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Wellness

The calm after the storm: how CBD creams are changing pain management

Revolutionizing pain relief: How CBD creams offer natural, effective management

The calm after the storm: how CBD creams are changing pain management
Photo by CRYSTALWEED cannabis on Unsplash
woman in white knit sweater sitting on white sofa

The world of pain management is changing quickly, and it's largely thanks to the benefits CBD cream offers. CBD cream is formulated with hemp oil and is applied topically to penetrate the skin and ease pain and swelling caused by arthritis, orthopedic injuries, or muscle overuse. Whether you're trying to avoid prescription pain relievers or are looking for a more natural and effective topical pain product, CBD creams are well worth considering.

What Is CBD?

CBD is one of many cannabinoids found in the marijuana plant and hemp plant. Unlike THC, it’s non-psychoactive and won’t make you feel high. CBD has a long list of potential benefits, including relaxation and sleep support.

This compound is used to make various hemp products, including gummies, drinks, and CBD oil. CBD cream is the unsung hero of hemp products, and it can help to alleviate pain and inflammation.

Unlike oral CBD oil, which provides general pain relief, CBD cream is applied topically and delivers targeted relief where it’s needed most. CBD oil, cream, and other infused products are federally legal if they’re derived from hemp containing less than 0.3% THC based on dry weight.

Topical cannabis cream doesn’t enter the bloodstream, so even if a product is made with full-spectrum hemp extract and contains traces of THC, it won’t cause you to fail a drug test. Many customers use topical CBD daily and applaud its effectiveness, saying it relieves discomfort and swelling.

Potential Benefits of CBD Creams and Lotions

Here's a closer look at the key health benefits people often experience with hemp topicals.

Pain Relief

CBD topicals may relieve both chronic and acute pain. People with arthritis often apply CBD cream to their joints, with many users claiming noticeable relief and improved mobility within minutes of application.

Athletes use topical CBD products to relieve muscle pain after difficult workouts. CBD can also aid in recovery, allowing athletes to train harder and longer with shorter recovery periods in between.

If you have an acute injury, such as a sprained ankle or stress fracture, applying CBD cream to the affected area may provide relief. People who prefer to avoid prescription and over-the-counter pain relievers often find topical CBD to be an effective, natural, non-addictive alternative.

Reduced Inflammation

Hemp cream not only relieves pain but also reduces swelling. Pain and swelling often go hand-in-hand, especially with chronic conditions like arthritis. By alleviating inflammation, topical CBD could further ease pain and enhance mobility.

CBD's anti-inflammatory properties make it a good remedy for migraines and headaches, which often have an inflammatory component. Applying hemp cream to the forehead and neck can lessen inflammation, reducing nerve pressure and minimizing the severity and frequency of headaches and migraines.

Softer, Healthier Skin

Most CBD creams are formulated to be gentle and suitable for sensitive skin. They contain ingredients like aloe vera, shea butter, and essential fatty acids with moisturizing and anti-aging properties. As such, you may notice an improvement in skin health after using a CBD topical like cream or CBD oil lotion. Some brands even make specialized CBD creams to help manage rosacea and other skin conditions.

Stress Relief

Physical discomfort can lead to stress, and high stress levels can further exacerbate pain. CBD cream works to soothe both pain and stress simultaneously.

CBD topicals made with full-spectrum hemp extract typically contain additional active hemp compounds. These compounds—including terpenes, THC, and minor cannabinoids like CBN and CBG—work in conjunction with CBD to assist with stress relief. So, if you're seeking to manage both pain and stress, be sure to look for CBD cream made with full-spectrum hemp extract.

Better Sleep

Many people take CBD oil before bedtime for sleep support, but CBD topicals can also promote relaxation and make it easier to fall asleep. They’re especially helpful if your discomfort frequently keeps you awake. Just apply some CBD oil lotion, and before long, you'll feel mentally and physically relaxed enough to drift off into dreamland.

Again, if your goal is better sleep, a CBD product made with full-spectrum hemp extract is the best choice. The extra terpenes and cannabinoids in full-spectrum hemp extract enhance the sleep-inducing effects of CBD topicals. Furthermore, lavender oil can help promote relaxation, so look for creams made with this ingredient.

How CBD Works for Pain Management

Research on how CBD relieves aches, soreness, and discomfort is ongoing. According to existing evidence, CBD interacts with your body's endocannabinoid system. It binds with CB1 and CB2 receptors, triggering the release of various neurotransmitters associated with pain relief.

CBD also has anti-inflammatory properties. By reducing swelling in the body, it can alleviate pain. For instance, if inflamed tissues press on a nerve, taking cannabis oil or using topical CBD can reduce the inflammation, resulting in less pressure on the nerve.

Finally, CBD seems to relieve pain by managing the stress that typically accompanies physical discomfort. This effect is especially pronounced in patients with conditions like fibromyalgia, who sometimes get stuck in a loop where their pain exacerbates their stress, and their stress worsens their pain.

How To Use CBD Creams and Lotions

Using CBD cream, CBD lotion, or topical CBD oil is simple. Here are a few tips to help you use these topical products most effectively:

Who Should Use CBD Topicals?

If you struggle with chronic discomfort, inflammation, or achy joints resulting from arthritis, injury, or muscle overuse, using topical CBD daily can provide relief.

If you have sensitive skin, make sure the cream you purchase is suitable for you and made with gentle ingredients. Aim for products free from parabens, sulfates, phthalates, artificial colors, and other potential irritants and formulated with all-natural ingredients like pure CBD oil from the cannabis plant.

More research is needed on the safety of using cannabis cream while pregnant or breastfeeding. That said, many health experts currently recommend erring on the side of caution and avoiding all products containing hemp extract—including CBD oil and cream—while pregnant or nursing.

Potency

Check the product’s potency and usage recommendations. Some CBD oil creams are stronger than others, so it's important to follow the directions on the product label. Most topical products include detailed information on how to use them.

Ingredients

Choose CBD cream with moisturizing ingredients, like aloe vera and shea butter, to keep your skin from becoming dry.

If you have sensitive skin, look for CBD products free from synthetic fragrances and artificial colors to reduce the risk of skin irritation. Those with natural fragrances like lemongrass or lavender oil tend to be better tolerated.

Many CBD skin cream products contain peppermint oil or menthol extract for a cooling sensation and additional alleviation of discomfort.

Lastly, some manufacturers cut corners and use inferior ingredients—like parabens and fillers—in their products, so purchasing your cream from a reputable supplier is crucial. Look for options made with pure hemp extract or hemp seed oil and other natural ingredients. Ideally, the product should be third-party lab-tested with the results available on the company’s website. This type of transparency is a good sign that a brand is trustworthy.

Application

Apply CBD cream topically to clean, dry skin. Don’t apply it over makeup or to sweaty skin, as this can lessen absorption. Rub the cream into your skin to ensure it absorbs fully. Wait about 10 minutes before covering the area with clothing. Check the label on your CBD lotion for instructions and application tips.

Potential Side Effects of CBD Topicals

It’s rare for users to experience adverse effects when using topical CBD oil or cream. However, the following side effects may occur:

Skin Irritation

Skin irritation is the most common side effect of topical hemp cream and CBD oil lotion. The CBD doesn’t necessarily cause this; it can be a reaction to other ingredients in the cream, such as synthetic fragrances or cetyl alcohol. If you experience skin irritation, try switching to a different formula or contact your doctor for guidance.

Dry Skin

Some users experience skin dryness after using CBD topicals. You can avoid this by choosing a topical CBD oil, lotion, or cream with moisturizing ingredients like cocoa butter or aloe vera.

Drug Interactions

CBD can interact with or reduce the efficacy of certain medications, including anticoagulants, seizure medications, and some antidepressants. If you’re taking medications or supplements, check with your doctor before using hemp cream or any hemp-infused products.

Conclusion

CBD topical creams are a great choice if you're looking for a natural way to manage physical discomfort. These CBD products are transforming the world of pain relief as more customers discover their benefits. They come in a wide range of formulas, many of which are cruelty-free. From roll-ons to lotions, there’s a CBD topical out there for everyone!

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Family

People applauded after Mark Wahlberg confronted the DJ at his daughter's dance party

Dad to the rescue.

via TheEllenShow / YouTube

Mark Wahlberg on "The Ellen Show."

Actor Mark Wahlberg recently attended a daddy-daughter dance with his 10-year-old, Grace. Sadly, Grace had no interest in seeing her father strutting his stuff on the dance floor.

"I didn't get one dance," Wahlberg told Ellen DeGeneres. "And I told her we were going to do the whole big circle and I was going to go off. And she said, 'Dad, if you embarrass me, I will never talk to you again.' But what she did do is she hung out with me."

No matter who your dad is, especially if you're a 10-year-old-girl, you have zero desire to see him dance in front of your friends.

But the parents at the dance probably would have had a blast seeing Wahlberg bust out some of his old-school '90s Marky Mark moves.

However, Wahlberg couldn't help but leave his mark on the music being played at the dance.

Let's not forget, he didn't get famous for his acting but for showing off his abs in the "Good Vibrations" video.

Being that Wahlberg's time as a pop star was three decades ago, he couldn't believe it when he heard the music being played at the dance.

"[Grace] sat there on the edge of the stage, by the DJ. And then I'm sitting there with one other dad and I'm like, 'This is not an edited version of this song. There are explicit lyrics being played at a school dance for girls and I'm like no good,'" he said.

"I told the DJ and he's like, 'Oh, I thought it was.' I said, 'What are you doing?' I'm hearing F-bombs and this and that's not okay," Wahlberg said.

He's right. There's no place for music with explicit lyrics at a dance for 10-year-old children.

Wahlberg says the DJ didn't know he wasn't playing the edited version, but it's probably more likely that he didn't even realize the song was a problem. Pop music these days is filled with a numbing amount of violent and misogynistic lyrics.

A recent study from the University of Missouri found that nearly one-third of pop songs contain lyrics that degrade or demean women by portraying them as submissive or sexually objectified.

Currently, three of the top five songs on the Billboard Top 40 contain the word "bitch." One of them is sung in Korean.

It's odd that Americans have become more sensitive to misogyny in pop culture in films, television, and comedy, but still have a huge cultural blind-spot when it comes to music.

That's not a good thing, especially when pop music is marketed to teenagers.

"We know that music has a strong impact on young people and how they view their role in society," said Cynthia Frisby, a professor in the Missouri School of Journalism.

"Unlike rap or hip-hop, pop music tends to have a bubbly, uplifting sound that is meant to draw listeners in," Frisby continued. "But that can be problematic if the lyrics beneath the sound are promoting violence and misogynistic behavior."

Let's face it, pop stars are role models. Their examples show young people what to wear and how to behave. That's not to say that kids will blindly follow someone just because they like their music. But it has an undeniable effect.

Wahlberg, and any parent who monitors what their kids are listening to, deserve credit for protecting the minds and hearts of their kids.

Frisby has some great advice for parents concerned about negative imagery in pop music.

"Ask your daughters and sons what songs they like to listen to and have conversations about how the songs might impact their identity," Frisby said.

"For example, many songs might make young girls feel like they have to look and act provocative in order to get a boy to like them, when that isn't necessarily the case. If children and teens understand that what they are hearing isn't healthy behavior, then they might be more likely to challenge what they hear on the radio."

He's right. There's no place for music with explicit lyrics at a dance for 10-year-old children.

Wahlberg says the DJ didn't know he wasn't playing the edited version, but it's probably more likely that he didn't even realize the song was a problem. Pop music these days is filled with a numbing amount of violent and misogynistic lyrics.

A recent study from the University of Missouri found that nearly one-third of pop songs contain lyrics that degrade or demean women by portraying them as submissive or sexually objectified.

Currently, three of the top five songs on the Billboard Top 40 contain the word "bitch." One of them is sung in Korean.

It's odd that Americans have become more sensitive to misogyny in pop culture in films, television, and comedy, but still have a huge cultural blind-spot when it comes to music.

That's not a good thing, especially when pop music is marketed to teenagers.

"We know that music has a strong impact on young people and how they view their role in society," said Cynthia Frisby, a professor in the Missouri School of Journalism.

"Unlike rap or hip-hop, pop music tends to have a bubbly, uplifting sound that is meant to draw listeners in," Frisby continued. "But that can be problematic if the lyrics beneath the sound are promoting violence and misogynistic behavior."

Let's face it, pop stars are role models. Their examples show young people what to wear and how to behave. That's not to say that kids will blindly follow someone just because they like their music. But it has an undeniable effect.

Wahlberg, and any parent who monitors what their kids are listening to, deserve credit for protecting the minds and hearts of their kids.

Frisby has some great advice for parents concerned about negative imagery in pop music.

"Ask your daughters and sons what songs they like to listen to and have conversations about how the songs might impact their identity," Frisby said.

"For example, many songs might make young girls feel like they have to look and act provocative in order to get a boy to like them, when that isn't necessarily the case. If children and teens understand that what they are hearing isn't healthy behavior, then they might be more likely to challenge what they hear on the radio."


This article originally appeared on 03.03.20

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Pets

Good guy built a tiny house for one stray cat in his backyard. It quickly became a kitty village.

Everybody gets a house!

Representative Photo credit: Canva and Rumeysa Yilmaz|Pexels

Man builds tiny house for stray cat, suddenly has small village

Tiny houses are still a popular choice for people trying to downsize but tiny houses for cats are springing up in one man's backyard. Barna, thought he was doing a good deed for a stray cat that decided that he kinda liked hanging out in this human's backyard. The cat would show up but at first wouldn't eat the food set out for him, that didn't stop Barna.

The man continued to set food out for the cat. Taking note of the changing weather, Barna decided to take one of his hobbies and build the cat, now named Domino a cozy little house. Building things is a hobby for the man, so he made sure to equip Domino's tiny abode with a heating pad, light and camera.

Before too long the situation turned into a version of the famous children's book, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie. Another cat showed up, because of course Domino had a bestie but it didn't stop there.

Barna built a tiny two story condo for the two cats to hang out in while still keeping Domino's original tiny house. The backyard looks like it was made to host furry tenants in a makeshift cat community because more cats indeed showed up. Now the tuxedo cat has several neighbors to hang out with and thanks to Barna, none of the cats look like they're missing any meals.

"We have about four or five cats who will go in and sleep in the houses," Barna tells The Dodo. "One night one of the biggest storms of the year hit, I saw that two kittens actually took shelter in the house. That was one of the sweetest things ever."

Barna has cameras set up inside and outside of the itty bitty kitty community so he can keep an eye on his feline neighbors. The cats' landlord expresses that he feels gratification seeing his little houses be used by furry tenants. Having a group of cats around probably isn't too terrible for keeping pests away either so it's a win for all involved.


This article originally appeared on 5.13.24

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Pop Culture

Millennials bond over the weird no phone 'money rule' that sets their generation apart

Folks under 30 will never understand.

@jennielongdon/TikTok, Photo credit: Canva

It might not be hip, but it makes sense!

Online shopping is an integral part of adult life no matter what age group you fall into. But apparently there’s one digital spending habit that didn’t make it to Gen Z.

UK-based radio host Jennie Longdon recently went viral for sharing how—despite being able to do virtually everything from our phones—folks over the age of 30 can’t seem to part with using their laptops for “big purchases.”

“Takeaway , clothes, shoes within reason, yeah,” she says in a clip posted to her TikTok. “But…a plane ticket? That’s a laptop job!”

Longdon continues to feign disgust as she imagines big purchases being made from the phone, as these items obviously require the larger screen. It’s just something that a millennial brain cannot get behind. “We cannot make a big or significant purchase on the phone. You can't browse properly."

“Bigger screens for the big things please,” her video caption reads.

@jennielongdon Bigger screen for the big things please. #millennial #millennialsoftiktok #millenialmum #fyp #foryou ♬ original sound - Jennie Longdon

But there may be some sound reasoning behind this seemingly outdated logic. According to Fluid Commerce, the average desktop provides “over 3 times as much information” as a smartphone screen, allowing for more research. Laptops might not offer quite as much information as a desktop, but they certainly offer more than a phone, and it’s just good common sense to want as much information as possible before making an investment.

Either way, most millennials seem willing to die on this hill.

“Big purchases on the computer because I don’t trust mobile apps to show me everything I need to know,” one wrote in the comments.

“Big purchase requires the big internet,” added another.

A third said, "I will literally look at the information on my phone, then go get my laptop to go to the same site to book it.”

A few even shared horror stories of trying things the newfangled way and it backfiring immediately.

“I lived dangerously the other day and booked a hotel room on my phone and it tools ages buffering at the confirmation screen and I was fuming and knew I should’ve done it on my laptop,” one person lamented.

Another wrote, "I booked a mini break on my phone once and I accidentally refreshed the page with my thumb midway through booking.”

Still, there are some millennials who are on board with the phones-only approach.

"I booked flights, accommodation, and extracurriculars for four people on my phone recently,” one person wrote. "I was so proud."

Another said, "I'm a millennial and I just booked my Vegas hotel and flights on the phone. It's.....fine....."

Lastly—kudos to this commenter, who truly got to the root of this issue by saying:

“We grew up in an age when mobile websites were terrible and we’ve never forgotten it.”

That really hits the nail on the head, doesn’t it? Some scars just never truly heal.


This article originally appeared on 5.13.24

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Joy

Mom attempts impossible Olympic gymnastics routine in her kitchen so you don't have to

“Midsize moms can do it, too ... maybe ... sort of.”

@breanneaallarie/Instagram

Someone give her a gold medal.

How many of us watch the Olympics and suddenly become inspired to attempt some of those amazing feats ourselves? Of course, we talk ourselves out of it. After all, leave it to the pros, right? But a part of us still thinks…wouldn’t it be fun to just try?

One mom decided to abandon inhibition and follow those urges, setting up her own gymnastics stadium (i.e. a kid’s mat on the floor of her kitchen) to channel her inner Simone Biles.

In a now-viral video posted to her Instagram, we see Breanne Allarie wearing a swimsuit as a leotard as she switch leaps, handstands and even attempts the Shushunova—which ends up looking like a glorious belly flop.

In an interview with Today, Allarie revealed that she in fact does have a gymnastics background, and at one time wanted to compete in the Olympics. But life—and injuries—changed those plans a bit, though she did end up dancing professionally on cruise ships.

So when she says “I feel like I could do a backflip” in the video, there’s merit! But with her husband’s protest, she played it safe.

Still, people were totally impressed by the tricks she did manage to pull off, and charmed by her enthusiasm.

“10’s across the board,” one person wrote, while another quipped, “The whispered ‘nailed it’ 😆 So good!”

Many former athletes reached out to thank Allarie for essentially living out the dream that still remains in part of their hearts.

As one person put it, “All of us former athletes out here pulling muscles and throwing tricks to prove we still got it — when in fact, we don’t fully still got it.”

Allarie told Today, with her signature sense of humor, that she wants to show that world that “midsize moms can do it, too ... maybe ... sort of." Although she would also like everyone to know that Olympians “make it look so much easier than it is.”

And perhaps the biggest takeaway of all was the amount of joy she felt, which was palpable. May it be your official permission slip to do something just for the fun of it, regardless of whether or not you’d win a gold medal.

We know that trying new things, even if we won’t be the best at it, is important for our well being in multiple ways. And yet, it’s so easy to talk ourselves out of it and remain in the comfort zone of longing for more.

So take a page from Allarie’s book. Do the thing. Have fun. And be sure to give yourself a pat on the back when it’s done.

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Joy

Gen X finds itself floored by Snoop Dogg and Flavor Flav becoming beloved Olympic mascots

No one would have predicted this in the 90s.

Photo credit: Toglenn (left), Audrhi (right), @Johngcole/X

Two bad boys of rap and hip-hop are now beloved uncles at the Olympics.

If you were to go back to 1993 and tell a teen or young adult that Snoop Dogg would one day be a beloved commentator for the Olympics, proudly carrying the Olympic torch, adored by young and old alike, they'd look at you like you'd lost your mind.

And Public Enemy co-founder Flavor Flav hanging out with the women's Olympic water polo team, which he swooped in like a superhero to fund and hype? Say what now?

How did these two go from gangsta rap and hardcore hip-hop bad boys, with arrest records for charges ranging from drug possession to murder, to a wholesome part of everyone's favorite international sports competition? Are we actually living in the upside down?

Gen X in particular is reeling from the surreality of it all. It's delightful, don't get me wrong, but it's…weird. Older folks and youngsters may not fully understand who Snoop and Flav were in the 90s, and they definitely weren't immersed in youth culture of that time. But these guys were famously rebels of the highest degree and criminals by definition. The last word most people would use to describe them would be "wholesome," and yet here we are.

Snoop Dogg is one of the official hosts of the Olympics and has been crushing it with his uniquely hilarious and endearing commentary. He even hopped into a pool to let Michael Phelps teach him to swim like an Olympian, for goodness sake. And not only has Flavor Flav been all in on water polo, but he's also met First Lady Jill Biden in the aquatic center with a joyful hug and played the piano for the U.S. Ambassador to France in Paris—and that's just so far.

So many of us are incredulous at these developments:

"Look I don't know how we got here but in the year 2024 the two most wholesome people on the television are Snoop Dogg and Flavor Flav."

"If you're younger than maybe thirty years old, it's probably impossible to fully explain to you how surreal it is to see Snoop be the star of the NBC Olympics opening ceremony broadcast."

"Imagine going back to 1992 when 'Nothin’ but a ‘G Thang’' dropped and telling people that in 30 years Snoop would be the one celebrity Americans generally agree they like."

"I would love to go back 20 years and see the reaction of people when I tell them that Snoop Dogg and Flavor Flav have become warm and fuzzy mainstream personalities."

"Has there ever been a bigger career 180 than Snoop Dogg going from the drive-by murder of a rival gang member in 1993 to being America's Fun Uncle, the guy you call when you need a co-host for Martha Stewart or a kid's choice award presenter?"

"Snoop Dogg at the Olympics in Paris cheering on the American swimmers. Flavor Flav in Paris sponsoring the USA Women’s water polo team. I don’t know what the what is going but 18-year old me thinks this totally awesome."

However people might feel about Snoop and Flav's unsavory pasts, they appear to have redeemed themselves in the public eye. There's something so loveable about them both, with their infectious enthusiasm for the Olympic Games, the way they seem to get along with everyone they encounter and the genuine joy the exude as they talk about the sports they enjoy and athletes they admire. It's all just so…wholesome. There's really no other word for it. We love it. And we're weirded out by it.

What a time to be alive.

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