Crystal Meth Addiction by Jonathan Kelly

by Jonathan Kelly

Crystal Meth Addiction

Knowledge is power, yet do you really know the disastrous effects of crystal meth?

Commonly sold on the street and "cooked" in clandestine labs, crystal meth is a vile and poisonous drug extremely popular in Canada - and that's only part of the problem.

Unlike other types of drugs, crystal meth is highly addictive. A user is much likely to become addicted simply after one use; putting his own health in peril and continually resorting to dealers for more.

Police have reported that in several cases, crystal meth has been sold as ecstasy in parties. Its effects might be appealing to some, but they will never come close to outweigh the deadly and extremely harmful side effects.

A high from crystal meth appears very promising, since it is said to provide endless energy, removing the need to eat or sleep, super focus, increased productivity and euphoria. Imagine a euphoric flood, a complete body orgasm, infinite energy; the most boring of tasks becomes a riveting experience, even house-cleaning. Great, eh?

Far from that! The day after, the user feels sick, depressed, guilty, ashamed and angry. And what would take away those nasty feelings? More crystal meth of course. That's where the problem begins, and before the user knows it, he is completely hooked on crystal meth, trying to attain maximum energy and euphoria. The problem is that after awhile, the high of meth becomes disappointing, euphoria turns to numbness, super focus is replaced by confusion, and productivity is limited to simple tasks.

Severe side effects are associated with the use of crystal meth. Some of them include:

Behavioral Effects:
Excited
Pressed Speech
Disorganized
Irrational
Distrust
Violence

Cognitive Effects:
Agitation
Panic
Confusion
Paranoia
Hallucinations
Confusion
Speed Bugs
Psychotic Episode

Physical Effects:
Increased Heart Rate
Rise in Blood Sugar
Insomnia
Shakiness
Fever
Kidney and Liver Damage
Chest pain
Death

Crystal meth does not discriminate; it preys on businessman, professionals, students, teenagers, the working class, the "average Joe", the street bum and everybody in between.

"Crystal meth can just take over a community, because of its highly addictive properties and the ease with which it can be synthesized in labs in homes. It's alarming. You have small communities that are awash in this drug," said Sgt. Ian Sanderson, an RCMP drug expert in Edmonton.

Not only in Alberta, but in other Canadian provinces too, the popularity of crystal meth is increasing dramatically. Canada's crystal meth problem is the worst in British Columbia. The number of deaths there related to methamphetamine has risen from three in 2000 to thirty-three in 2004. Most of those deaths have been drug overdoses or car accidents in which the driver was high on meth. A rise in certain types of crime in B.C. in recent years is in part attributable to the increased use of methamphetamines. Car theft, fraud and sex assaults are all fuelled by the adrenaline rush from crystal meth.

One of the main factors creating hardships for the police force in dealing with crystal meth, is the abundance of crystal meth labs in homes and warehouses. These labs deal with toxic and lethal chemicals throughout a complex process of transformation. Frighteningly enough, these labs are situated in the heart of residential neighbourhoods and business areas. The discovery of such labs is usually after a serious explosion occurs, often resulting in several injuries and deaths.

It gets worse. Families, including children, live in these home-based labs, eating and sleeping next to highly toxic chemicals. Health officials fear children exposed to these chemicals are at a significantly higher risk of long-term health problems, including Parkinson's disease, and many are developmentally delayed. Yet unless the lab is discovered, the children remain in a perilous situation.

The environment is equally affected. The creation of crystal meth in those clandestine labs produces huge amounts of chemical waste. For every pound of crystal meth produced, 5 pounds of chemical waste has to be disposed of. Usually, it is either flushed down the bathtub, or simply thrown out into the environment.

Crystal meth is an all-round poisonous drug. It is a growing crisis affecting families, friends and neighbourhoods, just like yours. No one is sheltered from its harmful effects, be it by the drug itself, the toxicity of producing it, or the dangers of being nearby a hidden clandestine lab. Additional drug prevention campaigns and resources need to be put forth to help eliminating this threat. Crystal meth is a killer that must be stopped.

Certain Canadian provincial governments are beginning to take measures to counteract the increasing popularity of crystal meth. Drug prevention campaigns across tthe country are being se in place to inform the youth and teenagers of the grave dangers of this drug. For those who wish to get help with their drug addiction, there are several drug rehabilitation and treatments centers scattered throughout the country.

One of them is Narconon® (a unique biophysical 100% drug rehabilitation program). Its exceptional methods have proven countless times to be effective and have shown positive results. The qualified staff is present and attentive to the needs of each individual, and is determined to help the individual in overcoming his drug addiction. If you are affected by crystal meth, don't let it dictate your life, get help now.

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Add 5 Daily Habits To Lift Your Spirits Everyday Day - Starting Today

 by jen blackert

If you are like me, you probably have plenty of bad habits that don't help to bring enjoyment, clarity or fun into your life. So why not make some habits just for that reason! What good daily habits do you have already? As a mind-body nutrition coach I am always trying to break the rules. My own coach once told me there are two steps to breaking a bad habit. Step 1: You must identify the habit and the trigger. Step 2: Replace it with a healthy activity. Simply? Easier said then done. For example, if you drink coffee and you would like to stop the habit you may replace it with hot tea. Or we can just skip changing the bad habit and just add a good habit for the fun of it. Now here is the catcher. Make these habits something that you truly want. If you hear yourself saying...I should exercise more, I should eat better, I should -- you fill in the blank.
STOP!

That is not what this exercise is all about. You are trying to add more joy into your life, not make more work for yourself. Remember your new habits are something you truly want! Make them something your truly want for yourself or for your future self. Some ideas are -- I want to email or call a friend each day, I want to practice yoga on a daily basis, I want to have dinner with the family every night. Try this... Think back. What did you do for fun when you were 12? Do any of those activities still hold true today? Take time to ask yourself as if you were another person. I promise your intuition will never steer you wrong of your true desires.

So let's start with a clean piece of paper and start writing all possible habits you may want to add into your life. Start writing and don't stop writing for 15 minutes. Do it now! Do it today! After 15 minutes you should have a good size list. Now, take that list and look at each item. Ask yourself, is this something I would be interested in doing daily? Do I want to do this habit daily for my future self? Will this habit bring clarity, focus or fun into my life?

Once you come up with the 5 new habits, then come up with a few rewards. This shouldn't be nearly as hard. Pedicure, manicure, gourmet dinner, you name it. Now, start a tally to hold yourself accountable. A simple check box method will do just fine. Predetermine what you reward will be. And suddenly you have a list of 5 daily habits that will bring you daily enjoyment and fun to you each day. Start enjoying yourself!

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Foods That Fight Health Problems - Part I

by Kevin Pederson

Research shows that most people who eat the widest variety of foods are more likely to meet their nutrients requirements and remain healthy than those who get stuck in the food rut. Nutrients work together to keep your heart healthy, your blood pressure normal, your bones strong and your memory sharp. Many of the foods hold key to longer lives, cancer cures or smoother skins. Join me in exploring foods and their benefits that fight host of diseases and health problems.

- Apple - When the first couple of the world i.e. Adam and Eve took their first bite of the apple, they were unaware of its goodness. Eating an apple a day keeps stroke at bay. Apple lowers the risk of embolic stroke caused by a tiny blood clot blocking an artery in the brain. The apple skin is choc a bloc with quercetin that fights heart diseases by preventing cholesterol. The quercetin also fights cancer by deactivating carcinogens. Apples are loaded with fiber. The soluble fiber lowers cholesterol. Insoluble fibers keep your bowels in good working order. The pectin in insoluble fiber calms diarrhea and helps the diabetics to keep their blood sugar under control. So go ahead indulge your self.

- Apricots - Lovely looking yellow - orange coloured fruit, Apricots find a mention as the one of the top 10 beta carotene sources. Beta carotene is converted to Vitamin A by the body. Beta carotene and carotenoids work together to stave off illness. If you're bothered by itchy yeast infection, feast on some apricots. The beta carotene bolsters your immune system to ward of the infection. Beta carotene and its cousin's carotenoids fight cancer. The beta carotene gobbles up free radical substances that cause cell damage. Lycopene captures the growth of tumor cells and other carotenoids break down cancer causing carcinogens. Beta carotene rich diet reduces the risk the recurrence of breast cancer. Not just cancer, beta carotene in apricots fights heart disease too. Beta carotene and Lycopene fight a process that makes bad low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. The dried variety of apricots is potassium storehouse helping to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of stroke.

- Artichokes - This funny looking vegetable is packed with amazing health benefits. Firstly they help to keep blood supply flowing freely to the heart. Secondly, one medium sized artichoke provides 15% of daily folate requirement. Folate or vitamin B helps control blood levels of homocysteine that triggers a heart attack. Thirdly, it is packed with cynarin that lowers cholesterol production. Cynarin benefits the skin too. It helps protect collagen, the connective tissue for holding the cells together against skin damage. For digestive difficulties, artichoke stimulates production of bile that is an emulsifier in aiding fat digestion.

- Asparagus - Is the king of vegetables in providing folate, vitamin B in simple words that plays an important role in preventing heart attacks. Folate and folic acid are important in preventing certain birth defects. A good source of vitamin C that helps to your keep your immune system fighting. Asparagus battles birth defects and heart disease and bolsters immune function.

- Avocado - One of the few fruits that is high in fat i.e. healthy fat. 80% of fat in avocado offers health benefits that may help prevent cancer, heart disease, dry hair and high cholesterol. Avocados have beta sitosterol that is a plant compound inhibiting the absorption of cholesterol from your intestines to maintain a low level in your blood. They are loaded with glutathione, a plant compound that neutralizes free radicals that cause cell damage. Glutathione also prevents cancer of the mouth and pharynx as well as heart disease. The unsaturated fat in avocado helps lower your level of low density lipoprotein cholesterol while maintaining high density lipoprotein.

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Foods That Fight Health Problems - Part II

by Kevin Pederson

- Bananas - Mother Nature's perfect snack. No preparation, no washing or refrigeration. They are prepackaged in a biodegradable wrapper for perfect enjoyment. Since they are easily digestible, they are often served as babies' first food. Women suffering from PMS can get a healthy serotonin rush by consuming a banana. Bananas help build a shield against heart disease. They are packed with potassium that helps fend off high blood pressure. In short, the goodness of bananas battles cancer, heart diseases, high blood pressure, kidney stones, premenstrual syndrome and strokes.

- Barley - Barley with all its magic ingredients is good for heart diseases, diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Beta-glucan fiber lowers cholesterol, while tocotrienol deactivates an enzyme that tells the liver how to produce artery clogging cholesterol. Barley is a quick fix for constipation. Just 1 cup of cooked barley can provides approx 14 gms of fiber to get the bowels moving.

- Basil - Originally a cooking herb, Basil has found many uses as a medicinal herb too. Basil weakens the ulcer producing activity of aspirin and alcohol, fight inflammation and swelling and battle infection causing bacteria. It also prevents colon cancer and helps build strong bones. Basil helps reduce bloating and flatulence. If you overindulged with alcohol, drink tea by steeping 2 tbsp of chopped fresh or dried basil leaves mixed in 1 cup of just boiling water for about 15 minutes. Strain and sip and feel the difference.

- Beans - These luscious legumes are loaded with fiber and other nutrients to keep body running in top shape. Beans fights cancer and cholesterol. B vitamin folate reduces blood levels of amino acid involved in heart disease. People having type 2 diabetes benefit from the soluble fiber present in the beans. It slows down the passage of carbohydrates from foods into the bloodstream. Beans fight the battle of bulge as they control your appetite by taking up lots of room in your tummy. If you keep forgetting things, people, etc, boost your brainpower by eating a serving of beans few times are week.

- Beef - Are you surprised to know that beef can help to fight common health problems? Loaded with disease fighting nutrients, beef if you buy lean gives no complaints. Lean beef lowers level of bad density lipoprotein and improves levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol. Beef supplies vitamins and minerals that maybe in short supply in a diet. Selenium in beef is a powerful antioxidant that lowers the risk of skin cancer, fights heart disease and wards off infections.

- Beet - Heart shaped veggies, 1 cup of fresh beets gives 1/3 of daily folate requirement. In short vitamin B that keeps homocysteine in control so that it does not trigger a heart attack. Beta - cyanin, a phytochemical that gives deep red colour is a cancer fighter. Beet juice curbs normal healthy cells from changing into cancer cells. Beets are good source of fiber for good bowel function. Beet battles cancer, diabetic and heart disease.

- Bell Peppers - Ring in health benefits with bell peppers. A red bell pepper packs in twice as much vitamin C than an orange. Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant eating up free radicals that cause cell damage leading to heart disease and cancer. Vitamin C also bolsters your immune system helping to lessen the severity and duration of a cold. Lutein and zeaxanthin - two plant compounds in red bell peppers prevent age related macular degeneration (ARMD) that is responsible for sharp vision. ARMD is common cause of irreversible blindness in people. Ophthalmologists recommend intake of these compounds from foods rather than medicine or supplements.

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Important And Useful Benefits Of Navasana

by Kevin Pederson

Navasana is known as the boat pose because when you look at the asana it would resemble a boat. This asana seems to be very easy with the way it looks. But as you all know, looks can be deceiving which is the case over here.

With the passage of time our back seems to face the wrath of every other problem and happens to suffer the most. It strains a lot due to the improper way of sitting. This improper way of sitting may stretch for hours causing lot of stress to the back.

This asana would help you with your back and make it much stronger with added vigor and agility. When you do this pose you can easily imagine the pressure applied on your abdominal organs. Your midsection area gets easily strengthened due to this posture.

You can hope to have a clear stomach without flab if you do this asana regularly. The sagging body mass is prevented as it lengthens the back muscles making it sleek and agile, like a thorough gymnast.

This yoga asana helps in toning the intestines which is very effective, making the intestine work the maximum without over exerting. When further variations are applied to this asana to make it difficult, the asana reacts to the difficulty by providing more benefits.

One has to remain in this posture for least couple of minutes to utilize the maximum benefits. This asana also proves to be very useful for your liver, gall bladder and spleen which are some of the most important organs of your body.

As the midsection is compressed, it gets benefited by toning the muscles. It also strengthens the spine, which is beneficial for your back too. There is an improvement in your digestive system due to the better performance of the intestines as it helps relieve the stress it goes through.

Your legs and thigh muscles are also strengthened. Your buttocks are the one which is trying to keep you in balance and due to this pressure it also helps the buttocks to make it much firmer with daily practice

While doing this asana you happen to strain your neck muscles which creates friction making it useful for your thyroid glands. It is also useful for your prostate glands. It helps you with other health problems like asthma, headache, problems with your heart and other diseases.

Avoid any yoga asana if you have ailments troubling you. If you are still not sure about it please consult your doctor and your yoga instructor before doing any of the asanas.

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