Opium comes from the seedpod of the opium poppy, which contains a variety of alkaloids that can be extracted, including morphine, codeine, and thebaine (paramorphine). These can be purified and used as opiate narcotic drugs for pain relief. Opium was used for pain relief for centuries before it was discovered how to purify it. It was smoked as well as ingested and still may be used in that way in some countries where it is produced....
We now understand that from the moment we’re born, sleep is essential—and not just to make sure we’re happy and energized. It’s even more important for children whose brains and bodies are rapidly growing and developing. For this reason, the amount of sleep kids need changes as they get older. Here, find out why getting enough sleep is so critical for children, plus how much they need during different phases of life....
Parenting is messy and complicated and can be stressful at times. Many of us are looking for ways to make our lives easier. Whether you send your child to daycare or school, there are ways to ensure that transition is seamless. A successful nighttime routine can make all the difference in keeping school mornings smooth and stress-free. We’ve turned to the experts to share their knowledge on how and why you need a predictable nighttime routine to ensure an efficient morning the next day....
The period talk. Perhaps one of the most written about and fraught coming-of-age moments, this important conversation allows parents to help their child understand what will happen to their bodies, and how to manage this biological function for the next several decades. But what happens when a parent who doesn’t menstruate is tasked with the responsibility of having this talk with their child? How can they relate? We sat down with experts to learn more about how non-menstruating parents can feel empowered in this major developmental milestone and how to make this conversation go smoothly for everyone involved....
Do you frequently have homework struggles with your child or teen? Or, does your student procrastinate doing their work? Maybe they even fail to turn in assignments. If any of these scenarios resonate with you, a better homework schedule may help. A regular homework schedule establishes predictable times when homework is to be completed. Once the homework schedule has been in place for a few weeks, you may even find your child will begin doing their homework without needing to be reminded—although you may still need to monitor their work progress....
Making friends can be tough for anyone, but it may be particularly challenging for those with social anxiety disorder (SAD). Social anxiety is a type of anxiety that causes people to feel extremely nervous and self-conscious in social situations. This often leads to the avoidance of social situations, which can make it difficult to form and maintain friendships. If you are living with SAD, you may want to make friends but do not know where to start....
Periods of stress, especially when prolonged, can impact our ability to care for ourselves and others. COVID-19 has shown this to be true for many, and unfortunately, our partners are often directly impacted by these struggles. Key Takeaways New intervention techniques can improve partner closeness and intimacy beyond what you might get from watching a movie together.Maintaining closeness can improve stress during COVID-19, in addition to strengthening your relationship. Given the uncertainty of the pandemic’s longevity and other stressors, relationship health is an ongoing and increasing concern for mental health professionals....
Using the Pros and Cons is a skill taught in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), a cognitive behavior approach to borderline personality disorder (BPD). During DBT, this tool is used to help you evaluate whether or not to engage in impulsive behaviors or aggressive actions. But this tool can help you think through other kinds of decisions too. By thinking through the consequences of what may happen and by evaluating what your goal is for your behavior, you can help manage your symptoms....
Racism is increasingly recognized as a factor that plays a role in mental health as well as disparities in mental health care. This can be particularly true among many of the most marginalized groups, including Indigenous communities. Indigenous communities can be found in countries throughout the world and make up an estimated 5% of the world’s total population. While these communities are unique and differ from one another in a variety of ways, they do have a shared history of trauma, forced migration, discrimination, and segregation that have had lasting effects on generations of Indigenous peoples....
Being cheated on by a loved one can be emotionally devastating. It can traumatize you and make it difficult for you to function. So much so that the experience can be similar to having post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), says Sabrina Romanoff, PsyD, a clinical psychologist and professor at Yeshiva University, who specializes in issues related to relationships. Post Infidelity Stress Disorder (PISD) Post infidelity stress disorder is a type of anxiety disorder you may experience after finding out a loved one has been unfaithful to you....
Intimacy versus isolation is the sixth stage of Erik Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development, which happens after the fifth stage of identity vs role confusion. This stage takes place during young adulthood between the ages of approximately 19 and 40. The major conflict at this stage of life centers on forming intimate, loving relationships with other people. Success at this stage leads to fulfilling relationships. Struggling at this stage, on the other hand, can result in feelings of loneliness and isolation....
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) occurs after a traumatic event and interferes with a person’s ability to function. You may wonder if you or someone you care about has PTSD, and whether you need to get professional help. If you are experiencing symptoms of PTSD, it is important to see a doctor so that you can get the right diagnosis and treatment. The Difference Between PTSD and Stress Not everyone who has experienced a traumatic event will develop PTSD....
A strong core can help you maintain proper exercise form, allowing you to avoid injury and stay active for longer as you age. Ab machines are great because they make targeting your abs easier. When it comes to picking ab machines, choose one “that lets you train in multiple planes of motion, not just up and down like crunches,” Parker Oliver, CFSC, certified functional strength coach and chief operating officer of BRX Performance, says....
Trail running can be an invigorating and restorative way to experience a cardio workout. It’s no wonder why some runners prefer to venture off-road—running in clean air and green spaces can actually boost your motivation to run and make the experience even more restorative. But, for an enjoyable and safe workout off-road, it’s important to find a pair of shoes that can offer enough traction, cushioning, support, and protection for unmanicured trails....
Smoking tobacco poses dangerous heath risks for anyone, but it is even more hazardous for alcoholics—even those who are in recovery. Because years of heavy drinking damages or weakens the body’s systems, alcoholics are more susceptible to the dangers of tobacco use more so than other smokers. Tobacco-related disease is two to four times more prevalent among alcoholics than that of the general population. Alcoholics who smoke are less likely to die from an alcoholic-related illness than they are a tobacco-related disease....
Child support is money paid by one parent to the other parent for the purpose of providing financial support to a child or children. Most frequently, child support is paid by the non-custodial parent to the custodial parent, but this is not always the case. Depending on where you live and the agreement you reach, the child support you pay or receive and what expenses it should cover will vary....
Couples and families face unique problems, which is why they often seek out help from marriage and family therapists. These professionals are trained to deal specifically with interpersonal issues that arise in individuals, couples, families, and groups. Professionals who work in this field often use a variety of psychotherapeutic techniques. They may work with individuals, couples, or families to treat illness, improve communication, and strengthen relationships. What They Do Marriage and family therapists assess, diagnose and treat mental illness and psychological distress within the context of the marriage and family systems....
What Is Primal Therapy? Primal therapy is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on helping people connect with their deepest emotions and feelings. The goal of primal therapy is to help people resolve psychological issues by allowing them to express their emotions and feelings in a safe and supportive environment. Primal therapy was developed in the 1960s by Dr. Arthur Janov, a psychologist and psychoanalyst.In his book “The Primal Scream,” Janov outlined his theory of primal therapy....
Many think that the missionary position (man on top, woman on bottom) is the best intercourse position to get pregnant. However, there’s no research to back up that claim. Any intercourse position that gets sperm near the cervix (or vagina, for that matter) can get you pregnant. Sperm will swim up the reproductive tract with or without the help of gravity. Positions to get pregnant may include: Man on top, woman on bottom (aka “missionary position”)Woman on top, man on bottomSide-by-side"Doggy style," or rear-entryEdge of the bedRight angle sex That said, if the woman is lying on her back when ejaculation occurs, that may possibly improve the chances of conception....
It may be unspoken, but sometimes, parents of multiples do have a favorite child. Of course, this doesn’t mean that they don’t love each of their children, but rather that they may feel more bonded to one over another. For decades, research has shown that there may be something about one multiple that particularly resonates with the parent, such as a shared trait, attitude, appearance, or interest. Or it could simply be a special closeness that happens to occur for any number of reasons....
