Month: June 2024

2024-06-10T11:11:00

(BPT) – If your dad takes any excuse to get outside — whether he loves sprucing up the yard, grilling out or epic adventures — you can help him pursue his outdoor passions with just the right gift this Father’s Day.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

Support your dad’s perfect yard obsession

For dads who find joy in the straight edges of a flawlessly trimmed lawn, this STIHL FSA 60 R battery-powered trimmer will make their weekend chores a breeze. This trimmer offers a lightweight design with a brushless motor that virtually eliminates the need for maintenance — so Dad can relax and enjoy the clean, quiet benefits of battery power. Give Dad the gift of convenience and efficiency and watch his yard transform into a well-manicured masterpiece!

Cook up the hottest gift for Dad

Dad will be sure to conquer the grill with a new instant-read meat thermometer! Whether he’s grilling BBQ for the family or burger patties for the boys, this handy gadget will help his culinary creations turn out delicious every time. With quick and accurate temperature readings, overcooking and underdone meats are a thing of the past. Help Dad become the ultimate grill master with this must-have tool.

Help Dad tackle big jobs

To accomplish big backyard tasks, your dad may need a powerful tool like a STIHL MS 162 chainsaw. This lightweight and maneuverable chainsaw features reduced exhaust emissions and an anti-vibration system, offering Dad optimal comfort. Whether he’s clearing fallen branches, prepping firewood for cozy nights by the fire or taking on ambitious DIY projects, this STIHL chainsaw is up to the task.

Help your dad keep his cool

If he’s still using that old, beat-up cooler for his outdoor adventures, encourage him to upgrade in time for the dog days of summer. Today’s cooler options are, well, really cool — including coolers on wheels, backpack coolers and coolers with Bluetooth^® capabilities — available in various sizes and price points. For the ultimate outdoor experience, you could even consider a portable car fridge that plugs into his vehicle.

Celebrate your garden-loving Dad

If you want to gift your dad the manicured look of precisely trimmed ornamental plants and carefully pruned shrubs and grasses, then STIHL has the perfect tool for you — HSA 26 battery-powered garden shears. This handheld hedge trimmer provides precise, clean cuts, a lightweight construction and impressive power to inspire his gardening goals. Gift your dad all the comfort, control and flexibility he needs to turn his yard into a plant lover’s paradise.

Show your dad that you understand what he cares about most. With these ideas, you’ll be able to find something special to delight your outdoor-loving dad this year.

Find great gift ideas and special offers for your yard-obsessed dad at StihlUSA.com.

2024-06-10T07:01:00

(BPT) – Taking care of your sexual and reproductive health is an important part of your overall well-being. Many people find it hard to talk about, and there are many myths about sexuality and reproduction. To clarify some of the confusion, Dr. Mary Jane Minkin, an OB-GYN professor at Yale School of Medicine, offers the following helpful tips:

Make Annual Check-Ups a Priority

Regularly prioritizing annual OB-GYN check-ups is crucial for maintaining reproductive health and overall well-being. Regular visits allow for early detection of potential issues like cervical cancer and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which can significantly improve treatment outcomes and reduce the risk of complications. Comprehensive health monitoring during these check-ups includes tracking changes in menstrual cycles, vaginal health, and hormone levels, which can indicate broader health issues. Preventive care through screenings like Pap smears, HPV testing, pelvic exams and mammograms can catch abnormalities early, thereby reducing the risk of developing serious complications.

Additionally, annual visits provide personalized guidance on your fertility planning. Your healthcare provider can help you choose the most suitable birth control method and offer advice tailored to your specific needs and lifestyle. These visits also offer an opportunity to discuss concerns about menstrual irregularities, sexual health, and wellness, ensuring you have accurate information and consistent support.

Building a strong relationship with your healthcare provider through regular visits fosters trust and communication, making it easier to discuss sensitive issues. To maximize the benefits of your visit, make a list of concerns before you go to ensure all important topics are addressed.

Be Prepared with Contraception

Regardless of your relationship status, be smart. Be prepared for sex. During your annual medical visit, ask about different birth control options so you can choose the best method for your current lifestyle and health needs.

You can get combination pills with a prescription from your medical professional or from clinics like Planned Parenthood or carafem for a wide range of birth control options like condoms, birth control pills, emergency contraception, IUD/IUCs, birth control implants, and Depo Provera shots.

The good news is the first over-the-counter (OTC) combination estrogen and progesterone oral contraceptive pill (The Pill) is currently being developed under close FDA supervision.

Be Ready for those Unexpected “Oops” Moments

It’s critical to be prepared for unexpected “oops” moments, like when the condom breaks or after unprotected sex by taking an emergency contraceptive within 72 hours of the unprotected sex. Cadence’s Morning After Pill is available over the counter 24/7 at convenience stores like 7-Eleven at half the price of the leading brand, making it more accessible and readily available the moment it’s needed.

It’s important to note that the Morning After Pill will not terminate an existing pregnancy but can prevent one from starting if taken in time. In fact, the sooner you take it the better it works. It is approved by the FDA and won’t interfere with future fertility, regular birth control, or stop a current pregnancy because it prevents pregnancy completely by stopping the egg from meeting the sperm.

So many people confuse the Morning After Pill with the Abortion Pill. Here is an easy way to remember: Morning After Pill prevents pregnancy after unprotected sex, while the abortion pill ends an existing pregnancy.

Maintaining reproductive health and wellness is essential for overall well-being. Make annual check-ups with your health provider a priority as it helps with early detection, comprehensive health monitoring, preventive care, and personalized guidance. Being prepared with effective contraception options and knowing how to handle unexpected moments with emergency contraception empowers women to take control of their reproductive health. By following these tips, women can ensure they are well informed and prepared to manage their reproductive health confidently and effectively. For more information, visit CadenceOTC.com.

2024-06-07T07:05:00

(BPT) – Why is it so hard to find a Father’s Day gift for dad? We may never know. However, if your dad loves to fish, at least you have some options.

The fishing folks at Rapala understand this problem all too well. So, to help those seeking some really great Father’s Day gift recommendations, they invited their top fishing pros to share some ideas that will put a great big smile on Fishin’ Dads everywhere.

1. Pro dreams — Golfin’ Dads dream of playing in major golf tournaments with the world’s top golfing pros. Likewise, Fishin’ Dads dream of fishing in the Bassmaster Elite or Major League Fishing (MLF). If you’re going to fish like a pro, such as Jacob Wheeler, you need the right lures. So what’s winning? This Father’s Day, set your dad up with CrushCity softbaits, which have been responsible for generating big money for some of the top fishing pros in the country.
2. Help Dad get more organized — Some Fishin’ Dads have so many lures, tools, etc., they simply can’t find what they need, when they need it. Help your Fishin’ Dad spend more time fishing and less time looking for the right lures with a durable, see-through tackle tray.
3. Protect Dad from the damaging UV rays — If your dad spends any amount of time in the sun fishing, he needs to protect his skin from damaging UV rays. Help him take care of himself with a cool, but protective long-sleeve, lightweight hoodie with UPF 50+ UV protection.
4. Fishin’ Dads love their new gear — Lures, tackle boxes, new fishing line, clothes — these are all great. But, if you really want to get Fishin’ Dad excited, surprise him with a new rod and reel! If your dad loves bass fishing, consider getting him an Omen spinning rod and Axum spinning reel by 13 Fishing, a brand that makes rods and reels for tournament bass pros.
5. Dads love telling fishin’ stories — Every angler loves to share fishing stories with their fishin’ buddies. Well, let’s be honest, anyone who will listen. To give your dad something to start the conversation, get him a 29-inch replica fishing lure and let him talk about “you need a big lure for the big fish.”
6. Measure up — Some Fishin’ Dads really want to know how much their fish weigh. To help him know exactly how much his next catch weighs, get him a tournament-grade digital scale.
7. Put a cap on it — Like lures, a Fishin’ Dad can’t have enough caps. If you want Dad to look good on the water, set him up with a snapback trucker cap that’s as cool as him.
8. Proven lures that work — Do you have a Fishin’ Dad who only buys stuff that is proven? In other words, they avoid the new and trendy? For this kind of Fishin’ Dad, a proven winner is needed — a classic, if you will. You won’t go wrong by getting him a DT, a lure that dives to the exact depth that an angler is trying to reach fish. It’s been a long-time favorite among tournament pros for years.
9. Big value for Frugal Dad — Some of us love a Frugal Dad. He’s the kind of dad who truly appreciates a great deal. For a frugal dad who fishes, check out the Blue Fox Super Vibrax Tri-Pack — three lures in one package that are proven to catch fish. Such a deal.
10. Keep Dad safe from himself — If you have a Fishin’ Dad who keeps his fishing lures — hooks and all — on his fishing rod, do him a favor by giving him some lure wraps to prevent him from getting his hands accidently caught on those lures.

2024-06-05T13:59:00

(BPT) – Summer is the perfect season for outdoor fun and a great time for families to focus on health and wellness! There are so many ways to enjoy activities that get you and your family moving and grooving in the summer sun, as well as delicious and nutritious foods to fuel those outdoor adventures.

Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner recommends five tips that will allow you to enjoy the sunshine while keeping your mind and body energized.

1. Try different types of movement

Healthy movement doesn’t have to always look the same, and it doesn’t have to be boring. You can have a blast while maintaining your wellness, such as playing pickleball, swimming laps to cool off, going paddle boarding or enjoying a lively game of beach volleyball with friends. A trending sport like pickleball is especially fun this time of year, because it’s easy to pick up and can be played by anyone no matter the age or skill level. It’s a fantastic way to get moving, meet new friends and have a ton of fun!

2. Hydrate with coconut water

Water alone is great for hydration, but it isn’t always enough on those super hot days. Try drinking coconut water with a pinch of sea salt to replace the electrolytes you lose by working up a sweat in the heat. It’s low in calories and doesn’t have the added sugar or artificial coloring you may find in sports drinks. Plus, the naturally sweet taste is a great thirst quencher on a warm day.

3. Energize with foods rich in Vitamin B12 early in the day

B12 helps support energy production and keeps you going throughout an active summer day. If you’re looking for foods to add to your diet that are rich in Vitamin B12, try incorporating more dairy products like yogurt and milk, eggs and fish. B12 is naturally found in animal-based foods, but you can also get it in fortified foods such as some plant milks and cereal.

4. Snack on magnesium-rich foods in the evening

Magnesium is great for people with active lifestyles because it supports muscle health, but it also can help you sleep. The Sleep Foundation reports that magnesium helps with duration and quality of sleep, which is important for recovery, especially for those who are more active during the day. When you’re winding down for the night, try snacking on a magnesium trail mix of almonds, pumpkin seeds and dark chocolate.

5. Recover and refuel

After an active day, whether you’re playing pickleball or swimming laps in the pool, enjoy a recovery meal with quality carbs, proteins and healthy fats. Egg-centric meals are a great choice, and it’s important to know that not all eggs are created equal. Eggland’s Best eggs contain 25% less saturated fat, more than double the omega-3s and Vitamin B12 and ten times more Vitamin E compared to ordinary eggs, making them a great nutritious option to incorporate into your meals, before or after hitting the pickleball court.

Try this delicious Scrambled Oats recipe, made with Eggland’s Best eggs, that will get the job done after a day of summer fun! Bonus: It’s quick, easy and packed with essential vitamins and nutrients needed for energy. To learn more, or for more great recipes, visit Eggland’s Best.

Plus, Eggland’s Best is giving families across America a chance to win a Grand Prize of $5,000 and a VIP pickleball experience with the Eggland’s Best “Serves Up Summer” Sweepstakes. Now through July 16, Eggland’s Best invites fans to enter daily at EBFamilySweeps.com for a chance to win the Grand Prize and incredible weekly prize packs of pickleball swag that encourage nutrition, fitness and fun!

Scrambled Oats

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Yield/Total Servings: 2

Ingredients:

• 2 Eggland’s Best eggs, large
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 ripe banana
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1.5 cups 2% plain Greek yogurt
• 1 cup fresh berries

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mash banana, whisk in Eggland’s Best eggs, and stir in oats and cinnamon.

2. In a skillet over medium heat, brush on olive oil.

3. Add mixture to skillet, spread out like a pancake, and cook undisturbed for about 5 minutes, until golden.

4. Break up the oat mixture and “scramble” it like you would eggs, until all the pieces are golden.

5. Serve on Greek yogurt and top with berries.

Additional Notes:

Eat immediately or refrigerate leftovers in a covered container for up to 4 days.

Allergy Info: vegetarian, no added sugar, whole grain (gluten free if made with gluten free oats)

2024-06-05T08:01:01

(BPT) – With the kickoff of summer, and #GlobalRunningDay, many of us are motivated to slip into our sneakers and head outside for a run. A good run enhances strength, contributes to cardiovascular fitness, builds muscle endurance and is a great way to shed pounds. It’s also a boost for your mental health. A recent study in Neuroscience News found aerobic exercise like running leads to an increase in levels of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine — chemicals that regulate your mood. It also helps promote better sleep, relaxes stress hormones and increases brain function.

So, take this as your sign to get out there! But, in addition to the right footwear, a killer playlist and an interesting route for your workout, it’s vital to focus on nutrition. Regardless of the distance or duration of your run, sports nutrition is an important key to your performance.

Most runners know they should get some carbs, protein, and stay hydrated. But how much, and when? Before, during or after your run? Dana Ryan, Ph.D., MA, MBA, director of Sports Performance, Nutrition and Education and Chair of the Fitness Advisory Board at Herbalife, offers these tips to get moving with good nutrition.

Start with the basics. Whether you’re a distance runner or a new jogger working up to your first mile, a good basic diet is the building block for great performance. Fruits, veggies, lean protein, healthy fats and good carbohydrates are a must.

Pre-workout boost. As you near your run, you want to focus on liquids. One to two hours before your workout, drink a protein shake that includes carbohydrates. Protein helps your brain and body function and gives you an energy boost, and those carbs keep you going. Within 30 minutes of your run, a pre-workout drink that contains caffeine and nitric oxide precursors is a good option. The two things you want to avoid pre workout are fiber and fat as they are hard for the body to digest.

Hydrate! This is vital before, during and after your workout. Proper hydration is essential not only for general body functions, but also boosts performance and mitigates dehydration during running. Runners need to maintain body water balance, because water provides nourishment that the body needs for almost every single function. It also helps limit changes in body temperature. For hydration, water alone is great. Water with electrolytes kicks it up a notch. Herbalife24 CR7 Drive was designed to support athletes. It enhances hydration with 320 mg of electrolytes that you can lose during exercise, and B12.

Carb it up. For many dieters, carbs are taboo. But for runners, or people who do other high-intensity workouts, carbs are key to performance. If you’ve ever run out of steam or hit a wall during a workout, it could be because you’re low on carbs. While running, it’s crucial to replace what the body is losing, namely carbohydrates and electrolytes. One’s body fatigues because of the depletion of carbohydrate reserves and dehydration due to loss of water and electrolytes in sweat, both of which hinder sports performance. So, for every hour of running, consume about 30 to 60 grams of carbohydrates through a sports drink.

Finish with protein. Immediately following the completion of a run, make sure to get some protein in. Within 30 minutes of finishing your workout, consume 20 to 40 grams of high-quality protein, no matter how long the run was. And for those longer runs, add in some carbohydrates to be closer to a 3:1 carbohydrate-to-protein ratio. Why? Protein after a run helps your muscles repair and recover. The amino acids in protein help build lean muscle, which is exactly what you want.

No matter your fitness level, nutrition is an important part of getting the most out of your workout. Now, get out there and move!

2024-06-05T07:31:00

(BPT) – It’s difficult to distance ourselves from screens; they follow us everywhere — in the car, into stores, at restaurants and all around our houses. Children often become reliant on screens for entertainment, and parents sometimes use screens as a distraction. While there’s high-quality, educational digital content available, even too much of a good thing can be detrimental. It’s important for parents to make sure their children are experiencing a well-rounded mix of free play, both inside and outside, along with technology usage.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend children under the age of 18 months have no screen time except for video chatting, and children ages 2 to 5 spend no more than one hour per day watching a device.

The harmful effects of screen time have been well researched. In fact, evidence suggests that even television shows claiming to be stimulating and educational are not as effective for infants and toddlers as face-to-face interactions with a caregiver. Too much screen time has also been linked to poor sleep, delays in language and social skills, obesity, behavior problems and more. Allowing children to play in a setting that is unstructured, open-ended and encourages exploration is more beneficial than placing them in front of a device.

So, what can parents do to help their children escape the all-consuming screen? Get outside!

According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), outdoor play is essential for the healthy development of children. Not only does outdoor play promote physical health but it also helps children make connections to the real world and develops their STEM skills. Plus, fresh air and exposure to sunlight have numerous health benefits for children, including stress reduction and better sleep.

Children can sometimes be resistant to heading outside, especially if they’re interrupted during screen time. Head off potential complaints by setting a timer and letting them know that once they’re done, it will be time to play outside. Let them pick out their shoes and give them two choices of activity so they feel empowered and in control.

Experts at Kiddie Academy^® Educational Child Care recommend several outdoor activities developed from their proprietary Life Essentials^® curriculum to help parents get children excited about spending time outside.

• Infants can enjoy several outdoor activities like tummy time on a blanket in the park, wiggling their toes in the grass and listening to bird sounds.
• Toddlers benefit from going on nature walks and discovering items like pinecones and leaves and helping their caregivers plant flowers, fruits and vegetables.
• For active preschoolers and older children, make an obstacle course challenge with chalk and other items like tactile discs, hula hoops, pool noodles and more. Older children also enjoy searching for bugs and creating art from things found in nature.

Unstructured outdoor play, like spending time in the sandbox or on a playground, includes fun activities that give children of all ages the opportunity to explore independently. Parents should feel free to sit back and just observe these times, making sure their children are safe while allowing them to discover the magic of outdoor play on their own.

“In addition to enhancing well-being, outdoor play helps children understand their role in the world so they can be good stewards of our planet,” said Samina Hooda, co-owner of Kiddie Academy of Mercer Crossing in Dallas.

Help your children develop a love of the outdoors at an early age and watch them flourish — emotionally, physically and intellectually.

2024-06-04T08:01:00

(BPT) – Individuals are seeking simple ways to add protein into their meals. Enter cottage cheese: a powerhouse food that can be incorporated into everything from toast toppings and smoothies to pastas and even desserts.

When looking for cottage cheese, reach for a brand like Breakstone’s, known for hand-crafted, high-quality dairy since 1882. An East Coast favorite for generations, Breakstone’s 2% lowfat cottage cheese is creamy, delicious and provides 13 grams of protein per serving, which is 20% or more of the daily recommended value of protein in one serving.

Lauren Clark, manager of culinary research and development at Lactalis Heritage Dairy, a subsidiary of Lactalis USA, and part of Lactalis Group, the world’s leading dairy company, emphasizes that consumers are looking for ways to incorporate cottage cheese into everyday recipes. “I turn to Breakstone’s 2% lowfat cottage cheese because it is packed with protein and offers 10% of your daily recommended value of calcium,” she explains. “It takes the guesswork out of making the most out of mealtime.”

One of the greatest appeals of cottage cheese is its versatility that appeals to all age groups.

• For breakfast enthusiasts, Breakstone’s 2% lowfat cottage cheese can be blended into smoothies or breakfast bowls to start the day. Combined with fruits, vegetables, and a dash of honey or cinnamon, cottage cheese creates a creamy base that adds depth to morning blends.
• At lunchtime, Breakstone’s 2% lowfat cottage cheese can be easily incorporated into a variety of favorite dishes to satisfy tastebuds to conquer a busy day. Cottage cheese provides endless options for a midday lift, from avocado toast upgrades to elevating a classic Greek salad.
• Come dinnertime, put an unexpected twist on a cheese board appetizer, or Breakstone’s 2% lowfat cottage cheese can be the star ingredient in stuffed pasta shells. Its mild flavor blends seamlessly with savory ingredients, enhancing the recipe’s overall taste and nutritional value.
• Even dessert can benefit from the addition of Breakstone’s 2% lowfat cottage cheese. Opt for a cottage cheese ice cream for a twist on a summertime classic, or keep things simple with easy and elegant parfaits that can be tweaked to satisfy any palate. With Breakstone’s 2% lowfat cottage cheese as your go-to ingredient, flavor and indulgence never have to be sacrificed.

If you’re looking to add protein to your recipes, cottage cheese offers a delicious solution for a myriad of lifestyles. So, next time you’re perusing the dairy aisle, don’t overlook the humble cottage cheese. With 13 grams of protein per serving and its culinary versatility, Breakstone’s 2% lowfat cottage cheese might be the secret ingredient your grocery list has been missing.

2024-06-03T08:01:00

(BPT) – For many patients, a diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can come as a shock. COPD, a chronic respiratory condition, can drastically impact quality of life, making everyday tasks like walking or climbing stairs a struggle.

Oftentimes, patients know very little about COPD. Many turn to their healthcare providers for guidance and support—exploring treatment options together that include inhaler medications.

Getting the right medication to patients who need it can make a huge difference in the way respiratory conditions, like COPD and asthma, are managed. Making these medications more accessible for patients means they can go out and live their lives on their own terms. Increasing access to inhalers with predictable, affordable and consistent costs gives people the opportunity to regain a sense of normalcy.

Enter Boehringer Ingelheim, a global independent healthcare company on a mission to make essential medications more accessible to those who need them most. With the launch of their new program to cap out-of-pocket inhaler costs for eligible patients at just $35 per month, they’re breaking cost and access barriers for patients who depend on their medications.

With Boehringer Ingelheim’s program, eligible patients can benefit from support available to them, both medically and financially. It is the company’s most tangible attempt to ensure patients don’t have to choose between their health and their wallets.

As Boehringer Ingelheim continues to lead the way in ensuring their medications are more accessible, most eligible commercially insured patients should find the process of getting their inhalers not only cheaper, but simpler, too. For eligible patients with commercial insurance, the discount happens automatically at the pharmacy counter, with no action required—no websites to visit or forms to fill out.

All other eligible patients, including those whose pharmacies do not participate and those without insurance, can visit www.InhalerOffer.com to enroll for a co-pay card to present at their pharmacy to receive the same $35 reduced cost.

As with any chronic condition, it’s important to work closely with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment. For more information about the program details, including terms and conditions, visit www.InhalerOffer.com.

*Terms and conditions apply. Government restrictions exclude people enrolled in federal government insurance programs from co-pay support.

2024-06-03T10:33:23

(BPT) – Mental health plays an important role in our general health and well-being. It influences how we feel, think, and act. Many Americans of all ages experience mental distress. According to National Institute of Mental Health data, more than 1 in 5 U.S. adults live with a mental health condition.[1] A mental health condition is an illness or disorder that affects your thinking, feeling, behavior, or mood, and can range from mild to severe.[2] Moreover, about 1 in 25 U.S. adults live with a severe or serious mental health condition.[3] People with serious mental health conditions can live fulfilling lives with effective treatment.[4] However, some people are not in treatment because they lack access to care or may want to avoid perceived stigma related to mental health conditions.

Mental health awareness not only focuses on mental well-being, but also on the connection between mental health conditions and substance use. Some people with mental health conditions struggle with substance use.[5] They may turn to illicit drugs and other substances to help them cope with stress, trauma, or mental distress.[6] Brain changes in people with mental health conditions may also make it more likely they will continue to use substances and could develop substance use disorders and addiction.[7] People with substance use disorders, in turn, may have increased risk for developing other mental health conditions.[8]

And what’s more, using these drugs can have dangerous consequences, including overdose or even death. Substance use disorder affects an estimated 1 in 7 Americans, and nearly 300 Americans die every day from a drug overdose.[9][10]

What CDC is doing to Stop Overdose in America

At CDC we’re educating people about the dangers of illicitly made fentanyl, the risks and consequences of mixing drugs, the lifesaving power of naloxone, and the importance of reducing stigma around recovery and treatment options. We are using the State Unintentional Drug Overdose Reporting System (SUDORS) to better understand the circumstances that surround overdose deaths, improve fatal overdose data timeliness and accuracy, and identify specific substances causing or contributing to overdose deaths as well as emerging and polysubstance overdose trends to help inform overdose prevention and response efforts. CDC is investing in neighborhoods, communities, cities, counties, states, and the nation to prevent overdoses and ensure the health and well-being of all Americans.

Learning how to prevent an overdose can help save a life if you know someone struggling with addiction.

Mixing drugs is never safe

People sometimes think that because they’ve mixed drugs before and nothing seemed to happen, they can do it again. However, a person’s body can react to drugs differently every time. The fact is, even if you’ve been OK in the past, there’s no way to know what the outcome will be from mixing drugs.

Why it’s so dangerous to mix drugs

No matter how it happens, mixing opioids with other drugs is incredibly risky. Using more than one drug is never safe because the effects of mixing them can be stronger or more unpredictable than one drug alone. For example, mixing opioids with stimulants (“uppers”) can increase your risk for a heart attack or a stroke. Mixing opioids with depressants (“downers”) can slow breathing or lead to brain damage. Mixing can even be deadly: More than 50 percent of overdose deaths involve multiple drugs.

“There are evidence-based treatments that work to treat both substance use disorders and mental health conditions,” said Allison Arwady, MD, MPH, director of CDC’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. “If you know someone with a substance use disorder or who is in mental distress, you can offer them the support and encouragement they may need to get help.”

Learn the signs of overdose and how to help by using Naloxone

If you think someone could be experiencing a drug overdose – even if you’re not sure – it’s safest to treat it as an overdose. Naloxone is a lifesaving, non-addictive, over-the-counter medication that can be administered to help reverse an opioid overdose, and anyone can keep and use it to help save a life. You can get naloxone as a nasal spray or an injection, and you can use it without medical training or authorization. Also, it won’t harm a person if they’re overdosing on a drug that’s not an opioid.

Seven signs of overdose to watch for include:

• Small constricted, pinpoint pupils
• Slow, weak, or no breathing
• Falling asleep or losing consciousness
• Choking or gurgling sounds
• Cold and/or clammy skin
• Discolored skin, especially lips and/or nails
• Limp body

Important steps to take when you think someone around you is overdosing:

1. Administer naloxone, if available
2. Call 911
3. Keep the person awake and breathing
4. Lay person on their side to prevent choking
5. Stay with the person until emergency assistance arrives

For more information and resources, visit CDC.gov/StopOverdose.

If you’re in the U.S. and thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, call or text 988 now, or chat 988lifeline.org.

If you’re wanting help for substance use, know that recovery is possible. You can find evidence-based treatment and service options near you by visiting findtreatment.gov or by calling the 24/7 National Helpline at 800-662-HELP (4357).