Guest Blog: 9 Common Myths About Drug Tests
In the face of the growing menace of drug abuse, an increasingly large number of employers are now instituting drug screening policies to promote workplace safety and reduce the associated costs. Not just employers, schools and colleges are also conducting random drug tests to discourage drug abuse among teens and college-goers. However, a vast majority of people still continue to hold on to some common misconceptions about drug tests. Here in this post, we will discuss the top nine myths about drug tests. Read on.
Myth #1 about Drug Tests: Drinking a Lot of Water Can Help Someone Pass a Urine Drug Test
Many people believe that ingesting an excessive amount of water can help dilute their urine to a point that a urine drug test (with diluted specimen) won’t detect any drug in their system. They do it in a bid to quickly get rid of controlled substances from their system.
Drinking a lot of water can sure make it difficult to detect illegal substances but specific markers such as the level of creatinine (a byproduct of digestive processes) let drug testing professionals know that a person is trying to cheat. They may ask for a second urine sample or recommend a hair follicle test.
Some people also try to use diuretics to increase urine production. While diuretics will sure dehydrate your body, they will also alter some naturally occurring chemicals in the human body. Those conducting drug tests are experienced enough to spot such red flags.
Myth #2 about Drug Tests: Mouth Swab Tests Don’t Detect Pot
It is a common misconception that mouth swab tests won’t detect recent marijuana use.
Saliva or mouth swab tests can easily detect recent (usually up to 24 hours) marijuana use.
Saliva tests are popular because they offer consistent results at a lesser price in comparison to other drug testing methods. Adulterating or substituting the specimen is also difficult because unlike urine samples, mouth swab samples are collected while a person is under direct observation.
Myth #3 about Drug Tests: You Can Test Positive Due to Secondhand Smoke
The likelihood of a person testing positive in a drug test after having spent some time with friends smoking pot is extremely low.
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol – the chemical in marijuana that creates the ‘high’) needs to be detected at a level of at least 50 nanograms per milliliter (ng/ml) in order for a person to test positive in a drug test.
Secondhand smoke can at most result in a test detecting around 2-3 ng/ml unless you spend several hours in a closed room full of pot smokers.
Myth #4 about Drug Tests: Over the Counter (OTC) Medications Can Result in Positive Test Result
Contrary to the popular belief, OTC medicine for cough and cold does not lead to a false positive for methamphetamine.
During drug testing, meth use is indicated as D-methamphetamine.
OTC medicines, however, are indicated as L-methamphetamine.
Drug testing professionals or anyone else who has read the product details of a drug testing kit will know if a person has had medicine for cough and cold or used meth.
Myth #5 about Drug Tests: All Drug Tests Are the Same
Drug tests vary in the type of specimen collected, the authenticity of test results, whether it can detect recent or chronic drug use and the type of illegal drugs it can detect.
A hair follicle test can, for example, detect drug use over the past three months.
Myth #6 about Drug Tests: Only Employers Conduct Drug Tests
It is true that a large number of private and federal employers in the United States conduct drug tests in order to identify job applicants or existing employees with drug problems.
But, drug testing is also conducted on a few other occasions.
Courts in the United States, for instance, have a direct authority under Family Code section 3041.5 to order drug testing in a custody case. Courts can, however, only order urine drug testing. The testing needs to be performed in conformance with standards and procedures defined by the US Department of Health and Human Services.
Myth #7 about Drug Tests: Testing Positive in a Drug Test Due to Prescription Medications Can Ruin Your Career
The use of prescription-strength medications and certain OTC medicines can show up as a positive test result. But, all employers allow their employees to voluntarily disclose information about prescription-strength drugs they are taking for a medical condition.
Even if there is a false-positive, workers can also provide a doctor’s prescription to prove that they are taking prescription medicines for a valid reason. At times, a medical review officer may also recommend a mass spectrometry confirm test in order to validate the outcomes of a drug test.
Myth #8 about Drug Tests: Homemade Remedies Can Help You Pass a Drug Test
There are countless articles on the web that claim to have found a way to help people clear workplace drug tests, without stopping drug use. Suggesting solutions such as vitamins like niacin, cranberry juice, and jello, these articles are often backed by ‘anonymous’ author’s personal stories. The reality is that such remedies do not work!
Myth #9 about Drug Tests: Only Head Hair is used in a Hair Follicle Test
It is not true. A hair follicle test can be conducted with a sample of hair collected from any part of the body including legs, arms, armpits, etc. So, shaving one’s head in order to escape a hair follicle test is not a bad idea.
Author Bio:
I am writing to introduce myself as Leon Reingold. I am the Editor-in-Chief at Drugtestsinbulk, a nationwide supplier of drug and alcohol testing products online.
Guest Blog: Addressing Senior Malnutrition
When it comes to consuming sufficient amounts of vitamins and minerals, turns out many seniors aren’t. Chronic disease, dietary restrictions, limited income and access to food, reduced social contact, and other factors can increase a senior’s risk for malnutrition. There are simple solutions however for addressing the problem – don’t miss this quick guide:
Should Seniors Take a Multivitamin?
While the research on the need for multivitamins in the average American adult’s diet goes back and forth, when it comes to senior health specifically, experts can agree on some things. With older age often comes diminished appetites, decreased digestive functioning (which can affect nutrient absorption), as well as less energy, bone loss, and reduced muscle mass.
While seniors should invest in core diet staples like fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, legumes, and lean proteins, they may also want to talk to their doctor about nutritional supplements like multivitamins.
Multivitamins for older adults can vary. Some multivitamins with added calcium and vitamin D are ideal for active women over 50, for example, while others may come with herbal ingredients that offer memory or energy improvement.
Easy Ways to Boost Nutrient Intake
While it might seem like nutrition shakes are the simplest solution for undernourished seniors, there are also fairly simple ways to incorporate more whole foods into a daily diet.
A high-powered blender is the ultimate nutritional tool a senior has at their disposal. These hi-tech devices process food at super speeds, helping to easily blend even the toughest ingredients like nuts and seeds. They are especially handy if you are a senior who struggles with dysphagia, the inability to safely swallow foods.
- High-power blenders allow you to mix loads of healthy ingredients like fresh fruits, veggies, beans, greek yogurt, nut butters and more into smoothies, shakes, soups, stews, and dips. This simplifies the process of putting a meal together and is a much healthier alternative to processed, packaged and frozen meals.
- Recruiting help from a care network can also help boost a senior’s nutritional intake, ensuring regular round-the-clock meals that offer variety in addition to nutrients. Free, online tools like CaringBridge.com and TakethemAMeal.com allow family caregivers, neighbors, or simply friends to coordinate a digital calendar where people can sign up to help a senior with meals.
- Local nonprofit services may be an alternative as well if a substantial care network is not in place. Meals on Wheels, for example, has chapters nationwide that deliver daily meals to seniors in need, and free senior transportation services are available in many regions and can help seniors get to the store to buy groceries or pick up food.
Guest Blog: 3 Prostate Cancer Warning Signs
About 13 out of every 100 men will get prostate cancer. The older you are, the more at risk your body is to getting prostate cancer. Luckily, there are some clear signs and symptoms you can watch out for to seek treatment early.
Keep reading to know exactly how prostate cancer changes your body so you can catch it at its earliest signs.
Experience Frequent Urination
Feeling like you need to use the restroom every five minutes? This could be a warning sign of prostate cancer. There are other reasons you could be having to urinate more often but if you have a healthy daily routine and the problem persists, you may want to consider the possibility.
The urge to urinate is even worse at night. You might find yourself getting up to go to the bathroom several times in the middle of the night.
This all happens because of how close the prostate gland is to your bladder and urethra. If a tumor is growing on your gland it will cause pressure on your bladder, making you feel like you have to pee more often.
This can also cause difficulty when you’re actually trying to go. You might notice you don’t have as much control over starting and stopping.
If the problems continue over a period of days you’ll want to set up an appointment with your doctor.
New Onset of ED
Another warning sign of prostate cancer is the onset of erectile dysfunction. You might have been performing just fine the week before, but all of a sudden you can’t seem to get the job done.
Prostate cancer will push against your groin and urethra, causing the flow of blood to the area to be blocked. Normally, erectile dysfunction starts happening to men who are around the same age as men who get prostate cancer.
The two aren’t always going to be directly linked so you’ll need to get a consult from a medical professional to determine the actual cause.
Discomfort When Sitting
When you sit down do you experience a bit of discomfort? Maybe you even feel a significant pain when you sit down. If you do, consider the signs could be from a more serious condition.
As the prostate gland becomes enlarged due to the abnormal growth, it will cause a pain in your groin area when you sit down. The gland is putting too much pressure on the other areas of your body, causing them to be sensitive when they are squished together while sitting.
Your entire pelvic area could swell if it turns out to be prostate cancer and you haven’t done anything about your pain. The gland will continue to get bigger as it progresses, causing you even more pain.
If your discomfort continues over several days you need to take action to prevent anything worse from happening.
Prostate Cancer Warnings
Your body will give you several warning signs and symptoms that you might have prostate cancer. You may experience ED, discomfort when sitting, or a frequent urge to urinate. If you do, consult a medical professional and set up an appointment as soon as possible
Guest Blog: 5 Frugal Retirement Living Tips for Seniors
White clock with words Time for Action on its face
A 2015 survey revealed that Americans fear to get broke during retirement. 55% of the 1000 respondents confessed they fear not having enough money for their needs. It is a fear many newly retired folks experience hence the need to adapt to a frugal lifestyle. Here are some tips how:
1. Do Away with Unnecessary Insurance Policies
While car and homeowner’s insurance policies remain vital for many retirees, other types may not be worth renewing after retirement. A life insurance policy is not as important, especially if you are debt-free.
2. Track Your Expenses
It is essential to keep track of all your expenses after retiring. A budget helps avoid dipping into your retirement savings more than you need to. You also get to control your spending habits in terms of choices. The more effort you put into tracking your spending, the easier it gets to determine areas you need to cut back on spending.
3. Identify Ways to Reduce Property Taxes
Retirees can keep their property taxes from increasing to grow their monthly disposable income. Some states offer property tax rebates for older residents. You should do your research so you can take advantage of these opportunities.
4. Shop Smart
Some hotels, drugstores and other services offer senior discounts. The qualifying age may vary from one company to another, but it’s worth a try.
5. Vacation Less
It’s natural to treat yourself to a vacation. Sadly, these costs add up pretty fast cutting into one’s retirement savings. Retirees receive discounts and special offers for travel and local outings, giving them more cash to spend without dipping into their savings excessively.
The tips discussed should help you formulate strategies for frugal living after retirement. According to Jane Byrne of FirstCare Kildare, always be realistic about whether your finances will allow you to maintain the same standard of living. Whether you have saved a reasonable amount, living on a fixed income requires you to reduce spending.