Effects of Marijuana Usage: Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome

 Hyperemesis means vomiting.  Long term marijuana use can result in stomach pains, vomiting, nausea and abdominal pain.  A warm bath or shower can give some temporary use; however the only way to cure cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (chs) is to stop using marijuana.  It is prevalent in a bout a third of those who use marijuana.  Symptoms of chs are, nausea, especially in the mornings; repeated vomiting or retching (making sound of vomiting) up to five times an hour; intense abdominal discomfort or pain; fear of vomiting; and loss of appetite.  As noted hot showers or bathes can help reduce symptoms.  These can lead to compulsive bathing or showering--up for hours every day.  This illness comes in stages: Prodromal phase, most common in persons who have used marijuana wince teen years--marked by abdominal pain, morning nausea, and fear of throwing up rather than actually throwing up.  Hyperemetic phase, this phase lasts a couple days and has vomiting and nausea, compulsive bathing and food restriction.  It may also include scromiting--vomiting and scream due to the intense pain.  Recovery phase you stop using marijuana--even small amounts.  Usually symptoms disappear in a few weeks.

People who use marijuana long term are at risk of CHS, but not everyone who uses long term will develop CHS.  

The Heart: Making Sure It Is All Good

 Visited the heart doctor locally.  I had seen a heart doctor in Arizona, who suggested a follow up was needed.  So I have finally arranged this in Nebraska with Dr. Gagnon.  I have already done the echocardiogram and things look good.  I took some pictures in the heart doctor office.

Positive Thinking Statements from Creighton University

Walking around Creighton University there are many positive thinking statements.  Some repeat, some are directly specifically to Creighton students, but many are general in nature.  

Healing Ribbons: The Art of Healing: Indigenous Women's Group

 Healing Ribbons is a place for indigenous women to create in a safe environment.

HOPE

 A sign on the South Omaha Bridge providing hope.  988 is now the national hotline.  

Magazine Artivle Review: Find Freedom from Stress

 Find Freedom from Stress by Stacey Colino, Prevention Magazine, Prevention.com, December 2025, pp 64-75.

High stress reactivity is when you have been overstressed for too long.  It results in being too vigilent and too quick to react and reactions are too intense and prolonged.  Over time this can lead to a heightened fight or flight response.  Being on high alert can lead to relationship issues and snapping at others.  People with PTSD or early exposure to stress are at greater risk.  Unless you find a way to get to a normal baseline stress can become accumulative.  this can up your risk for many health issues: sleep disturbances, chronic pain issues, heart disease, diabetes and cancer and it can exacerbate asthma and arthritis.  It can lead to wear and tear on the body which can accelerate the aging process.  

Tools to bring stress reactivity down include a healthy diet, plenty of sleep and a social network of support.  Consistent aerobic exercise can bring stress levels down.  Slow breathing exercises can be of great benefit.  As can calming your mid through meditation.  Accepting that stress is inevitable can help you bounce back quicker.  Ruminating on a stressful event is not helpful.  Lastly the author suggests the Healthy Minds App developed by Richard J. Davidson can be helpful in building resilience and connectivity.

Magazine Article Review: The Most Important Health Metric You're Not Tracking

The Most Important Health Metric You're Not Tracking by Ginny Graves, Men's Health Magazine, Hearst Magazines International, Spring, 2026, pp 18-19.

The MVP of health metrics is blood pressure.  High blood pressure can lead to stroke, heart failure and coronary artery disease.  It can also lead to kidney and brain issues.  There is also a link with dementia.  A blood pressure cuff is the most accurate way to track blood pressure.  Watches are fun but not accurate.  People with a high risk, sleep apnea, obesity, diabetes, family history, kidney disease or poor diet should track their blood pressure.  Track initially at the same time every morning and every evening.  Good blood pressure is less than 120/80.  If high exercise, losing weight, increased potassium an lower sodium and abstain from alcohol can help lower blood pressure,