The following marijuana statistics show marijuana use in relation to other drugs of abuse:

• 62 percent of adults who had used marijuana before the age of 15 have used cocaine at some point during their lives. For those who had never used marijuana, that number is 0.6 percent.
• These marijuana statistics clearly show that marijuana use can pre-dispose people for substance abuse later in life.
•  Even with marijuana use on the decline in general, it is clear that with 2.1 million people using marijuana for the first time each year, this is still an issue.

Go to striveforgoodhealth.com and check out statistics on Marijuana in the article Part 3 Let’s look at ALL ANGLES REGARDING marijuana becoming LEGAL in America!

At least four complex processes, alone or combined, can lead to diabetic heart disease (DHD). They include coronary atherosclerosis; metabolic syndrome; insulin resistance in people who have type 2 diabetes; and the interaction of coronary heart disease (CHD), high blood pressure, and diabetes.

At least four complex processes, alone or combined, can lead to diabetic heart disease (DHD). They include coronary atherosclerosis; metabolic syndrome; insulin resistance in people who have type 2 diabetes; and the interaction of coronary heart disease (CHD), high blood pressure, and diabetes.

Researchers continue to study these processes because all of the details aren’t yet known.

Coronary Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a disease in which plaque builds up inside the arteries. The exact cause of atherosclerosis isn’t known. However, studies show that it is a slow, complex disease that may start in childhood. The disease develops faster as you age.

Coronary atherosclerosis may start when certain factors damage the inner layers of the coronary (heart) arteries. These factors include:

Smoking

High amounts of certain fats and cholesterol in the blood

High blood pressure

High amounts of sugar in the blood due to insulin resistance or diabetes

Plaque may begin to build up where the arteries are damaged. Over time, plaque hardens and narrows the arteries. This reduces the flow of oxygen-rich blood to your heart muscle.

Eventually, an area of plaque can rupture (break open). When this happens, blood cell fragments called platelets (PLATE-lets) stick to the site of the injury. They may clump together to form blood clots.

Blood clots narrow the coronary arteries even more. This limits the flow of oxygen-rich blood to your heart and may worsen angina (chest pain) or cause a heart attack.

Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is the name for a group of risk factors that raises your risk of both CHD and type 2 diabetes.

If you have three or more of the five metabolic risk factors, you have metabolic syndrome. The risk factors are:

A large waistline (a waist measurement of 35 inches or more for women and 40 inches or more for men).

A high triglyceride (tri-GLIH-seh-ride) level (or you’re on medicine to treat high triglycerides). Triglycerides are a type of fat found in the blood.

A low HDL cholesterol level (or you’re on medicine to treat low HDL cholesterol). HDL sometimes is called “good” cholesterol. This is because it helps remove cholesterol from your arteries.

High blood pressure (or you’re on medicine to treat high blood pressure).

A high fasting blood sugar level (or you’re on medicine to treat high blood sugar).

It’s unclear whether these risk factors have a common cause or are mainly related by their combined effects on the heart.

Obesity seems to set the stage for metabolic syndrome. Obesity can cause harmful changes in body fats and how the body uses insulin.

Chronic (ongoing) inflammation also may occur in people who have metabolic syndrome. Inflammation is the body’s response to illness or injury. It may raise your risk of CHD and heart attack. Inflammation also may contribute to or worsen metabolic syndrome.

Research is ongoing to learn more about metabolic syndrome and how metabolic risk factors interact.

Insulin Resistance in People Who Have Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes usually begins with insulin resistance. Insulin resistance means that the body can’t properly use the insulin it makes.

People who have type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance have higher levels of substances in the blood that cause blood clots. Blood clots can block the coronary arteries and cause a heart attack or even death.

The Interaction of Coronary Heart Disease, High Blood Pressure, and Diabetes

Each of these risk factors alone can damage the heart. CHD reduces the flow of oxygen-rich blood to your heart muscle. High blood pressure and diabetes may cause harmful changes in the structure and function of the heart.

Having CHD, high blood pressure, and diabetes is even more harmful to the heart. Together, these conditions can severely damage the heart muscle. As a result, the heart has to work harder than normal. Over time, the heart weakens and isn’t able to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. This condition is called heart failure.

As the heart weakens, the body may release proteins and other substances into the blood. These proteins and substances also can harm the heart and worsen heart failure.

“What are the odds of becoming addicted?

• Of all the people who use marijuana, about one in eleven will become addicted.
• When a young person begins smoking marijuana in his or her TEENS, he (or she) has a one in six chance of becoming addicted.”

Narconon International–Leading in drug rehab since 1966

Cannabis is often consumed for its psychoactive and physiological effects, which can include heightened mood or euphoria, relaxation and an increase in appetite. Unwanted side-effects can sometimes include a decrease in short-term memory, dry mouth, impaired motor skills, reddening of the eyes and feelings of paranoia or anxiety.

Do we really want to make this legal?  Let us know your opinion on the blog; document it under comment!.

 

“In recognising the global problem posed by osteoporosis, WHO sees the need for a global strategy for prevention and control of osteoporosis, focusing on three major functions: prevention, management and surveillance.“

 Harlem Brundtland (born April 20, 1939) is a former Prime Minister of Norway and a current Special Envoy with the United Nations.

Its a progressive bonedisease that is characterised by a decrease in bone mass and density and that leads to an increased risk of fracture. ^{In osteoporosis, the bone mineral density (BMD) is reduced, bone microarchitecture deteriorates, and the amount and variety of proteins in bone are altered.}

Osteoporosis causes bones to become weak and brittle —- so brittle that a fall or even mild stresses like bending over or coughing can cause a fracture. Osteoporosis-related fractures most commonly occur in the hip, wrist or spine. Bone is living tissue, which is constantly being absorbed and replaced. Osteoporosis occurs when the creation of new bone doesn’t keep up with the removal of old bone. Osteoporosis affects men and women of all races; but white and Asian women–especially after menopause–are at highest risk. Medications, healthy diet and weight bearing exercise can help prevent bone loss or strengthen already weak bones.

A weight bearing exercise is any exercise that has your legs and feet holding all of your weight. An example of this would be walking, yoga or even dancing.

The form of osteoporosis most common in women after ^{menopause is referred to as primary type 1 or postmenopausal osteoporosis. Primary type 2 osteoporosis or senile osteoporosis occurs after age 75 and is seen in both females and males at a ratio of 2:1. Secondary osteoporosis may arise at any age and affect men and women equally. This form results from chronic predisposing medical problems or disease, or prolonged use of medications such as glucocorticoids, when the disease is called steroid- or glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis.}

The risk of osteoporosis fractures can be reduced with lifestyle changes and in those with previous osteoporosis related fractures medications. Lifestyle change includes diet, exercise, and ^{preventing falls. The utility of calcium and vitamin D is questionable in most. Bisphosphonates are useful in those with previous fractures from osteoporosis but are of minimal benefit in those who have osteoporosis but no previous fractures. Osteoporosis is a component of the frailty syndrome.}

Take the problem of Astronauts with osteoporosis:

Space travel has made it widely known that a stay outside the atmosphere – and thus outside the earth’s gravitational influence – disturbs the metabolism irreparably: the human body does not need any hard bones in zero-gravity, which leads to decalcification. A four year study of the ‘International Space Station’ showed that the bones of astronauts　did not regenerate after even one year past their return to earth.

Anti-gravitational training is the key to osteoporosis if you can handle it (like jumping on a trampeline) Actual studies show that physical anti-gravitational activity helps the effected patients to regain their mobility and lessen the risk of bone fractures .

Benefits of exercise

Women who have been physically active throughout their lives generally have stronger bones than do women who have led more sedentary lives. But it’s never too late to start exercising. For postmenopausal women, regular physical activity can:

Increase your muscle strength

Improve your balance

Make you better able to carry out daily tasks and activities

Maintain or improve your posture

Relieve or decrease pain

Improve your sense of well-being

Exercising if you have osteoporosis means finding the safest, most enjoyable activities for you given your overall health and amount of bone loss. There’s no one-size-fits-all prescription.

Before you start

Consult your doctor before starting any exercise program for osteoporosis. You may need some tests first, including:

Bone density measurement

Fitness assessment

In the meantime, think about what kind of activities you enjoy most. If you choose an exercise you enjoy, you’re more likely to stick with it over time.

“Medicaid in the United States is a social health care program for families and individuals with low income and resources.”

What is Medicaid?                                                  Medicaid is a program for New Yorkers who can’t afford to pay for medical care.

How do I know if I qualify for Medicaid?

You may be covered by Medicaid if:

You have high medical bills.

You receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

You meet certain financial requirements.

For more details, use the ACCESS NY Public Health Insurance Eligibility Screening Tool to see which public health insurance programs you and your family may be eligible

What do I need to apply for Medicaid?

If you are a U.S. citizen (born in the U.S. or one of its territories) and provide a valid Social Security Number (SSN), a match with Social Security Administration (SSA) will verify your SSN, date of birth/age and U.S citizenship. If SSA verifies this information,no further proof is needed. The SSA match cannot verify birth information for a naturalized citizen.
You will need proof of naturalization (e.g., Naturalization Certificate (N-550 or N-570) or a U.S. passport).Proof of age (if not verified by SSA), like a birth certificate Proof of citizenship or immigration status*Four weeks of recent paycheck stubs (if you are working)Proof of your income from sources like Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Veteran’s Benefits (VA), retirementUnemployment Insurance Benefits (UIB), Child Support payments

If you or anyone who lives with you is 65 years old or older, certified blind or disabled, you need to provide information on bank accounts, insurance policies and other resources.

Proof of where you live, like a rent receipt, landlord statement, mortgage statement, or envelope from mail you received recently

Insurance benefit card or the policy (if you have any other health insurance)Medicare Benefit Card (the red, white and blue card)

*NOTE: Medicaid coverage is available, regardless of alien status, if you are pregnant or require treatment for an emergency medical condition. A doctor must certify that you are pregnant or had an emergency, and you must meet all other Medicaid eligibility requirements

What is a Medicaid managed care program?

Enrollment in a Medicaid managed care program through a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), clinic, hospital, or physician group is available at any local department of social services. You may be required to join a managed care plan. When you join a managed care program, you will choose a personal doctor who will be responsible for making sure all your health care needs are met. The doctor will send you to someone else if you need more help than the doctor can provide.

What does managed care cover?

Managed care covers most of the benefits recipients will use, including all preventive and primary care, inpatient care, and eye care. People in managed care plans use their Medicaid benefit card to get those services that the plan does not cover.

Do I have to join a managed care plan?

In many counties you can join a plan if there is one available and you want to. However, there are some counties where families will have to join a plan. In these counties there are some individuals who don’t have to join. Please check with your local social services department to see if you have to join a plan.

Of special interest to persons with disabilities:

If you think you are disabled, and if you meet the criteria for disability included in the Social Security Act, you may be eligible for Medicaid.

If you believe you are disabled, you should furnish the local department of social services with medical evidence about your impairment(s).

It may be necessary for you to have further examinations and/or tests for the disability to be determined.

The cost of such examinations, consultations, and tests requested by the disability review team, if not otherwise covered, will be paid by the local social services agency.

NOTE: Persons who are denied for reasons of failure to meet the disability criteria are entitled to appeal the disability decision that led to the denial of their application. See the section of this page entitled ““What are my rights?”. Any person dissatisfied with the Fair Hearing decision of the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance may also appeal to the court system.

The following questions are only for people who are 65 years of age or older, certified blind, certified disabled, or in need of care in a nursing home. These individuals have a resource test.

Medicaid Redesign: Uniform Assessment System for Long-Term Care in New York State

The New York State Department of Health, Division of Long Term Care (DLTC) is in the midst of developing and implementing the Uniform Assessment System – New York (UAS-NY). The UAS-NY is planned to be a comprehensive, web-based system. Initially, the UAS-NY will focus on implementing the UAS-Community Health Assessment (UAS-CHA). The UAS-NY will have the capability to expand in the future.

The development and implementation of the UAS-NY will occur in four phases:

development and design of the system (currently in process)beta testing the UAS-NY and the UAS-CHA (projected March through May 2012)

pilot testing the UAS-NY and the UAS-CHA (projected June through August 2012)

statewide implementation (projected to begin September 2012)

 

“Hyperinsulinemia predicts coronary heart disease risk in healthy middle-aged men. [Circulation. 1999].  Hyperinsulinemia predicted CHD risk in Helsinki policemen over the 22-year follow-up, and to a large extent independently of other CHD risk factors, but its predictive value diminished with lengthening follow-up time.”

Department of Medicine, University of Kuopio, Finland.