BREAKING: New Good and Bad Things to Know About Strokes

This article is shown in its entirety. The study findings were published online May 11 in the Journal of the American Heart Association. It's important and somewhat intriguing.

Stroke Hospitalization Down for Many in U.S.

Thursday, May 12, 2016
WEDNESDAY, May 11, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- While Americans suffered fewer strokes overall from 2000 to 2010, stroke rates climbed substantially among younger adults and blacks, a new study found.

Hospitalizations for strokes caused by artery blockages dropped 18.4 percent overall during the decade, with greater decreases among the elderly, University of Southern California researchers found.

Within the overall decrease, however, some groups saw an increase in hospitalizations as the burden of stroke shifted to younger adults. For example, although stroke hospitalizations dropped 50 percent for people 65 and older, they increased nearly 49 percent among 25- to 64 year-olds. Stroke hospitalizations also varied by race -- up almost 14 percent among blacks.

Dr. Paul Wright, chair of neurology at North Shore University Hospital, in Manhasset, N.Y., said, "There are things we can do to help prevent strokes." Topping the list: living a healthier lifestyle, which can prevent as many as 80 percent of strokes, said Wright.

The study authors said better control of blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol probably accounted for the steep decline in strokes among the elderly. Exactly why strokes are up among younger adults isn't clear, but more awareness of stroke symptoms is the most likely reason, Wright said.

"People are more aware of the risk factors for stroke and seek help when something happens, as opposed to saying, 'I'm getting a little numbness and tingling and weakness, but it will go away,' " he said. "So people are more likely to get help sooner."

Wright believes the higher stroke rate among blacks is largely due to lack of access to care. He also cited a need for more stroke education targeted to this population.

Dr. Amytis Towfighi, senior researcher on the study, emphasized the protective role of lifestyle behaviors in stroke prevention.

"The majority of cardiovascular events including heart attacks and stroke can be prevented through changing seven modifiable risk factors, namely: smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, poor diet, cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar," she said.

If you've had a stroke, "it's not too late to change your lifestyle. By making immediate changes, one is on the road to a longer, healthier life," said Towfighi, an assistant professor of neurology at USC's Keck School of Medicine.

Healthier lifestyle habits probably accounted for the hefty decline in strokes for seniors -- down 28 percent for those 65 to 84, and more than 22 percent for those 85 and older, Towfighi said.

For the study, Towfighi and her colleagues analyzed data from a national database that collects information on about 8 million hospital stays each year. They looked at the most common type of stroke, called ischemic stroke. This occurs when a clot in a blood vessel in the brain cuts off the blood supply to that area. Symptoms usually include weakness or numbness and tingling on one side of the body.

The researchers found that stroke hospitalization for whites declined about 12 percent and for Hispanics nearly 22 percent. But it rose 13.7 percent among blacks.
Overall, women saw a steeper decline in stroke than men -- more than 22 percent versus roughly 18 percent.
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So there it is, people. I think that is worth a share.

The Feds Outrank States Over Possession of Marijuana

I lived at home when I went to college, the top regret of my life. I never got a chance to be stoned out of my mind until the stars melted slowly to become one across the sky. Why? Because there was always a parent waiting up for me to return home. In fact, I had my first joint at 33 with Thom and his wife, after my second son was born, carefully keeping a watch on the stairs to make sure my oldest, precocious son didn't come down to see the "completed baked" company. 

I had five more pot experiences with other people who had pot on their persons since then. I am now 68 and I wouldn't even know where the fuck to buy it!

Why am I talking about marijuana, or the substance known scientifically as cannabis, at all in a website that should be about strokes? Good question, but a little background first.

Pot, which used to be the forbidden weed, is now totally legal in 4 states and D.C., and for medicinal use in a bunch of other states. But a majority of the states still don't allow marijuana at all.

Mother Jones writer Josh Harkinson sums it up neatly: "With marijuana now legal in four states and the District of Columbia, the movement to end the prohibition of pot continues to gain steam. Another five states are expected to introduce ballot measures to legalize recreational pot in 2016, including California, Massachusetts, and Nevada.... With a slew of polls now showing that most Americans think pot should be taxed and regulated like alcohol, it's probably only a matter of time before legalization sweeps the nation."

As of April 2016: 

Marijuana Legalization Status

Dark green	Medical marijuana legalized
Neon green	Marijuana legalized for recreational use
Grey	No laws legalizing marijuana

A criminal defense website	offers this chart:
Alabama	Marijuana possession, sale, and distribution is regulated by both state and federal law. In Alabama, marijuana is regulated as a “Schedule I” controlled substance.
Alaska	Under Ballot Measure 2, adults age 21 or older in Alaska may possess up to one ounce of marijuana. In addition, adults may grow up to six plants (with up to three flowering) for personal use.
Arizona	Possession of marijuana is a criminal offense. The penalties for possession depend on whether the marijuana was intended for personal use or for sale. In addition to the penalty of jail time, anyone convicted of possession will be required to pay a fine of up to $150,000, as determined by the court.
Arkansas	Possession of a relatively small amount of marijuana is a misdemeanor, but possessing marijuana in larger quantities is a felony. Also, penalties are increased for repeated offenses.
California	Possession of marijuana is a criminal offense. Penalties depend on the amount. Possessing marijuana for sale is treated as a separate offense.
Colorado	In Colorado, marijuana is regulated as a controlled substance. (Co. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 18-18-102.) But as of 2012, Amendment 64 made it legal under state law for adults (people 21 years old or older) to possess and cultivate certian amounts of marijuana for personal use.
Connecticut	Possession of marijuana is a criminal offense. Penalties depend on the amount. In July of 2011, the Connecticut legislature passed a bill decriminalizing possession and personal use of less than one half ounce of marijuana. Such possession is now considered a civil violation, subject to a fine of up to $150.
Delaware	Knowingly possessing, using, or consuming any amount of marijuana (even small amounts for personal use) is an unclassified misdemeanor, punishable with up to three months in jail and a fine of up to $575.
D.C.	Voters in Washington, D.C. resoundingly passed Initiative 71 in November 2014, legalizing the possession and personal, nonmedical use of marijuana by adults in the District.
Florida	Possessing 20 or fewer grams of marijuana is a first degree misdemeanor, punishable with up to one year in jail.
Georgia	It is a crime in Georgia to possess marijuana for personal use; or to buy, manufacture, or sell marijuana (or to possess it with the intent to do any of these things). Unlike most states, Georgia does not differentiate, for sentencing purposes, between possession for personal use and manufacture or sale.
Hawaii	A person who knowingly possesses marijuana (in any amount) is guilty of a petty misdemeanor, punishable with up to 30 days in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.
Idaho	A violation is a misdemeanor, punishable with up to one year in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. A violation is a felony, punishable with up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $10,000, or both.
Illinois	Up to two and a half grams: A violation is a class C misdemeanor, punishable with up to 30 days in jail, a fine of up to $1,500, or both. Between two and a half and ten grams: A violation is a class B misdemeanor, punishable with up to six months in jail, a fine of up to $1,500, or both.
Indiana	It is illegal to knowingly or intentionally posses marijuana in Indiana. Someone who cultivates marijuana plants (or fails to destroy marijuana plants that the person knows are growing on the person’s property) is also in violation of the possession law. Penalties vary according to the amount possessed.
Iowa	First offenders will face up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. Penalties for a second offense include up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,500. Any subsequent offense is a felony, and carries up to two years' imprisonment and a fine of between $500 and $5,000.
Kansas	It is a crime to possess any amount marijuana (including small amounts for personal use) in Kansas. (Kan. Stat. Ann. § 21-5706(b)(3).) Violations are a class A misdemeanor, punishable with a fine of up to $2,500, up to one year in jail, or both. Second and subsequent convictions are level 4 felonies, punishable with up to 26 months in prison, and possible fines.
Kentucky	It is a crime to possess any amount marijuana (including small amounts for personal use) in Kentucky. Violations are a class B misdemeanor, punishable with a fine of up to $250, up to 45 days in jail, or both. (Ken. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 218A.1422.)
Louisiana	It is a crime to knowingly or intentionally possess any amount marijuana (including small amounts for personal use) in Louisiana. (La. Rev. Stat. § 966(E).) Penalties vary according to whether the violation is a first or subsequent offense.
Maine	It is a crime to knowingly or intentionally possess marijuana Maine. (Me. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 1102.) Penalties vary according to the amount possessed, and may be increased for aggravating factors. Additionally, someone who possesses more than two and a half ounces is presumed to be in possession with the intention of selling marijuana
Maryland	It is a crime to knowingly or intentionally possess any amount of marijuana Maryland (even small amounts for personal use). A violation is a misdemeanor, punishable with up to one year in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.
Massachusetts	It is a crime to knowingly or intentionally possess marijuana in Massachusetts. Penalties vary according to the amount possessed, with additional penalties for minors in possession of marijuana.
Michigan	It is a crime to knowingly or intentionally possess any amount marijuana (including small amounts for personal use) in Michigan. Penalties include a fine of up to $2,000, up to one year in jail, or both.
Minnesota	It is a crime to knowingly or intentionally possess marijuana in Minnesota. Penalties vary according to the amount possessed, measured as the total amount possessed within a 90 day period before the date of arrest.
Mississippi	It is a crime to knowingly or intentionally possess any amount marijuana (including small amounts for personal use) in Mississippi. Penalties vary according to the amount possessed.
Missouri	It is a crime to knowingly or intentionally possess any amount marijuana (including small amounts for personal use) in Missouri. Penalties vary according to the amount possessed.
Montana	It is a crime to knowingly or intentionally possess up to 60 grams of marijuana or up to one gram of hashish (including small amounts for personal use) in Montana. Penalties vary according to whether the offense was a first or subsequent violation.
Nebraska	It is a crime to knowingly or intentionally possess marijuana (including small amounts for personal use) in Nebraska. Penalties vary according to the amount possessed, and whether the offense was a first or subsequent violation.
Nevada	Up to one ounce. Penalties for a first offense include a fine of up to $600, participation in a drug treatment program, or both. A second offense carries a fine of up to $1,000, drug treatment, or both. A third offense carries a fine of up to $2,000, up to one year in jail, or both. And a fourth or subsequent offense carries a fine of up to $5,000, between one and four years in prison, or both.
New Hampshire	It is a crime to knowingly or intentionally possess marijuana (including small amounts for personal use) in New Hampshire. Penalties include a fine of up to $2,000, up to one year in jail, or both.
New Jersey	It is a crime to knowingly or intentionally possess marijuana (including small amounts for personal use) in New Jersey. Penalties vary according to the amount possessed. Second and subsequent convictions may be punished with up to double the penalties.
New Mexico	It is a crime to knowingly or intentionally possess marijuana (including small amounts for personal use) in New Mexico. Penalties vary according to the amount possessed, and whether the offense was a first or subsequent violation. Penalties increase if the violation occurs within a posted drug-free school zone.
New York	Up to 25 grams: New York has decriminalized possession of small amounts of marijuana (at least as far as first and second violations are involved). Violations are considered civil citations (similar to a traffic violation), which incur a fine, but no jail time. There is a fine of up to $100 for a first offense, and up to $200 for a second offense.
North Carolina	Up to one half of an ounce: Penalties include a fine of up to $200, up to 30 days in jail, or both.  Between one half ounce and one and a half ounces: Penalties include a fine of up to $500, between one and 120 days in jail, or both. The judge may order probation or community service in addition to, or  in lieu of some or all of the jail time.
North Dakota	Up to one-half of an ounce:  Penalties include a fine of up to $1,000, up to 30 days in jail, or both.  Between one-half ounce and one ounce: Penalties include a fine of up to $1,000, up to one year in jail, or both.
Ohio	It is a crime to knowingly or intentionally possess marijuana in Ohio. Penalties vary according to the amount possessed, with increased fines and jail time for second and subsequent convictions, and for offenses committed within 1,000 feet of a school. For offenses involving more than 100 grams of marijuana, the judge will suspend the defendant’s driver’s license for at least six months (and up to five years).
Oklahoma	It is a crime to knowingly or intentionally possess marijuana (including small amounts for personal use) in Oklahoma. In addition to a possible fine, the judge will sentence a defendant to up to a year in jail for a first offense, and between two and ten years in prison for a second or subsequent offense.
Oregon	Up to one ounce: Oregon has decriminalized possession of small amounts of marijuana. Violations are considered misdemeanors that incur a fine between $500 and $1,000, but no jail time. However, if this offense occurs within 1,000 feet of a school, penalties increase, with a fine of up to $1,250, up to 30 days in jail, or both.
Pennsylvania	It is a crime to knowingly or intentionally possess marijuana in Pennsylvania. For amounts up to 30 grams, penalties include a fine of up to $500, up to 30 days in jail, or both. Convictions for possessing 30 grams or more are punishable with a fine of up to $5,000, up to one year in jail, or both.
Rhode Island	It is a crime to knowingly or intentionally possess marijuana in Rhode Island. Penalties include a fine of between $200 and $500, up to one year in jail, or both; and may increase for second and subsequent convictions. The judge may also order participation in a drug counseling or education program, and community service.
South Carolina	It is a crime to knowingly or intentionally possess up to one ounce of marijuana in South Carolina. Amounts exceeding one ounce are treated as trafficking crimes, explained below in "Manufacture, Distribution, and Trafficking." Penalties for possession vary according to whether the offense is a first or subsequent conviction.
South Dakota	Two ounces or less: Penalties include a fine of up to $1,000, up to one year in jail, or both.  More than two ounces but less than one-half of a pound: Penalties include a fine of up to $2,000, up to two years in prison, or both.
Tennessee	It is a crime to possess marijuana in Tennessee. It is also illegal to causally exchange (that is, with no payment) up to and including one half of an ounce of marijuana. Penalties vary according to the conviction, and increased penalties apply to offenses involving a minor.
Texas	Two ounces or less: Penalties include a fine of up to $2,000, up to 180 days in jail, or both.  More than two ounces, but less than four ounces: Penalties include a fine of up to $4,000, up to one year in jail, or both.
Utah	It is a crime to possess marijuana in Utah. It is also illegal to causally exchange (that is, with no payment) up to and including one half of an ounce of marijuana. Penalties vary according to the conviction, and increased penalties apply to offenses involving a minor.
Vermont	Less than two ounces; up to two plants (first offense): Penalties include a fine of up to $500, up to six months in jail, or both.  Less than two ounces; up to two plants (second and subsequent offenses): Penalties include a fine of up to $2,000, up to two years in prison, or both.
Virginia	First conviction: Penalties include a fine of up to $500, up to 30 days in jail, or both.  Second conviction: Penalties include a fine of up to $2,500, up to one year in jail, or both.
Washington	It used to be a crime to knowingly or intentionally possess marijuana in Washington. However, with the passage of Initiative 502 in 2012, adults are now free to possess up to one ounce of cannabis for their own private use.
West Virginia	It is a crime to possess any amount of marijuana in West Virginia. Penalties include a fine of up to $1,000, between 90 days and 6 months in jail, or both.
Wisconsin	It is a crime to possess any amount of marijuana in Wisconsin. Penalties vary according to whether the offense is a first or subsequent conviction, with 100 hours of community service in addition to these penalties for possession within 1,000 feet of a school, youth center, public park, pool, housing project, jail, or drug treatment facility.
Wyoming	A defendant convicted of using or being under the influence of marijuana will be fined up to $750, spend up to six months in jail, or both. And while not covered here, additional penalties apply to driving while under the influence.

But the problem remaining is this: A Federal agent can arrest you anywhere in the United States if you possess marijuana or have the remains of pot on your smoking apparatus, like a bong, a pipe, or a hookah, despite some of the states allowing it for recreational use, medicinal purposes, or both. Marijuana is illegal for it is a controlled substance under federal law, with no recognized legitimate value. 

Inflammation, stress, spasms, and seizures apparently don't count when it comes to "no recognized legitimate value." The cannabinoids and cannabinoid receptors in the brain are known to regulate inflammation by acting on the cannabinoid receptors of immune cells and works on the aforementioned conditions as well.

Some people argue that it is a gateway to stronger drugs, but from all indications, that isn't true unless you want it to be. Painkillers can lead a person to heroin and other strong drugs but not marijuana by itself. And nobody ever died from marijuana use. The most that happens is that people fall asleep from inhaling too much, depending on their size and weight. 

People shouldn't drive if they smoke too much because they might be pulled over by the police and charged with Driving Under the Influence(DUI). The nation's largest automobile club, AAA, says marijuana tests are bogus when it comes to DUI and cops rely on the strong smell of marijuana alone.

Josh Harkinson says that "it's probably only a matter of time before legalization sweeps the nation." For me, who gets inflammation and spasms every night, "a matter of time" isn't soon enough.