Marijuana use is at a new level of low in the American history. That is the main conclusion a 2016 study arrived. The research was conducted by the U.S. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). The survey focused on the link between teens and illegal drug consumption. While there is an ongoing opioid epidemic affecting American adults, the teens are proving to stay away from this unhealthy trend.

Dr. Nora Volkow who is the NIDA Director also mentioned that youngsters are consuming less alcohol and tobacco than ever before. The survey covered teens in eight, 10^th and 12^th grades and it is repeated each year to take the pulse of this green community. This year, the findings are extremely hopeful for the future of the country.

In 2016, only 14% of 12^th-grade students admitted their marijuana use, unlike back in 2013 when the percent of teens hit 18%. Also, the same 12^th graders are using 45% fewer painkiller prescriptions than they used to five years ago. On the same note, 3% of teens took Vicodin in 2016, in comparison with 10% who misused such an opioid pain reliever ten years ago.

As for tobacco habit, the numbers are also satisfactory. There are only 5% of high school students who smoke on a daily basis, compared to 22% that abused tobacco twenty years ago. In 1996, 18% of 10^th graders used to smoke, but in 2016 this rate dropped to 2%.

Regarding alcohol, in 1997, a serious rate of 75% of high school students developed the unhealthy habit of consuming it. Now, the rate has slowly decreased to 56% of senior students.

However, marijuana use was the main concern of the study as the country has recently experienced massive efforts of legalizing this drug. Only 5% of eight graders are using this drug now, compared with the case in 2015 when they were in the proportion of 6.5%. However, there is no good news regarding older students. The same number as last year continues to admit to marijuana use. Thus, 22.5% of senior students have used pot in the last month, whereas 6% of them are using it every day.

Authorities expected the numbers to soar given that marijuana became a legal drug. Consequently, the situation is within steady limits, but it fails to be encouraging for teens. The CEO of the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids, Marcia Lee Taylor sees the 6% of students that use pot daily as far from being normal. They will continue to keep an eye on marijuana use and focus their efforts on terminating this habit.

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Sony Xperia XZ owners are finally happy to receive the latest mobile experience brought by the Android 7.0 update. Sony is one of most successful tech companies. However, the incompatibility of its smartphones with the operating system Android has created a worrisome feedback around its performance. As of today, Sony Xperia XZ has finally dispelled any concern, and its users can safely make the update to Android 7.0 Nougat.

There are also some other Sony smartphones next in line for the update. These are Xperia XA, Xperia XA Ultra, Xperia X Performance, Xperia X, Xperia X Compact, Xperia Z5 Premium, Xperia Z5 Compact, Zperia Z5, Xperia Z3+, and Xperia Z4 Tablet. If you see your own device in the above list, then you’ll be interested to find out more about Android 7.0 Update. You will be notified the moment the update will be available for you. However, if you grow impatient, you can find out yourself from Settings, where you can click on About Phone and then Software Update.

Nougat is the seventh key version of Android that comes with some very appealing features. For instance, you are not obliged anymore to deal with several platforms at a time. You can take advantage of the innovative multi-window mode, which will enable you to handle two apps at the same time. Your phone will automatically activate its split-screen mode. This way, you can watch a video while messaging, or other such entertaining mixes.

There is more to it. You will be able to enjoy a better security system and a better battery backup than ever before. You will also have a new messaging app at your disposal. Here, you can use and mix more than 1,500 emoji pictures of which 72 are entirely new. You have the freedom to reorder your icons so that the useful ones will always be there for you. There’s more in store as far as customization goes. You are the one who chooses how to use your data and how you receive your notifications.

The new Android 7.0 Update has definitely a lot of surprises up its sleeve. The best way to find out more about Nougat is to get it on your smartphone. Don’t forget to let us know in the comments what you like most about it.

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Joshua Dunn, an inmate at St. Clair Correctional Facility used a razor to injure his arm three years ago in August in order to be sent to the infirmary. The man initially asked to have access to mental health care because he suffered from bipolar disorder.

However, his request was left unanswered, so the man resorted to life-threatening methods to get the attention of the guards. According to Dunn’s declaration, which is part of the lawsuit filed against the Alabama Department of Corrections and MHM Services, he decided to slash his arm again because no one wanted to help him.

Based on the latest reports, the non-jury trial is scheduled on Monday, and it might last for roughly two months. Depending on the outcome, 25,000 inmates living in Alabama prisons, and others throughout the United States suffering from schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other conditions will have access to proper mental health care.

On the other hand, the officials from the Treatment Advocacy Center claim that more inmates receive treatment in the United States jails and prisons than those in psychiatric hospitals. According to the statistics, more prisoners started receiving proper treatment in Alabama prisons too.

Although this fact is encouraging, the lawsuit suggests that the total number of patients included in the caseload is way below the rates of mental disorders in the Alabama prisons. Despite the fact that the attorneys denied the allegations, the lawsuit stated that the DOC didn’t provide enough psychiatrists, nurses, and psychologists in Alabama.

Instead, it funded mental health staff which was unlicensed to provide proper care. In other words, the prisoners receive drugs but not counseling. According to attorney Lisa Borden from Baker Donelson, this lawsuit is not about Dunn, but about the real situation in the Alabama prisons.

She says the current prison system must provide proper mental health care for every inmate. Therefore, Alabama needs mental health specialists to address this issue. Dunn said that after cutting himself, he was assigned to segregation by prison officials.

During the time spent there, the man slashed his arm 4 more times. Also, he was on suicide watch for around two weeks although no mental health care professional verified his condition. The man confessed that when he cut himself for the first time, the correctional officers waited over three hours until they decided to remove him from his cell.

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Lots of people have expressed their concern that the voting machines could be hacked and the election results forged. The authorities have dismissed the theory claiming that such a deed is impossible. However, while hackers may not be able to change the votes that are already cast, some hostile internet dwellers may try their best to influence those who have yet to exercise their right.

According to an open letter addressed to the United States Congress,

“Vote counting is NEVER done with systems connected to the Internet, and tabulation systems are not networked.”

The statement translated into:

“There is no need to worry about hackers tampering with the results, all devices that will come into contact with that information have never been connected to the internet.”

Nonetheless, a Carnegie Mellon University professor declared that malicious individuals have to hack into a single machine to cast a shadow of doubt over the results.

Josh Earnest, the press secretary at the White House, declared that President Barack Obama insists that all votes will be counted and all necessary precaution has been taken to avoid any direct tampering with the voting machines.

Even if hostile groups do not meddle with the voting machines, there are other ways in which they can influence the results of the elections.

It seems that one of the most popular practices is spreading disinformation, making the voters want to remain at home. To this extent, some individuals have started spreading false rumors of extra documentation needed for voting. Moreover, thousands of false information bulletins have been distributed in states where undecided voters are known to live.

Another way of manipulating the election results is the spread of false information. Some undecided voters may stay at home if they read about a certain candidate winning their state. So expect biased news outlets to disseminate false information.

Moreover, it seems that Russia is supporting Trump’s campaign because Vladimir Putin believes that the Republican will destabilize the West. To this extent, Russian hackers have started to do everything in their power to make sure that the GOP candidate gets elected.

Homeland Security is sure that Russian hackers are behind the leaked emails that stained the Clinton campaign and embarrassed Colin Powell.

The best way to counteract hacker attacks is only to place your trust in legitimate news outlets and don’t let anything stand in the way of your right to vote during this Election Day.

Image source: Pixabay 

A secret Nazi base was discovered in the Arctic by Russian scientists. It is believed that this Nazi base was made with direct orders from Adolf Hitler. The year in which this base is thought to have been built is 1942, the year after Russia was invaded by Adolf Hitler.

This Nazi base was used only for a year, since 1943 up to 1944 when it was abandoned. It is also believed that the staff who worked there was poisoned once the supplies for that facility were too low.

Until now, more than 70 years after it was abandoned, nobody knew of this Nazi base. The researchers who found it were exploring the area when they discovered it. They found a lot of interesting things down there, from petrol canisters up to documents. The great news is that many of the things that were found there, including the documents, are well-preserved because of the climate in that location.

The Russian researchers also found personal items of the people who stayed there. Most of the items are marked with the swastika, the Nazi symbol. These items will be studied in Russia, where they are transported now.

Evgeny Ermolov, a researcher at the Arctic National Park in Russia, declared that the discoveries clarify the nature of German operations in the Arctic region during World War II.

Many people never really believed that this secret Nazi base existed. The fact that this base doesn’t even have a name makes the discovery even more intriguing. Some specialists believe that this Nazi base was built in order to search for ancient relics. Hitler was obsessed with the supernatural.

Ahnenerbe was the Nazi institute that made several studies about the Aryan race. They made studies to find out more about their archaeological history. The Ahnenerbe believed that these ancient relics could have an important role and even supernatural powers.

This Nazi base is also believed to have been made in order to show that Nordic people ruled the world and that they were the superior race. This base was built on Alexandra Land where now Russians want to make a military base.

What is your opinion about this Secret Nazi base discovery?

Image source: Wikipedia

Andrew Frye died after he overdosed on heroin. His mother and his grandmother are now in jail because they allowed that to happen. Andrew was only 16 years old when he died in April. Now, after 6 months of gathering information, his relatives were convicted by the prosecutors.

The people that were supposed to protect the teen from using heroin were the ones that pushed him in that direction Both the grandmother and mother pleaded guilty of the charges that they received. They are now sentenced to 9 years in prison.

Other people were involved in this case. 2 family friends are now convicted too. Jessica Irons and Donald Callaghan were in the same room when the tragedy happened and they did nothing to stop it. They were both friends with the women that were responsible for the teenager.

The women mentioned that they did not give heroin to the boy and that the drugs were for a friend. After the boy took the heroin and died, the others tried to hide the evidence in order to mislead the prosecutors.

This is not the first time that these women are involved in drug-related felonies. The mother of the boy who died served 3 other jail sentences from 2007 to 2014.

“It’s a horrible tragedy because of the age we see here, but it’s not unusual to see family members, unfortunately, procuring and giving the heroin and fentanyl to one another.” said one of the prosecutors.

Heroin overdose is a serious problem this time in the U.S. Thousands of people have died of an overdose in the last 2 years and the numbers are getting bigger every year.

When he was little Andrew was adopted by Tammy Smith, a relative of his. She raised the boy with the help of John Sabini, her fiancé. Once he died the boy wanted to get closer to his biological mother, Heather Frye. This worried his relatives because the mother was not the person to take care of him.  Heather mentioned that she did not take drugs anymore and she wanted to have a fresh start with his son.

Apparently, this was not the case because she is now convicted because she caused his death.

Image source: Wikipedia

 

Mamas and Papas decided to recall 3 000 Armadillo Flip Strollers. According to the company, a loose latch on the stroller is a big threat for the child. The seat can tip back by mistake while the infant is in the parent-facing position. This puts children in danger. The & Papas Armadillo Flip and Armadillo Flip XT strollers will not be longer sold until the company will make sure they are not a danger to the babies.

There were 10 cases of seats tipping back.  Even though there were no injuries reported, the company did not want to put children at risk of falling. Those of you who have already bought the strollers should stop using them and contact Mamas and Papas for a free repair. The products have been sold from December 2014 to July 2016. Their price was between 500 and 550 dollars.

When you are buying a stroller, you should have in mind that your child will use it for some years. This is why is necessary to spend more time and money when you choose it. A high-quality stroller should be able to resist for at least three years.

You should also take into consideration to buy a car seat for strolling. Your baby will be safer and you will be able to him anywhere you have to go. Moreover, as a parent, you will feel better knowing that your child is comfortable.

Having a car seat is your choice, but having a stroller is something necessary. It will be easier for you than to carry the baby in your arms or by using a baby carrier. A good stroller will provide safety for your child.

However, do not forget not to drink hot beverages while you are walking with your baby. You can never now how you bump into something and the hot drink could be a real danger for the little one.

Another advantage would be that you will have the opportunity to make some physical activity. Walking with your child in the park is good not only for the baby but also for you. If you want to go jogging, the situation changes. There are some strollers with special features but is better to focus on the baby and go for a run when you are alone.

Image source: Wikipedia

 

Researchers from the American Heart Association discovered that high blood pressure is connected with dementia, especially in middle age. According to them, those patients who have their blood pressure at a higher level are more likely to develop dementia. This mental disease is affecting almost 40 million people all over the world. With no treatment, researchers are expecting the numbers to grow in the future.

Researchers explained that they saw an improvement regarding dementia after patients were treated for high blood pressure. However, they need to do a big study to prove that treating hypertension can reduce the chances of developing dementia.  We are expecting more research in the future because scientists  really want to gather information about this unusual connection.

Most doctors think there is a link between high blood pressure and dementia.However, they need long-term studies to see when the treatment against hypertension should start if we want to protect the brain. Moreover, they are still trying to understand what medication would be the best to treat these diseases. What they know for sure is that if we control our blood pressure when we are younger, there are fewer chances of developing dementia.

The question is when should doctors begin brain scans? Until now, it was believed that dementia comes for patients that are older than 70 years old. The issue is that this mental disease begins earlier, in the middle age. Researchers are expecting brain scans to be done even when the patient will be 45 years old. This could happen because sometimes it is too late to make a difference when people are already over 65 years old.

High blood pressure is the most common cardiovascular disease. It affects millions of people every year, including teenagers.  There are two ways to measure it. The first one measures the systolic pressure (the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats) and the other one measures the diastolic pressure ( when the heart rests). A normal blood pressure is about 120/80 for an adult.

Of course, if you just have done physical activity, it is normal to have a high blood pressure. The same thing happens if you are angry or stressed. However, if it remains high, you should talk to your doctor as fast as you can about the treatment.

It is really important to have your blood pressure in control if you want to have a normal life. Moreover, it seems that it is also an opportunity to prevent dementia.

Image source: Wikipedia

 

 

Facebook is the most popular social network in the world, with 1.7 billion users. However, they seem to have bigger plans every year. Its latest trial to get more users is a feature called Messenger day, which was tested in Poland. A very interesting thing about this new feature is that is similar to Snapchat. This does not come as a surprise, having in mind that Facebook has tried many times to copy the application.

Messenger Day allows Facebook users to share their photos and videos with friends. They can also use filters and stickers. The messages will self-destruct after 24 hours, so this makes the app similar to Snapchat.  However, we do not know if this experiment will become a real product. It is not the first time when the popular social network is running a test for new features.

Facebook officials only said they are doing some small tests of new options for people to share updates, without giving more details about Messenger Day.   This feature is the fifth trial Facebook made to copy the idea of Snapchat. The social network also launched Instagram Stories, that lets users share their photos and videos for 24 hours.

Facebook also tried to launch messages that expired after an hour. There were many updates users reported during last years,  but most of them were used only by a few people. Instagram Stories seems to be more popular. We will see if Messenger Day will manage to have more users than Snapchat.

However, we do not think this will happen soon because there are a lot of people who prefer Snapchat. The app has more than 60 million users and it is more popular with every month. Facebook could have a chance because they have more users and the social network is also used in more countries.

The big company tries to get more users by creating new features. We are not expecting Messenger Day to be launched in the United States this year.  If users will be satisfied with this new feature, it is possible that Facebook will give another try to an app similar to Snapchat.

What do you think?  Will Messenger day be more popular than Snapchat?

Image source: Pixabay

 

 

 

 

According to the latest polls, the voters believe that the media is offering the GOP candidate preferential treatment. The people believes that most of the news outlets are actually being “more easy” on Trump than they have been on the Republican candidates from 2008 and 2012.

27 percent of Americans, which translates in roughly three out of ten individuals, believe that the Republican nominee for presidency is actually receiving preferential treatment from the media. By comparison, in 2008, only 15 percent believed the same thing about John McCain, and in 2012, approximately 20 percent thought Mitt Romney was in the same situation.

In the case of Hilary Clinton, the Democratic nominee, the numbers are the same as those from previous years and other candidates.

The notion is spread by Democrats and those independents who lean more towards the Democratic side, then the Republican one. And these kinds of results are to be expected if we look back at the history of public polls and their results.

However, even if this attitude is to be expected, there is still a hiatus between McCain and Trump, almost twice as many people believing that Trump is getting preferential treatment from the media.

On the other hand, the GOP candidate believes that he is being treated unfairly, in the sense that the media is always taking about him, most of this instances presenting the negative sides of his campaign.

Let us not forget the Republican primary when he declared that he is being haunted by a “totally dishonest press.” At the time, Trump accused the media of negative coverage, insisting that the press is trying to hide the real number of people who participate in his rallies.

In other words, while Donald Trump is accusing reporters of trying to sabotage his popularity, the voters are convinced that the media is offering the Republican candidate preferential treatment.

Does this mean that the Republican candidates are getting so bad that even the media can cover the subject in its entirety? Do people want incredibly detailed news posts about the GOP nominees that trash the candidates and their reputation? Are Democrats behind these polls, or is the public perception influenced by an outside source?

Image source: Flickr