IN YOUR DAILY DOSE today is research linking the use of marijuana with an alteration in the development of brain structures.

IN MAKING CHANGES today you’ll discover how to talk with your teen about recreational drug use.

IN FACT OR FICTION you’ll discover that your choices make a huge difference in your health, even more than your genetics.

In The News

Research from the Center for Brain Health has demonstrated through MRI imaging that early use of marijuana as an adolescent has significant impact on the development of brain structures important in higher thinking skills.

According to the lead research quoted in Science Daily,  "Science has shown us that changes in the brain occurring during adolescence are complex. Our findings suggest that the timing of cannabis use can result in very disparate patterns of effects," explained Francesca Filbey, Ph.D., principal investigator and Bert Moore Chair of Behavioral and Brain Sciences at the Center for BrainHealth. "Not only did age of use impact the brain changes but the amount of cannabis used also influenced the extent of altered brain maturation."

The research demonstrated that the number of times a person used cannabis was linked to the development of the brain and the ability to perform higher thinking skills.

SOURCE:  http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/02/160210135334.htm

Daily Health Tip

Although cannabis has been linked to improved function with chemotherapy or in the treatment of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) among several medical and mental health diagnosis, use in adolescent years does not have the same beneficial effects. Marijuana or cannabis changes the development of the adolescent brain and subsequently the ability of the individual to perform higher level cognitive functions.

Making Changes

It is important that parents talk with their teens about recreational drug use, and the differences. Many teens believe that the use of cannabis is safe because it’s legal in several states for recreational use and in over 20 for medical use. However, as this study aptly demonstrates, cannabis is like any other drug, it affects different age groups differently.

There are prescription medications which are not safe for children under 12 or under 18, and cannabis should consider in the same category. Talk with your children about prescription drug use and recreational drug use. Remember that they more often will do what they see and not what you say. In other words, if mom or dad are scoring then no matter what you say, they will do what you do.

If you have trouble with prescription pain killers or recreational drug use, then it’s time you get help also. By showing your children how important your own health is, they will value their own health as well.

Talk to your children about what they use, what their friends are using and how they feel about the drugs. ASK, don’t tell. The more you can get them to talk TO you, the better chance you have of changing their mind.  

My Daily Affirmation

I invest wisely.

I make intelligent decisions about my investments. I understand how the markets work, so I take advantage of effective ways to grow my money.

Fact Or Fiction?

The changes in your health - are they related to your genetics or your lifestyle choices?

Although there is some genetic differences in health, most is due to your physical and social environment and the influence on your opportunities and health behavior.  Environment and choices have a significant impact on healthcare, health behaviors and choices. Each of those choices has something to do with how you age and your health as you mature.

Have a wonderful day!

Your Healthy Life America Team