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COVID-19 and African American Deaths

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After the breakout of the COVID-19 pandemic, every country started applying different measures to stop its spread and treat people. Health officials in New Orleans realized that African American low-income neighborhoods are hot spots for the virus.

As a result, officials started using a different strategy, sending mobile vans for testing in these areas. People were offended by this racial strategy. The latest data shows that the death ratio of African Americans is three times higher than that of white people.

The American Public Media (APM) nonpartisan research laboratory has released its new figures titled “Colors of Coronavirus”. This report offers evidence of an astounding divide in death rates, due to COVID-19, between African Americans and the remaining people.

In the country, the death rate for black Americans is 50.3 in every 100,000 people, which is more than double, when compared to other people: 22.7 in Asian Americans, 22.9 in Latinos, and 20.7 in Americans in general. Over 20,000 African Americans have died in the USA from this disease.

The Statistics Are Different in Each State

Limited national data is available to track outcomes of COVID-19 by race, local municipalities and states started sharing their numbers one by one. The major hotspots of the disease are Louisiana, Illinois, and New York. In Louisiana, 70% COVID-19 deaths are among African Americans. 

In Michigan almost 14% of the population was infected, and the death rate is 40%. Moreover, the death rate in Chicago is 56%, with 30% of the total population infected. The death rate among black people in New York is two times higher than that of white people.  

The Trump administration has had a lazy response to this crisis. The disparities are clearly reflected in the data available. Lack of guidance from the Federal Government is becoming another problem. Unfortunately, the government has no plan to deal with this situation.

Racial Tracking of COVID-19

Data collection of the COVID-19 pandemic can be divided by race or ethnic group. Deaths from Coronavirus in African Americans are two times higher than that of the remaining population. In the previously mentioned four states, the rate is three times higher.

Why Are Black Americans at a Disadvantage?      

African Americans face higher rates of underlying health conditions, such as lung disease, heart disease, and diabetes; these conditions are associated with severe Coronavirus cases, leading to more deaths.

Unfortunately, black Americans lack access to treatment and diagnostic testing for the disease. According to Nunez Smith, these people have limited access to good health care facilities, despite making up a disproportionate part of frontline job workers – as a result, their exposure to the virus is increased.

Several reports highlight that this pandemic hit black Americans more severely. Comorbidities, such as diabetes and hypertension are tied to complications with COVID-19, and disproportionately impact the African American community. 

Infections in Hispanics

     Hispanics and Latinos also test positive for the virus at a higher rate when compared to other peoples. In Virginia, for instance, there are over 12,000 cases, and 49% of these correspond to minority individuals. 

Similar to African Americans, there are more Latinos in essential services. As a result, they are more exposed to the virus. Multi-generational dense housing conditions, and poverty, further encourage the spread of the virus.

The uneven number of deaths is not as stark for Latinos as it is for African Americans. The main reason is that their population is younger when compared to African Americans. Unfortunately, data from smaller minorities is not available. There are 136 deaths among Native Americans from COVID-19.

Limited Protections to Prevent Exposure

Mainly, black-dominated counties of the United States are facing infection at a three-fold higher rate, and their death rate is six times higher when compared to white counties. Most of these communities are poor zones with higher housing density, higher unemployment rates, and restricted access to educational opportunities. Undoubtedly, low socioeconomic rank is an independent risk factor when considering the current Coronavirus pandemic.

Cannabis

Herb: Explore the Superb Collection of Cannabis Products

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 Herb is one of the top-notch cannabis brands in the USA and is transforming the way cannabis products are seen. The debate surrounding cannabis is endless, yet herb has become one of the major benefactors of CBD products in the USA. With its natural, efficient, and environment friendly collection of cannabis products, it can be named “the paradises of cannabis”. 

From original cannabis flowers to CBD capsules, the firm provides all sorts of cannabis products. Even the recipes available on their site are scrumptious enough to make your meals special and rejuvenating. 

So, how did this paradise of CBD came to existence? Let’s dive into its past:

Founded in 2014 by Matt Gray, Herb is all about eradicating the speculation surrounding cannabis. Back then it was impossible to find any cannabis recipe other than weed brownie. Being a cannabis fan, Matt began his search for new recipes. 

The work started in his garage. In the beginning, it was just a place for finding great recipes, but people wanted more. Consumers often complained about not getting the right ingredients to complete the recipes. To meet the demand Matt established “Herb” and within a few years, it was the favorite destination of cannabis lovers. 

Matt believed that cannabis was sinking under the cultural and historical disbelief, and it was time people start benefiting from it. He believes that cannabis can change a million lives with its therapeutic nature.  

Herb has helped put the scare behind cannabis to the ground and simplified the process of finding the right product. With more than 14 million consumers, the company is putting the myths associated with Cannabis to bed. The very proof of the fact is – the 265 million viewers available for their videos. Right now, the company is aiming to provide cannabis anywhere in the world within 15 minutes. 

Looking for Cannabis induced supplements and pills to put an end to your daily woes? One of the best places to get 100% natural and tested cannabis product is herb.co. The website opens with a beautiful quote “Herb is Cannabis for You, near you.” Roll down to see a variety of cannabis products including CBD oil, THC Oil Sativa drops CBD capsules, pre-rolls, vape pens, and even fresh cannabis flowers. 

Rest assured the company provides only naturally grown and environment-friendly cannabis products. Obtain it in any form and you won’t have to worry about its efficiency and originality. 

Such vast array of CBD products have helped meet consumers’ demand. One can also get regular updates about cannabis and the laws related to it right at the websites. The information mentioned there has been helping people understand the existing laws and their particular rights. 

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Cannabis

The Other Face of Cannabis

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The cannabis plant is not just confined to marijuana which is rich in THC chemical compound that gives you the psychoactive “high” feelings. There is another breed of this plant which is known as hemp. There are numerous varieties of chemical compounds present in the cannabis plant most of which are still undiscovered. However, the chemical compound CBD is proved to be beneficial in many aspects in recent years. Hemp is rich in CBD and contains less than 0.3% THC. CBD does not give your brain the psychoactive rush at all. And so, this area, grabs researchers’ attention the most and has also opened booming opportunities for using hemp in various products such as makeup, food supplements and even medicine.

Hemp in Makeup.

Our prime object of discussion today is using hemp in makeup products. Yes, it has been legalized to make industrialized use of cannabis plants in the hemp form in the majority of states. Its use in cosmetics has lesser restrictions in most countries than that of restriction on hemp or CBD infused products in foods or supplements or medicines. 

Not only has the use of hemp in cosmetics become legalized but it has also become fan-favorite of many consumers making the emergence of hemp-line cosmetic industries more widespread by the day. Popular brands such as NYX and Body Shop has launched hemp-infused beauty products and is continuing to expand in doing so. 

The reason for hemp cosmetics is becoming so popular is because of its evident benefits. It has been clinically proved for hemp to be rich in vitamins A and C and E. The hemp seed oils are also enriched balanced and high essential fatty acid oils that are soothing to the skin with skin rejuvenating properties. That is why this particular extract is increasingly being used in lotions, body washes, lip balms, shampoos, conditioners and even in massage oils.  The oil also contains the rare gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) which can be used in sunscreen for its effective UV protection properties. It is also rich in amino acid and multiple antioxidant components. As a result, hemp-based products work excellently for people with sensitive skin. It also acts as an effective skin-soothing component against burns, itches, rashes or allergies. 

Hemp seed oils have also become popular for being used in makeup products such as lipstick, mascara, highlighters, etc. it has grabbed considerable consumer attention firstly because of its newness and secondly because of the benefits imposed by it on the skin making you look both pretty and taking care of your skin at the same time. 

It is however a common misconception held by many on the ethics regarding usage of cannabis-infused makeup and beauty products. But the more scientific research is made on this, the more logics are being made against such ethical misconceptions. Hence, these products are being made and used increasingly in the market.

Top ten beauty lines to use hemp in beauty products.

Congress is many countries that have passed a bill on the legalization of industrial hemp production that is high in CBD and has significantly low THC content. At the same time, the restriction on hemp-infused products is more lenient when it comes to cosmetics. And so, within the US alone there has been the establishment of companies such as Dr. Bronner’s, Hippie Butter, Skinvisible Pharmaceuticals, CannaSkin, etc. the aforementioned companies manufacture products that are sole of the cannabis-line including makeup products as well as skincare ones. They are becoming signature products with time because of clinically proved benefits that have also been ensured by consumers. 

Other existing companies such as L’oreal, Body Shop, Lush and NYX also introduced cannabis-infused products. 

Lush introduced an organic hair treatment formula infused with hemp oil. Maison Margiela made a unique toilette that has the essence of cannabis in it. Milk Makeup brought a revolutionary Kush High Volume Mascara that is derived from hemp seed oil which is reputed to boost your eyelashes and also improve the growth of your lashes while ensuring you have the perfect fresh eye look. This product has become so popular that many would use this new product over their regularly used ones. Body Shop has brought about its best-selling hand cream with antibacterial properties because of the hemp oil essence in it. This product is sold every nine seconds around the globe. Body Shop also launched other hemp-infused products such as essential oils, masks, face cream, etc. Popular beauty lines such as NYX launched separate hemp-infused product lines which consist of a face primer, lip balm, etc. the hemp-infused roll-on highlighter by Kaja has also become a popular product.

Due to legalization issues, such products are not widely available everywhere. However, these products have gained significant popularity in the states in which their use is legalized. The fact that such products are available in Sephora pretty much explains its validation. Even though medical use and benefits of CBD are still in question because of its possible side effects, such factors are out of the question when it comes to beauty products.

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Education

Aromatherapy With Essential Oils: How Does It Work?

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Aromatherapy refers to the use of essential oils for complementary and alternative therapies. It is a form of natural healing treatment that uses aromatic compounds to improve health and well-being. Aromatherapy with essential oils is known to help treat psychological and physical health problems by reducing stress, anxiety, pain, nausea, vomiting, and poor sleep. Because it helps improve the mind and body, cancer patients use aromatherapy to complement their treatment regimen. Also, aromatherapy may be supplemented with treatments such as massage and acupuncture.

Essential oils are aromatic oils found in many plants. These oils are extracted from the surface of leaves, bark, or peel. Extracting oils may be through crushing the plant or using a specialised steam process, both of which release the desired fragrance. 

Types of Essential Oils

There are several oils used in aromatherapy, and each has different chemical compounds that affect its smell, absorption, and body effects. These essential oils include:

  • Roman Chamomile
  • Geranium 
  • Lavender 
  • Peppermint
  • Tea Tree 
  • Lemon 
  • Ginger
  • Cedarwood
  • Bergamot

How Is Aromatherapy with Essential Oils Done?

There are three methods of doing  aromatherapy. This includes the following:

  • Indirect inhalation wherein the patient inhales an essential oil with the use of a room diffuser that spreads the fragrance of the essential oil in the air. In the absence of a room diffuser, simply placing drops of the essential oil on a piece of tissue or cotton and placing it near the patient will do.
  • Direct inhalation, wherein the patient inhales an essential oil with the help of an individual inhaler. It is made by placing drops of essential oil on hot water.
  • Massage, wherein the essential oils are mixed with massage oils before applying to the skin. 

Aside from the aromatherapy methods mentioned, the essential oils can also be used in other ways. This includes mixing with bath salts or applying to bandages.

Is Aromatherapy Effective?

No study says aromatherapy can treat cancer, but it may help with the treatment. Its benefits include promoting the psychological and physical well-being of cancer patients. Several clinical trials were conducted for the benefits of aromatherapy; these include:

Anxiety and Depression

There were reports that cancer patients who had essential oils used in their massage treatment had decreased anxiety. Another group who had the same massage therapy but without essential oils did not have the same effect.

Poor Sleep

There were reports that there is an improvement in sleep, tiredness, and drowsiness for cancer patients undergoing intensive chemotherapy. Lavender, peppermint, and chamomile essential oils were spread using a diffuser. This was done overnight for three weeks.

Dry mouth

It is reported that essential oils help in the production of saliva. During treatment, the salivary glands may be damaged due to radioactive iodine. A mixture of lemon and ginger essential oils was used for the study. 

Nausea and vomiting

There were reports that acute nausea of breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy was somewhat decreased after inhaling ginger essential oil. 

Procedure-related symptoms

Less anxiety on women undergoing breast biopsies was reported when lavender-sandalwood essential oil drops were placed on an aromatherapy tab placed on their hospital gowns. Reduced pain was also reported in cancer patients when needles are inserted in a central venous port catheter.

Are There Risks and Side Effects?

During clinical trials and safety testing of essential oils, only a few side effects and risks were reported. The Food and Drug Administration had labelled essential oils “Generally Recognized as Safe”. However, it is not recommended to ingest large amounts of essential oils.

Side effects of essential oils on the skin may include allergic reactions and irritations. However, this may only occur when essential oils are left on the skin for a long time. Other risks include a decrease in male sex hormones. Studies reveal that lavender and tea tree essential oils have similar effects to female sex hormones. Furthermore, applying these essential oils for some time may be linked to breast growth in young boys.

Conclusion

The use of essential oils through aromatherapy can help and complement the treatment of cancer patients. However, even if it is a natural form of healing treatment, essential oils should not be used in large amounts. Follow the instructions and prescriptions when applying them to avoid risks and side effects.

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