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Some long-term smokers in an attempt to quit smoking switch to e-cigarettes and other vaping devices as a cessation method. Vaping is the act of inhaling and exhaling the vapor created by a vaping device. Vaping devices include advanced personal vaporizers, vape pens, e-pipes and e-cigarettes. Many youth on the other hand who have never tried cigarettes use vaping devices for fun. With vaping on the rise, it is important that we get the facts straight. Does vaping really help smokers quit? Is vaping safe? Let's find out with the vaping facts enlisted below. 1. Vaping devices contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance. In any form, nicotine is highly addictive. What's more, the nicotine in e-liquids is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream, which causes a  transient surge of endorphins in the reward circuits of the brain, and  stimulates the release of adrenaline and dopamine, hence a brief moment of euphoria. This reinforces the "need" for more, a gradual b

Cannabis is more renowned for its recreational purposes, and people are just getting to discover the medical/therapeutic uses of this herb. Cannabinoids, the chemicals contained in cannabis, affect the central nervous system. Cannabinoids are concentrated in the leaves and flowers of the herb. Other names for cannabis are:  Anashca, Banji, Bhang, Blunt, Bud, Cannabis, Cannabis sativa, Charas, Dope, Esrar, Gaga, Ganga, Grass, Haschisch , Hash, Hashish, Herbe, Huo Ma Ren, Joint, Kif, Marie-Jeanne, Mariguana, Marihuana, Marijuana Médicale, Mary Jane, Medical Marijuana, Pot, Sawi, Sinsemilla, Weed. Medical marijuana has been used to treat or manage chronic pain, cancer symptoms, chemotherapy-induced vomiting, anxiety, muscle spasms, sleep problems, and some neurological conditions like epilepsy. However, people who have a history of psychosis, those with heart disease, and pregnant women are not allowed to use medical marijuana. Generally, medical marijuana is only prescribed to tho

To date, most health experts maintain that up to one drink a day is okay for your health, with some studies previously mentioning some health-protective effects of alcohol. However, the most recent in depth research on the effects of alcohol on health reveals that no amount of alcohol is good for you. The global study, titled, The Global Burden of Diseases study, analyzed levels of alcohol use and its effects in 195 countries from 1990 to 2016, and includes insights from 592 studies and 28 million people worldwide. The study published in  The Lancet  in August 2018 analyzed data from 15 to 95-year-olds. The report states,  "Our results show that the safest level of drinking is none." It further says, "This level is in conflict with most health guidelines, which espouse health benefits associated with consuming up to two drinks per day." The authors of the study say that moderate drinking may protect people against ischemic heart disease, but they found th

Parenthood is a big deal for both the mom-to-be and dad-to-be. It is hence important that both parties take the time to be sure it is what they want before engaging themselves into this life-changing venture. Many men tend to feel unready for fatherhood when they contemplate the responsibility associated with being a dad, given that their principal role is that of a provider. However, financial responsibility isn't the only thing you should be thinking about or asking yourself about. We'll start with finance, anyway. Are your finances in order? You should be able to provide for your child's needs, but you mustn't necessarily wait until you are 'rich'. Having a steady source of income before having a child is advisable. Moreover, you can keep saving after the baby is born. You won't spend heavily in the first two or three years of your child's life; heavy spending comes when the child starts schooling. It is important to plan financially. If you&

Deciding whether you are ready or not for motherhood can be challenging for any woman. Sometimes, it's difficult to tell if your own deep and sincere desires for motherhood, a biological urge, or just an inclination to surrender to pressure from your family and society. It is okay to feel confused or uncertain as motherhood is a life-changing decision, you're committing to being a parent for the rest of your life. Only you can gauge your readiness for motherhood. Examine your desires, and ask yourself these questions: Do I want to be a mother? Why? Why not? How does being or not being a mother make me feel? Are my desires influenced by external pressure? How will having a baby change my life in the next year, next five, 10 years? What are the emotional, mental, physical, and financial requirements for good parenting? Do I need to make certain changes in my life before having a baby? Can I raise a child on my own, or must my partner assist me? How would I handle

You may not be pregnant yet, but you may plan on being pregnant in a near future (next three to six months). If you do, now is the time to start planning (health-wise). Having a healthy baby starts before you conceive, so preconception health is important. According to the CDC, preconception health is the health of women and men during their reproductive years, which are the years they can have a child. It focuses on taking steps now to protect the health of a future baby.  A woman's preconception health check should include the following: 1. Treating or controlling underlying medical conditions Conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, asthma and others can affect your pregnancy. It is important to discuss any underlying health conditions you have (and medications you're taking) with your doctor. If necessary, your doctor may refer you to a specialist. Note that women with chronic health conditions can still have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies. Chronic heal

Yoga is an incorporation of physical, mental and spiritual practices that ultimately seek to liberate, bringing mind and body together. Yoga seeks to create harmony between your body, mind and spirit. This ancient tradition which has stood the test of time (more than 5,000 years) is a health booster, and its benefits have been backed by science. Yoga can be practiced by just about everyone - not only the extra bendy or flexible people, or those who want to meditate. Here are eight benefits that arise from practicing yoga: 1. Betters bone health : Many yoga postures require that you lift your own weight - exercises such as down- and upward-facing dog help strengthen the bones of the arm, which are more vulnerable to osteoporotic fractures. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, women can lose up to 20 percent of their bone mass in the five to seven years after menopause. It is thus important that women start practicing yoga in their youth to prevent such severe bone m

Infertility is a health worry that affects approximately one out of every six couples, or 15% of couples. Infertility is the diagnosis given to a couple who are unable to conceive over the course of a year. If the problem stems from the man, there is said to be male infertility. If it stems from the woman, there is female infertility. In a third of infertility cases, the man is infertile; in another third, the woman is infertile; and in the last third, either both are infertile or no cause can be found. Male infertility stems from factors such as: low sperm production, abnormal sperm function or blockages that hinder the delivery of sperm, hormone imbalances or blockages, absence of some of the ducts in the male reproductive organs, lifestyle factors and age-related factors. Azoospermia or the inability to produce sperm is the cause of approximately 15% of male infertility cases. The inability to conceive a child is the main sign of male infertility, and may be the sole sign.