The 10 Most Memorable Hikes in North America
Ten trails. Ten unmatched miles each. Get maximum bang for each boot step on hikes that our most-traveled contributors call their all-time favorites.
Keola Life
Can CBD Help You Sleep?
For the rest you need without the side effects of over-the-counter sleep aids, the popular extract of hemp can’t be beat.
The mystery surrounding CBD
Chances are you’ve heard about CBD. CBD (Cannabidiol), is a constituent of the hemp plant that’s being used in everything from topical creams to daily supplement pills. Although CBD has been used as a medicinal cure for thousands of years worldwide, it’s still cloaked in mystery. Here are a few quick tips to help clear up the mystery surrounding CBD.
CBD comes from the hemp plant, and it’s the same plant family as marijuana.
However, it’s different. CBD is like marijuana’s non-psychoactive “cousin”. CBD is made from a strain of hemp that’s extremely low in THC. (Remember, THC is the component that’s responsible for marijuana’s mind-altering effects).
It’s safe.
Unlike medical marijuana, which contains large amounts of THC, CBD products are not psychotropic, in other words, they don’t cause the euphoric feeling associated with marijuana. Most CBD products contain only trace amounts (less than 0.3 percent) and some are completely THC-free. CBD won’t impact drug tests, and it’s safe enough for children. In fact, CBD came to national prominence with the discovery of its ability to halt seizures in children with drug-resistant epilepsy.
CBD impacts a body system you may not know you had.
That system is referred to as the endocannabinoid system which plays a key role in nervous and immune system function. CBD works by interacting with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a collection of cell receptors that play a fundamental role in the function of the nervous and immune system. The human body actually produces its own endocannabinoids—(the highest concentration is found in mother’s milk). CBD works with the body’s own system to help reduce the breakdown of naturally occurring endocannabinoids.
CBD is carefully refined.
The hemp extract used to make CBD oil comes from cultivars that are much higher in cannabidiol. In order to concentrate the active components, the raw plant mass is subjected to a solvent-free extraction process in a manner similar to the production of essential oils. The extracted oil is then 3rd party tested for contaminants and toxins as well as for cannabinoid content.
CBD is not the same as hemp oil found in grocery and natural food stores.
Hemp oil is derived only from hemp seeds, and does not contain significant amounts of cannabidiol; CBD products, on the other hand, are made from the whole plant, not just the seeds.
CBD works.
Studies are consistently proving the ability of CBD to stop seizures, calm anxiety, reduce inflammation, ease depression, and soothe chronic pain. CBD is regarded by many to have the potential to be the most important wellness ingredient in the last 50 years.CBD is not just for sick or hurting people. It’s for anyone who wants to be proactive about their long-term health.”
Dosage guidelines:
Doses can vary widely, based on the severity of symptoms and the balance or tone of an individual’s endocannabinoid system. To learn more, see our dosage calculator.
6 ways you can ease your dog's fear of fireworks this Fourth of July
Your pup doesn't have to have a stressful holiday.
Five Ways Running Benefits Your Brain
Looking to reduce stress, clear your head and solve some problems? Go for a run
Best Ways to Benefit from CBD
CBD is everywhere these days—in products from supplements to sparkling water to shampoo. What’s the best way to benefit? A doctor and a pharmacist explain.
The Difference Between CBD and THC
CBD is everywhere; oils, balms, cocktails, coffee, the list seems endless. However, recent studies reveal that the majority of Americans have never tried CBD. Further, most do not know the difference between CBD and THC.
We believe if more people better understand the differences between CBD and THC, then more people would be receptive to trying CBD recovery products and the opportunity to experience the health benefits associated with its use.
Want to gain confidence in mountain biking? Enter a race.
What? Enter a race to gain confidence in my ability? No way I’ll get crushed. "I’m too old, I’m not good enough and I’ll look foolish." That's what I thought when my buddy talked me into joining them last weekend at the “12 hours of Mesa Verde” race in Cortez, Colorado.
There were 750 riders signed up for the race. Riders could either compete solo or in teams of up to four riders per team. The race started at 7:00 am. The goal is to try to get as many laps in as possible in a 12 hour period. Each lap was 16 miles long.
As I was registering for the event, I took a look around it seemed as though I was woefully outclassed by elite athletes. I was convinced that my predictions of personal humiliation would come true. But I was committed to my team and determined to see this thing through.
An unexpected thing happened from the time of registration to the starting line, my perspective changed. It surprised me. As I looked around a little closer I began to observe something completely different from my unfounded fears of inadequacy. I experienced families, friends, and complete strangers all sharing in the joy of the sport and the day. Smiles everywhere, the good vibe was contagious. So, my fear was replaced by excitement. I couldn’t wait for my turn on the course.
When my turn came I peddled my ass off, I gasped for air, my legs burned, adrenaline flowed through my fingertips. I was only five miles into what would ultimately be 32 miles of riding for my two laps. But something happened along the way that inspired me. Instead of feeling humiliated by superior riders, I received nothing but support and encouragement from others and the crowd gathered along the trail. With every rider that passed me, I admired their skills at handling a bike and understood the commitment it takes to ride at a competitive level.
My team ended up with a respectable finish. But more importantly, a sense of accomplishment. I was able to learn from other riders. The experience has inspired me to ride more and improve my skills this summer. Will I be back next year? Definitely and with a completely different attitude. I will be looking forward to reconnecting with new friends I met this year and introducing more of my friends to the race.
Have a great spring no matter how you choose to get outside and enjoy being active.
There were 750 riders signed up for the race. Riders could either compete solo or in teams of up to four riders per team. The race started at 7:00 am. The goal is to try to get as many laps in as possible in a 12 hour period. Each lap was 16 miles long.
As I was registering for the event, I took a look around it seemed as though I was woefully outclassed by elite athletes. I was convinced that my predictions of personal humiliation would come true. But I was committed to my team and determined to see this thing through.
An unexpected thing happened from the time of registration to the starting line, my perspective changed. It surprised me. As I looked around a little closer I began to observe something completely different from my unfounded fears of inadequacy. I experienced families, friends, and complete strangers all sharing in the joy of the sport and the day. Smiles everywhere, the good vibe was contagious. So, my fear was replaced by excitement. I couldn’t wait for my turn on the course.
When my turn came I peddled my ass off, I gasped for air, my legs burned, adrenaline flowed through my fingertips. I was only five miles into what would ultimately be 32 miles of riding for my two laps. But something happened along the way that inspired me. Instead of feeling humiliated by superior riders, I received nothing but support and encouragement from others and the crowd gathered along the trail. With every rider that passed me, I admired their skills at handling a bike and understood the commitment it takes to ride at a competitive level.
My team ended up with a respectable finish. But more importantly, a sense of accomplishment. I was able to learn from other riders. The experience has inspired me to ride more and improve my skills this summer. Will I be back next year? Definitely and with a completely different attitude. I will be looking forward to reconnecting with new friends I met this year and introducing more of my friends to the race.
Have a great spring no matter how you choose to get outside and enjoy being active.
Two Healthy Smoothie Recipes
We all know the advantages of making shakes as a meal supplement when you don’t have the time or want to cook. Here are two recipes that you may enjoy. I don’t have official names for them, but since I got the recipe from my friend “Toph” I’ll simply use his nickname for the shakes.
Quick Tips for Winter Mountain Biking
Skiing, what used to be a regular weekly activity from December through March here in Colorado has been severely reduced during the age of COVID. I understand the need for social distancing, wearing face masks, and the other precautions we must all take to curb the spread of the virus. But as a result, the complications and hassles of making reservations with very limited availability have made a normal ski season pretty much impossible.
