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New York Post
3 days ago
- Health
- New York Post
Psychiatrist reveals what marijuana does to the developing brain
The recreational use of marijuana has become more common in recent years. But some research has found that consuming cannabis could have negative effects on the body, especially the brain. A recent French study suggested that cannabis use raises the risk of heart attack and stroke more than cocaine, while a Canadian study found that dementia risk is connected to cannabis-related hospital visits in older individuals. In an interview with Fox News Digital, Dr. Daniel Amen — psychiatrist, brain imaging specialist and founder of Amen Clinics in California — confirmed that it's 'clear' people who use marijuana have lower blood flow in their brain, according to decades of brain imaging performed at his clinics. These findings — along with associations between marijuana and heart disease — have been supported by other recent research. 5 Research shows that consuming cannabis could have negative effects on the body, like the brain. alfa27 – 5 According to Dr. Daniel Amen, people who use marijuana have lower blood flow in their brain. Africa Studio – 'We've been lied to that marijuana is innocuous, that marijuana is good medicine,' Amen said. 'And I think for some people, it can be helpful. But teenagers who use it, or people in their 20s, have a higher incidence of anxiety, depression, suicide and psychosis.' In a new study that compared people who smoked cigarettes with those who smoked marijuana, the marijuana users sustained more lung damage, he mentioned. 'This is just not great for us,' Amen said. 5 'We've been lied to that marijuana is innocuous, that marijuana is good medicine,' Amen said. 'But teenagers who use it, or people in their 20s, have a higher incidence of anxiety, depression, suicide and psychosis.' amenic181 – 5 There are also associations between marijuana and heart disease. Victor Moussa – Amen noted one of the 'horrifying trends' he's seen is parents who smoke pot with their teens and young adults. 'It just makes me think we're going the wrong way,' he said. 5 Amen advises against parents smoking with their teens, as young adult brains are not fully developed, and engaging in cannabis can set them back mentally, causing issues like anxiety and depression. Impact Photography – While some people may argue that alcohol is worse for the body than marijuana, Amen stressed that 'neither of them are good for you.' 'Why would you want to consume something that makes your brain older than you are?' he asked. As the brain of a young adult is not fully developed, engaging in cannabis use can set back young people mentally, causing issues like anxiety and depression, Amen cautioned. 'When you start using marijuana, alcohol or other drugs, your development gets arrested,' he said. 'Many people don't really appreciate how important their brain is when they're 17, 18, 21 or 23, because it really doesn't finish developing until you're 25 or 26,' Amen said. 'And if you hurt it early, it might not ever catch up.'
New York Post
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Wedding gift stress? Expert reveals surprising amount guests should spend — and call it a day: ‘It's more about the meaning'
If the biggest question on your mind this wedding season is 'how much do I need to shell out for a gift?' — take a deep breath, unclench your credit card and listen up. The average wedding gift in America runs about $100, according to Jennifer Spector, Director of Brand at wedding company Zola. But before you throw a crisp Benjamin in a card and head for the open bar, Spector has a few more pointers for guests looking to nail the perfect present — without blowing their budget or their dignity. 3 No, you're not on the hook for a $275 stand mixer just because filet mignon's on the menu. What does matter? How close you are to the couple — not your dating life. Africa Studio – First, forget the age-old etiquette 'rule' that your gift should match the cost of your dinner plate. According to the Emily Post Institute, that little nugget of social pressure is nothing more than a 'modern myth.' So no, you don't owe the couple a $275 stand mixer just because they're serving filet mignon. That said, relationship status does matter — no, not your relationship status, theirs with you. Your gift should match your relationship: ride-or-dies go big, office acquaintances go budget, Spector noted when sitting down with Parade for a recent interview. And if you're already forking over big bucks for flights, a hotel, and three rounds of matching bachelorette T-shirts? Cut yourself some slack. 'If you're traveling to the wedding or spending a lot on pre-wedding events, it's okay to spend a little less, but I always recommend giving a gift,' Spector told the outlet. 'It's more about the meaning behind what you give than how much you spend.' 3 Shopping for gifts shouldn't cause a meltdown — just match the vibe. BFFs can splurge, but for your coworker's destination 'I do's,' it's totally fine to keep it low-key. pressmaster – Translation: Thought counts, but not zero dollars' worth. Timing also matters. Don't be that guest dragging a wrapped blender into the reception — unless your goal is to become a dance floor hazard. 'Unless you're giving a check, I encourage not bringing gifts to the wedding,' she said, adding that gifts should land before the big day or no later than three months after (so the newlyweds can actually use the stuff in their real, married life). And when in doubt? Shop the registry. It exists for a reason. 'If they love to host dinner parties, a cheese board or decanter makes a great gift,' Spector continued. 'Gift cards, like tickets to a show or to the store they are registered at, are another great option. Keep in mind couples will likely be receiving a lot of gifts, so don't choose anything too bulky or difficult to exchange.' Increasingly, couples aren't just eyeing toasters and towels — they're gunning for a home, as The Post previously reported. Nearly 87% of couples now add a cash fund to their registry, with over a third putting it toward a future down payment, according to Zola. And with sky-high housing costs, it's a wedding gift that actually pays off. According to a LendingTree survey, nearly half of recent couples asked for help with a down payment instead of traditional gifts, and 26% said it helped them put more money down on a home. In this economy, cash is the new china. 3 Before you slip a fresh $100 into a card and make a beeline for the bar, experts say there are a few smarter ways to gift — and still save your wallet and your pride. Andrii Zastrozhnov – At the end of the day, don't let gift-giving drama overshadow the I do's. 'There really aren't any hard and fast rules on how much and what you're expected to give,' Spector told the publication. 'As long as you give a gift that feels personal and is within your budget, you're on the right track!'
New York Post
02-07-2025
- Health
- New York Post
Common household items that make mold growth in your home even worse
Have basketfuls of toys and clothes in the kids' rooms? This will make you think twice about everything you have in your home that could be making everyone sick. Advertisement With mold becoming a year-round problem in many states, battling this dangerous toxin shouldn't just be limited to the days when it rains nonstop. If members of your family are suffering from things such as fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, chronically blocked nose, chronic cough, itchy eyes, sneezing and poor concentration, mold could be the problem. Rather than wait for it to take over your home – and seriously affect the health of your family – there are easy ways to minimize mold growth just by choosing and removing some belongings that you never thought would make a difference. Dr Sandeep Gupta, a Sunshine Coast-based integrative GP and leading expert in Australia on mold and biotoxin illness, shares what to ditch ahead of the very wet season ahead. Books and paper Advertisement 13 Paper is porous so, mold and bacteria can get into the substance and can't be cleaned. petropavlovskaja – Avoid any type of clutter like this because dust, dirt and mold go together. Paper is porous so, mold and bacteria can get into the substance and can't be cleaned. Indoor plants 13 Fake plants aren't problematic but real ones can create excessive moisture due to the soil. Olena Vasylieva – Advertisement Fake plants aren't problematic but real ones can create excessive moisture due to the soil. It's all about generating less moisture in the home. Clothing 13 If you can see the mold, that means there's a large number of spores already in the material. Pixel-Shot – Moldy clothing should be removed from the home – washing them can contaminate the washing machine and spread it further. Advertisement If you can see the mold, that means there's a large number of spores already in the material. The way you store clothes also plays an important part. Unaffected clothes should be stored with plenty of airflow – on hangers is the preferred method compared to stacking or in baskets as space between clothes lessens the chance of mold growth. If you need to pile clothes on shelves and in baskets, make the piles very small. Baskets of wet laundry 13 Wet towels and bathers should be hung out in the sun until they're dry again or thrown into the wash. Africa Studio – Does your family pile their wet towels from the shower for days until washing day? Or do you leave soggy bathers from a day at the beach in a tub in the laundry until there's enough to put on a cycle? Bad idea. Wet towels and bathers should be hung out in the sun until they're dry again or thrown into the wash. Advertisement Tea towels should follow the same rule, and throw any out that show signs of mold. Aquariums 13 Any body of water increases air moisture, and it's best to check whether it's affecting the humidity level in the room. Pixel-Shot – Any body of water increases air moisture, and it's best to check whether it's affecting the humidity level in the room. Rugs 13 Rugs are porous materials and absorb mold easily, so regularly check underneath them and air them out regularly. Syda Productions – Advertisement These are porous materials and absorb mold easily, so regularly check underneath them and air them out regularly. If you develop a mold problem, these are the types of items that need to go. Kitchen 13 Chopping boards made of hardwood should be okay but chipboard cabinetry in the kitchen can likely become contaminated. New Africa – Chopping boards made of hardwood should be okay but chipboard cabinetry in the kitchen can likely become contaminated. Furniture Advertisement 13 Spend the extra cash to get products made of hardwood, plastic or metal. wabeno – Items made of chipboard are highly susceptible to mold as it's like a sponge for water. Spend the extra cash to get products made of hardwood, plastic or metal. Storage 13 Opt for plastic or metal instead of porous materials like jute, rattan, bamboo and fabric baskets. Africa Studio – Advertisement Opt for plastic or metal instead of porous materials like jute, rattan, bamboo and fabric baskets. Plastic and metal can be wiped off, while the others can't. Toys 13 Plastic (not used with water), hardwood and metal toys are less of a problem. shangarey – Fabric ones are the most porous to mold. Plastic (not used with water), hardwood and metal toys are less of a problem. Chemicals 13 Check your personal care products and choose natural options without aluminium. kucherav – Many people who are sensitive to mold are also chemical sensitive. Check your personal care products and choose natural options without aluminum and remove those that are artificially fragranced and contain toxic ingredients. Split system air conditioner 13 Even if it's not used regularly, mold can easily develop in humid conditions. Kate – Don't throw it out but it's important to have it cleaned and serviced. Even if it's not used regularly, mold can easily develop in humid conditions. Ducted air conditioning is less susceptible to mold. Mold filters for both options can be purchased. Clove oil 13 Cleaning with clove oil releases spores and particles from itself and can make things worse. Maryna Osadcha – Yes, that's right – cleaning with clove oil releases spores and particles from itself and can make things worse. Instead, remove the mold instead of trying to kill it. If there is mold on a windowsill for example, use a cloth and a small amount of washing detergent and try to take it away in one go rather than just spraying things on it.
New York Post
05-06-2025
- Health
- New York Post
How screen time is ‘locking up' kids' vision and causing behavioral issues
On average, children spend a staggering seven to eight hours per day on screens, and one expert is warning that we're not seeing the full picture of these devastating devices. 'Screen time has become the new pandemic and it's ruining all of our eyes and brains,' Dr. Bryce Appelbaum, board-certified optometrist, tells The Post. He noted that in addition to cognitive, social, and emotional development, screen time negatively affects vision development — and could be partially to blame for the rising cases of behavioral issues. Advertisement 3 In addition to cognitive, social, and emotional development, screen time negatively affects vision development and could be partially to blame for the rising cases of behavioral issues. Africa Studio – 'We get locked in and collapse our periphery and get this tunnel vision, and then we get the dopamine release in our brain, and it makes us want to come back for more and more,' Appelbaum said. So yes, screens are addictive — but the problem he's pinpointed is that they can also impact kids' still-developing eyes. And when kids have functional vision issues, the doc said, the symptoms can look a lot like ADHD. What are screens doing to kids' eyes? The visual skills needed for screen engagement are vastly different than those needed to engage in a three-dimensional space, he explained. Advertisement 'Vision is intended to guide our movement, not to be staring at these machines all day long,' he said. 'We need to maintain that flexibility. When we're on screens for too long, our focusing muscles — the inside muscles behind the eyes that make things clear — are literally locked up and under tension.' According to Appelbaum, these inner muscles are not designed to work that hard for an extended period of time, and tasking them with bearing that load leads to inflexible visual systems and inflexible visual thinking. 'Children don't have the brain and vision development to handle staring at screens,' he said. Advertisement 'That's going to be a kid who has ants in their pants or is listening to the teacher with their ears rather than with their eyes.' Dr. Bryce Appelbaum 'It's creating a world of kids with a visual system that's locked up, causing nearsightedness, mental health and depth perception issues, and poor interpersonal connection because we're stuck on these 2D devices, inches from our face, blasting all this high-energy light at us.' Previous research published in JAMA Pediatrics has shown that children should be prohibited from screen time until the age of 3, as it can lead to developmental delays. 3 Dr. Bryce Appelbaum, board-certified optometrist, tells The Post that screen time is the new pandemic. Dr. Bryce Appelbaum / Facebook But why would vision problems lead to behavioral ones? Advertisement Researchers at Drexel University discovered that babies and toddlers who are allowed screen time are more likely to display atypical sensory behaviors associated with neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Appelbaum maintains that excessive screen time compromises the development of functional vision, creating a scenario where the eyes don't work together to support coordination or focus. Convergence insufficiency — an eye coordination problem that makes it difficult for the eyes to focus on near objects such as books or computer screens — is commonly misdiagnosed as ADD or ADHD-like behavior. 'Somebody that can make their eyes point in the same direction — great. But then after 30 seconds, if they have this fragile coordination, that's going to be a kid who has ants in their pants or is listening to the teacher with their ears rather than with their eyes,' he said. A 2024 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed a shocking uptick in ADHD diagnoses among American children. In contrast to screen-based learning that became ubiquitous during COVID-19 lockdowns, old school educational practices like copying from the blackboard require the visual flexibility of going from near to far, activating the inner and outer eye muscles to strengthen and work synergistically. 3 A 2024 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed a shocking uptick in ADHD diagnoses among American children. – Advertisement 'Reading print requires different eye movements across the page that are more sequenced, methodical and organized than on a screen. With a screen, you can dart your eyes all over the place, take in a lot of the information, but you don't have the eye movement control needed for other tasks,' he said. How can parents protect the visual and behavioral health of their children? Priority number one is limiting screen time. A 2024 study found that reduced daily screen time helped children better process their emotions and improve their social interactions. Advertisement Another helpful strategy is to encourage physical activity, blinking, and vision breaks during periods of screen use. 'The eyes are a muscle; if you were to squeeze your fists for an extended period of time, after a few seconds, your hands start to hurt. But if you let go and come back and let go and come back, you release that tension.' Appelbaum noted that digital performance lenses can be a support system for developing eyes as they make it easier for the brain to access and utilize vision. Advertisement 'If you train the eye-brain connection and make it so that you have robust tracking, focusing, convergence, and visual processing, then screens are less terrible and they're not going to impact development and life the way they would otherwise.' Appelbaum maintains that incorporating limits and strategies to protect the eyes guarantees success in the future. 'You can develop the right visual foundation to thrive in this digital world. It just requires a lot of brain and vision training.'
Epoch Times
19-05-2025
- Health
- Epoch Times
The Sweet Truth About Honey: What to Look for and What to Avoid
Honey is often praised as a natural health booster—but is it always safe to consume? Known as nature's 'liquid gold,' honey has long been used as a sweetener, supplement, and traditional remedy. However, not all forms of honey are created equal, and some people may need to exercise caution. Health Potential of Honey Compared to refined sugar, which is almost 100 percent sucrose, honey is rich in vitamins, minerals, and enzymes that promote intestinal health. Honey It is recommended to consume honey in moderation every day—no more than one to two tablespoons, or about 15 grams to 30 grams. For people with blood sugar problems, it's important to take extra care in managing honey intake. How to Choose Honey Correctly Choosing the right type of honey is essential for maximizing its health benefits and avoiding unnecessary risks. Here are a few things to look out for: 1. Watch Out for Counterfeit and Artificial Honey Many cheap brands on the market are faked with syrups or artificial sweeteners—or may not contain any natural honey at all. When purchasing honey, pay special attention to the labels and avoid those tagged with high fructose corn syrup or glucose additives. 2. Avoid Highly Processed Honey Some commercially available honey is pasteurized at elevated temperatures. Although this can extend the shelf life, this process destroys active enzymes and nutrients. 3. Avoid Honey From Polluted Production Areas If the pollen source is contaminated by pesticides or heavy metals, toxins may remain in the honey, posing a potential health risk. Choose honey from reliable sources that have undergone certified inspections. Give priority to products labeled as natural raw honey or those with organic certification to ensure quality and safety. Tips for Safe Honey Consumption Avoid High Temperatures Elevated temperatures will destroy the active enzymes and nutrients in honey. Use warm water—not exceeding 104 degrees Fahrenheit—when preparing honey water. Avoid Problematic Food Combinations Combining honey with other high-sugar foods, such as cakes, may lead to excessive sugar intake and be harmful to health. Related Stories 9/15/2024 8/25/2024 It's best to pair honey with high-fiber foods, like whole-wheat bread, to help reduce the risk of blood sugar spikes. Adding honey to high-fiber foods such as yogurt and oatmeal can also delay sugar absorption and increase satiety. Here's a simple way to enjoy honey without compromising its benefits. Africa Studio/Shutterstock Warm Honey Lemonade: Recipe One easy and gentle way to enjoy the benefits of honey is by making warm honey lemonade. This soothing drink can help support digestion and hydration, especially when sipped first thing in the morning. Ingredients: 1 to 2 tablespoons honey 500 milliliters warm water 1 lemon Instructions: In a cup or mug, pour the honey into 500 milliliters of warm water and stir well. Cut the lemon in half and squeeze the juice from one half into the cup. Thinly slice the other half and add it to the cup. Stir gently with a spoon. Adjust the amount of lemon to taste. Who Should Avoid or Limit Honey While honey has many benefits, it isn't safe for everyone. The following groups should take extra care when consuming honey: Infants: Infants under 1 year old should not consume honey, as it may contain botulinum spores that their digestive systems are not yet developed enough to handle. Botulinum spores can produce toxins that may lead to food poisoning. People with diabetes: Although honey contains more nutrients than ordinary white sugar, people with diabetes need to strictly control their intake and consume it cautiously under the guidance of a health care professional. People allergic to pollen or bee products: Some people are allergic to pollen or propolis components in honey and should steer clear of bee products to prevent potentially serious allergic reactions. In short, honey is a gift from nature, but its health benefits can only be fully realized if it is selected correctly and consumed in moderation. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Epoch Health welcomes professional discussion and friendly debate. To submit an opinion piece, please follow these guidelines and submit through
