The use of marijuana goes way back and actually has a long history dating back centuries. While ancient civilizations didn't exactly use marijuana to get stoned, they did use it for its medicinal effects and treatment of ailments. 

In fact, the use of cannabis dates as far back as 500 BC in Asia and back to the colonial days in America when hemp was grown for use as textiles. 

Yes, marijuana's healing properties have long been acknowledged, but only recently have they been brought to the mainstream and clinically tested for medical efficacy and safety. 
The stigma surrounding marijuana and other cannabis products only started in the 20th century, stemming from political and racial factors. As a result, marijuana became an illegal substance and has remained so for decades.

​But as we know, the laws regarding the production, distribution, possession, and use of medical and recreational marijuana have been changing. We're on the cusp of a revolution in the realm of marijuana, and thanks to all the incredible ways that the marijuana plant and its cannabinoids can benefit the mind and body, it's become more widely accepted — even by the law.

As a certified health coach, I work with people on clearing negative energy from their lives and avoiding toxic elements that can damage their emotional and physical health and wellbeing. Such toxicity can come in the form of relationships, work assignments and office environments, pollution in the air we breathe (which is especially prevalent in big cities, such as NYC, Chicago and L.A.), and dirty living environments. By balancing healthy living aspects and removing harmful ones, we can be happier and healthier each day. However, unexpected situations can pop up where we are surrounded by negative elements, and we must remain our composure and positive outlook to get through them unaffected. Here are thirteen ways to avoid negativity and start feeling happier and more relaxed when a poor mood strikes.

Public schools will be required to teach students at least five hours of mental health instruction beginning in 6th grade, under a mandate approved by the state Board of Education Wednesday and hailed by Florida's top educator as a “life saver.”

Education officials proposed the change to the statewide school curriculum in June, following discussions with First Lady Casey DeSantis, who has made the mental health issue one of her top priorities.

The new requirement will require students to take courses aimed at helping them to identify the signs and symptoms of mental illness, find resources if they are battling with depression or other issues, and teach them how to help peers who are struggling with a mental health disorder.

What is Alkaline Water?

You may have heard various health claims about alkaline water. Some say it can help slow the aging process, regulate your body’s pH level, and prevent chronic diseases like cancer. But what exactly is alkaline water, and why all the hype?

​The “alkaline” in alkaline water refers to its pH level. The pH level is a number that measures how acidic or alkaline a substance is on a scale of 0 to 14. For example, something with a pH of 1 would be very acidic and something with a pH of 13 would be very alkaline.

Alkaline water has a higher pH level than regular drinking water. Because of this, some advocates of alkaline water believe it can neutralize the acid in your body.
Normal drinking water generally has a neutral pH of 7. Alkaline water typically has a pH of 8 or 9. However, pH alone isn’t enough to impart substantial alkalinity to water.
Alkaline water must also contain alkaline minerals and negative oxidation reduction potential (ORP). ORP is the ability of water to act as a pro- or antioxidant. The more negative the ORP value, the more antioxidizing it is.

Adopting a healthy lifestyle can help prevent or delay the onset of diabetes and is critical to managing the disease. It's also imperative to normalizing your critical health numbers, including weight, blood sugar, blood pressure, and blood cholesterol.

People living with type 2 diabetes should realize that being overweight or obese makes it difficult to manage the disease. It also increases the risk for high blood cholesterol and high blood pressure, which are common risk factors for cardiovascular disease — the leading cause of death among people with diabetes. Two of the best weapons in weight management are:

Half a million animals die due to cosmetic testing each year — and that’s just in one industry alone.

Fortunately, many are starting to take action against these cruel practices. The European Union, for example, banned the use of animal testing over 15 years ago. In 2013, they also banned any imported products that use animal testing in their procedures.

Though our country has yet to enact a similar ban, California legislators did pass the Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Act just last year. Another 250 American companies have also banded together to endorse the Humane Cosmetics Act, which would end animal testing on cosmetics products across the nation.

​But until these and further laws are enacted, the responsibility lies on consumers to research, purchase and utilize brands that steer clear of animal testing and other harmful practices — as well as avoid those who do use them. In this guide, we’re showing you exactly how to do that and how to do so frugally, by taking advantage of credit cards rewards and store loyalty programs.

It’s a love-hate relationship, working out.

And if you’re like most people, spending hours on end at the gym for just a few perceived benefit will suck big time. Hence the increasing popularity of high intensity training (HIIT) amongst fitness gurus.

But what IS the best HIIT workout? Go big or go home right?
The answer, unsurprisingly, depends on whether your goal is fat loss, muscle gain, increased athletic performance or simply full body transformation. The HIIT program you pick should ensure you reach your goal faster (though not easier) and with more visible results.

​It’s simply following a “smarter” cardio workout routine.
In this article, I’ll be showing you a complete HIIT program for each goal type, and towards the end, you’ll learn how you should be eating to complement your training. Because the two usually go hand in hand.