interested in taking the test please use the link.

Please pass along if you know someone who may need some answers.

Melinda

Surgery has never been easy. It’s not always easy to watch a close one get through the surgery and recovery. It’s hard to watch them fight to recover their mobility and health, but there’s a lot you can do to support them.

To help your loved one recover from surgery, here are six ways of showing your love and support.

Complete Some Of Their Task

Following surgery, your friends or family may have more trouble with daily tasks that were once simple. Doing for them something they can’t do for themselves is the most practical method to show support. Small gestures can go a long way in assisting. Offering to take their kids to school, care for their pet, or cooking for them allows them to rest and avoid overexertion and re-injury. Their bodies will be able to rest, but their minds will be able to focus on their rehabilitation.

Support Their Recovery 

Depending on the procedure, a patient may have to stay in the hospital for a few weeks after surgery. Simply being present shows how much you care. You can show them you care by bringing them flowers, a favorite book, or simply sitting next to their bedside and watching TV with them. Nobody likes to be alone when healing. Even those who are naturally loners and need extra space want to know someone is there for them. Knowing someone is there for them in times of need helps alleviate stress and anxiety while promoting a happy mood.

Be Strong

Whether it’s a procedure such as Cataract Surgery, a hip replacement, or even cancer treatment. Your loved one will look to you for support. It helps to remind them that you will stand firm for them. This is their time to recover, and yours to assist.

Equip yourself psychologically to be the one people turn to for advice and guidance. Withdrawal and depression may occur depending on the length of recovery. Anticipating this can help them feel more optimistic about their recovery. Also, be an example in how you talk about their rehabilitation, concentrating on the positive rather than the negative.

Be Positive

Before the procedure, tell them what to expect from you throughout their recuperation. Let them know you’ll be there to support their choices. Finally, allow them to be vulnerable during their recuperation. Assuring loved ones that they are not a burden will relieve tension and help them heal faster.

Be Available Throughout

It’s easy to have good intentions when your family member or friend is recovering after surgery, but it’s crucial to remember to stay there for the entire recuperation. Depending on the procedure, the patient’s mobility may improve as they begin to heal. An excellent indicator of healing, but not a sign that the patient can return to normal activities.

Be available to help take out the garbage or carry groceries until they have fully recovered. If it’s a friend you don’t see much, remember to call and see if they require any assistance. You may think like you’re questioning them endlessly, but asking questions will ensure that they don’t ruin their recovery by doing too much too soon.

There are so many varied personalities and types of people that no two procedures are alike. So, during recuperation, the level of treatment will vary based on the individual. Some will require round-the-clock care and appreciate the companionship of loved ones. They’ll need additional room. There is no incorrect method to offer your support for a recovering loved one. Sometimes just being present is enough.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda