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Survey reveals skyrocketing interest in marijuana and cannabinoids for pain

2019-09-03T08:01:00

(BPT) – Millennials lead the escalating interest in marijuana and cannabinoid compounds for managing pain — with older generations not far behind — and yet most are unaware of potential risks. Three-quarters (75%) of Americans who expressed interest in using marijuana or cannabinoids to address pain are under the impression they are safer or have fewer side effects than opioids or other medications, according to a nationwide survey commissioned by the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA).

More than two-thirds of those surveyed said they have used or would consider using marijuana or cannabinoid compounds — including cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) — to manage pain. Nearly three-quarters of millennials fall in that category, with 37% noting they have used them for pain. Two-thirds of Gen Xers and baby boomers expressed interest, with 25% of Gen Xers and 18% of baby boomers saying they have used them for pain.

“As experts in managing pain, physician anesthesiologists are concerned about the lack of research regarding the safety and effectiveness of marijuana and cannabinoids,” said ASA President Dr. Linda J. Mason, FASA. “The good news is that until the research is completed and we fully understand the risks and potential benefits, physician anesthesiologists today can develop a personalized plan for patients’ pain drawing from effective alternatives such as non-opioid medications and other therapies, including injections, nerve blocks, physical therapy, radio waves and spinal cord stimulation.”

ASA members express concern that patients in pain are unaware marijuana and cannabinoids may not be safer than other medications, that they can have side effects — ranging from excessive sleepiness to liver damage — and more importantly that these products are not regulated or monitored for quality.

Misunderstandings about marijuana and cannabinoid safety and oversight

Results of the nationwide survey of adults 18 or older confirm physician anesthesiologists’ concerns. When respondents who said they have used or would consider using marijuana or cannabinoids were asked why, the majority (62%) said they believe them to be safer than opioids and 57% believe they have fewer side effects than other medications.

Marijuana and cannabinoids are in uncharted territory with no way for people to know exactly what they are purchasing. Even though it is widely available, CBD is not regulated. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved only one prescription version of CBD for patients with one of two rare forms of epilepsy. (No form of marijuana is approved by the FDA and the federal government considers it a controlled substance and illegal.) Thirty-three states and Washington, D.C., have legalized marijuana in some form (for recreational or medical use) but all set their own regulations, which vary widely. Further, studies have shown that no matter what the label says, the actual ingredients may differ, and may contain dangerous synthetic compounds, pesticides and other impurities.

Yet the survey results reflect a significant misunderstanding of that reality. Among all surveyed (including those who said they would never use marijuana or cannabinoids):

  • Only a little more than half (57%) believe more research is needed;
  • More than one-third (34%) don’t feel the need to discuss using these products with their doctor;
  • Nearly three out of five (58%) think they have fewer side effects than other medications;
  • Nearly half (48%) think they know what they are getting with marijuana or cannabinoids; and
  • 40% believe CBD sold at grocery stores, truck stops, health food stores or medical marijuana dispensaries is approved by the FDA. The younger the generation, the more likely they were to believe that is the case.

The ASA recently endorsed two bills that seek to expand research on CBD and marijuana: H.R. 601, the “Medical Cannabis Research Act of 2019” and S. 2032, the “Cannabidiol and Marihuana Research Expansion Act.”

For more information about pain management alternatives visit https://www.asahq.org/whensecondscount/pain-management/non-opioid-treatment/. To learn more about the critical role physician anesthesiologists play in medical care, including surgery, visit www.asahq.org/WhenSecondsCount.

The five-question Caravan Survey was conducted online by Engine, Aug. 5-7, 2019, among 1,005 adults, comprising 503 men and 502 women, 18 years or older.

Founded in 1905, the American Society of Anesthesiologists is an educational, research and scientific society with more than 53,000 members organized to raise and maintain the standards of the medical practice of anesthesiology.

For more information on the field of anesthesiology, visit asahq.org or follow the group on Facebook or Twitter.


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Tips for picking the perfect pet

2019-09-03T09:01:01

(BPT) – Choosing the perfect pet for your family begins with doing your homework beforehand to determine the age, size and temperament of your ideal dog or cat. The whole family can share in the matchmaking fun.

Will your newest family member be an independent feline or a playful, social cat? A rambunctious, energetic dog or a laid-back lap pup? Will you fall in love with a beautiful long-haired cat or a domestic shorthair? Will you choose a gorgeous long-coated dog or a wash-and-wear short-coat type?

Dr. Kurt Venator, Purina Chief Veterinary Officer, suggests, “If you are planning to bring a new pet into your family, take advantage of tools such as the Purina Dog and Cat Breed Selectors to help narrow down your choice. It also helps to look for a pet that has been fed a high-quality dog or cat food that provides optimal nutrition for a long, healthy life.”

No matter where your search lands you — at a pet shelter, rescue organization or breeder — meeting potential pet companions is exciting. Purina is proud to support pet adoptions through the Purina Shelter Champions Partner Program. The 49 shelter partners located across the country adopted out 187,473 dogs and cats in 2018, making a sizable effort in finding forever homes for adoptable pets.

Here are four questions to consider in your search for the right pet. You may find the pet chooses you.

  • What is your family dynamic? Does your family have young children under the age of 7? If so, a medium- or large-sized dog or an adult cat may be a better match than a kitten or puppy or a toy or small-sized dog that could be hurt during rowdy play. Are you an older adult seeking a companion? Consider an adult cat or a lap dog. If you choose a puppy or kitten, be prepared to educate children about safe handling. Do you have other pets? Try to find out if the cat or dog you are considering gets along with other pets.
  • What is your lifestyle? Do you work long hours with little time to exercise an energetic young dog? For some dogs, a short daily walk or backyard romp is ample exercise, yet others need a vigorous workout to stay conditioned and relaxed. Keep in mind that kittens and puppies require a time investment to train and help them develop into healthy, well-balanced adults.
  • Where do you live? Whether you live in an apartment or a house with a small- or large-fenced yard factors into the type of dog you choose. For example, if your neighbors are in close proximity, you probably don’t want a dog that frequently barks. A dog or cat that sheds a great deal may also impact your selection.
  • Why do you want a pet? Are you seeking a companion, a protector, a sporting or hunting dog, an active dog to run with you, or a friendly dog to be a playmate with your children or other pets? Maybe you want a kitten or puppy to grow up with your children?

As you filter through the type of cat or dog that will work best for your family, you are halfway there to choosing a forever best friend. Life is better when you share it with a pet.


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Why your clothes dryer is an energy hog and what you can do about it

2019-09-02T08:01:00

(BPT) – There’s nothing quite as comforting as pulling on your favorite hoodie when it’s fresh from the dryer. As much as you love luxuriating in that warmth and softness, you may not be aware just how much energy this beloved appliance burns through in a year. When it comes to energy savings in the laundry room, the dryer has long been an obstacle, and here’s why.

  • Unlike washing machines, refrigerators and other common household appliances, energy-efficient dryer models have been absent from the market. It wasn’t until 2014 when the first ENERGY STAR® Certified dryers became available. Products that earn the EPA’s ENERGY STAR label are independently certified to save energy.
  • Before then, dryer technology had stayed pretty much the same for decades. A standard dryer blows heated air into the drum chamber, removing moisture from the clothing. Then the hot, moist air is vented out of the machine (and out of the house). Because of that constant loss of heat, the machine works continuously to resupply the drum with hot air.
  • According to the EPA, the standard clothes dryer uses more energy than any appliance in a typical household, including the clothes washer and dishwasher. It uses even more than the refrigerator.

Now that energy-efficient dryers are available, here’s a look at the core technology found in ENERGY STAR certified dryers.

  • Moisture sensors detect when your clothes are dry, triggering the machine to end the cycle, saving energy and excess wear on your clothing.
  • Heat pump technology eliminates the need for venting and continuous heating. First, the air is heated through a condenser, and then it’s blown into the drum and the hot dry air is circulated with the clothes absorbing some of the water. Instead of venting the warm, moist air outside like a conventional dryer, it is pulled out of the drum and through an evaporator, which removes the moisture. The remaining warm, dry air is returned to the condenser and the cycle begins all over again. Because the air feeding into the condenser is already warm, less energy is needed to maintain the optimal temperature in the drum for drying clothes.

To save energy in the laundry room, there are plenty of choices to meet your unique needs and space requirements.

  • The energy savings from switching to an ENERGY STAR certified clothes dryer can reach 20%. For additional savings, look for certified ENERGY STAR Most Efficient models to save at least 28% compared to standard models. To maximize savings, pair it with an ENERGY STAR Most Efficient washer.
  • Some models require no ventilation, meaning you can put your laundry room wherever there’s access to power and water. Whether you live in a compact space or are just looking to relocate your laundry room to a more convenient place, energy-efficient models offer more flexibility.
  • ENERGY STAR certified dryers come in a variety of models to meet your needs. If space is tight, compact options are available that are stackable with a washer. Those who are doing laundry for a big family can find high-capacity models as well.

There are even more benefits of owning one of these super-efficient dryers. With ENERGY STAR, you are also doing your part for the environment. If all clothes dryers sold in the U.S. were ENERGY STAR certified, households would save more than $1.5 billion each year and 22 billion pounds of annual greenhouse gas emissions would be prevented, equivalent to the emissions from more than 2 million vehicles. Even better, many utilities offer generous rebates, so you can save even more money.

Learn how you can still enjoy that warm, fresh-out-of-the-dryer hoodie while you save energy and money, and do your part to protect the climate. Find available products and rebates near you by visiting energystar.gov/hpdryer.