Wednesday, September 23

Author: Catherine

Botanicals

Colorado ranks high on list for use of ‘drug of concern’

Colorado is one of the leading states in estimated usage of kratom, a federally-legal drug that can cause effects similar to opioids and that the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has labeled a “drug of concern.” In a new report from the drug-testing company Millennium Health, 2.3% of anonymized urine samples tested in Colorado between 2017 and 2019 contained kratom, giving the state the fourth-highest positivity rate. Nationally, usage of the substance doubled in that time period. A U.S. Food and Drug Administration analysis in 2019 found that various kratom products contained “significant levels of lead and nickel at concentrations that exceed safe exposure for oral daily drug intake.” The potential effects include metal poisoning, kidney damage and increased risk of certain can...
Why we need mandatory labeling of GMO products
Genetically Modified Foods

Why we need mandatory labeling of GMO products

The conversation around genetic engineering and food is undermined by a lack of information that breeds confusion and distrust. Consumers feel misled. Scientists feel misunderstood. Public officials make flailing attempts to navigate the interests of both. Meanwhile, the companies that choose to play both sides take advantage of everyone — quietly adding genetically modified organisms (GMO) or ingredients made from them to some products and non-GMO labels to others. Afraid of GMOs? Blame non-labeling Genetically modified organisms are commonplace and are already present in many of the foods we eat — often, though not exclusively, in the form of genetically modified corn, soy, sugar beet, and canola oil. But as ubiquitous as they are, they’re shrouded in mystery. Across most of the Un...
Why do I keep getting cold sores?
Wellness

Why do I keep getting cold sores?

Cold sores can be tiny and painful, and for some, they keep appearing over and over again. “Many people are infected with this virus but most have no symptoms at all. We spread the cold sore form of this disease through saliva and close personal contact to the saliva of others,” the infectious disease specialist explained. The appearance of a cold sore can feel slightly embarrassing, especially in social gatherings or work, but Zoutman says the infection is very common. “They affect your appearance on your lips and face, which may lead to feeling self-conscious. If they recur frequently, they can be very distressing and a reason to seek the help of your doctor.” “We used to think of HSV-1 as classically the more common, above-the-belt type [that caused cold sores], and HSV-2 wa...
Botanicals

7 Cannabis Products On the Rise

Politicians now campaign on a platform of total weed legalization since it's that popular a stance, and it seems every other week there's a local news story about ... focus on CBD and the health ...