#have cancer patients considered that their having cancer is like a huge trigger for wanted criminal cinnabon gene?

[angrylesbianstereotype]

That scene where Jimmy/Saul/Gene justifies robbing a cancer patient blind by being like “yeah well I knew a guy with cancer once and he wasn’t very nice and he was mean to me” still lives rent free in my head like sir that is an “I have cancer so I should cook meth” tier logical fallacy

#jimmy does the arthur fist meme every time he sees a cancer patient #have cancer patients considered that their having cancer is like a huge trigger for wanted criminal cinnabon gene? #very inconsiderate #better call saul #jimmy mcgill #saul goodman #bcs

[ginjointsintheworld]

Everyone talks about the relationship between Lauren and Leyla saying it's off balance due to Lauren being wealthy and privileged but no one talks about how Max and Helen's relationship is too.

Lauren : Leyla = Max : Helen

But considering the roles in their relationships Helen "suffers" Max while Lauren and Leyla, despite everything, have a much more balanced relationship. Example: Helen decides to go to London. Max intrudes and, after a day they've been together, decides to move in with his daughter too (sorry luna you could have lived quietly with your grandparents but your dad thinks it's better to make you commute between new york, london and connecticut) and then the first problem (Helen's btw) he comes up with "when we moved your problems became mine" No Max, you decided it without thinking about Helen's times and personal and professional needs, leaving out the their quarrel never faced again.

Lauren's bribe wasn't her imposing on Leyla, it was her weakness dictated by her fear of being alone. And considering the dynamics between Lauren and Leyla the problems have been addressed and there is a growth in the relationship. Between Max and Helen there is always this exasperated romanticism, everything is fine, no problem, never a confrontation and consequently never a growth that one would expect in a relationship between adults.

one of the biggest thing that's always held me back from really caring about max and helen as a couple is just how much she's helped 'carry his burden' without much reciprocation in return. his cancer in s1, the grieving period over georgia in s2, fighting fuentes in s4 and telling him to go back to nyc and splitting her time between london and new york when she's a brand new medical director of a clinic. a lot of the times, we saw how taxing these things were on helen. she expressed it when she wanted to step back from being his cancer doctor and got badgered for it and then there was max trying to convince helen not to defend her patients because she might get fired and he needed her to help run the hospital and support him while he was grieving georgia and she had to push back against that. even with him moving to london with her, like you said, he's done NOTHING to make this transition easier at any level. from pre move with her constantly worrying if he'll change his mind and back out to post with the trouble at the clinic and now going back to ny so helen has to split time traveling between countries to see him.

meanwhile i can't really pinpoint what max as helped carry the burden with in return? her big arcs have been IVF for a child, which there was lauren and panthaki who were part of her support system along with max occasionally, mina, which she mostly navigated by herself with the here and there conversations with max and lauren, and her tumultuous relationship with her mom. at least with leyren, even though it feels like half of their important conversations sometimes happen offscreen, they do canonically happen and are referred to later on. lauren telling leyla about her past as a drug addict and abusing her adderall at work, about her triggers, her past relationships, etc. but apparently it's canon that helen hasn't even opened up to max about her relationship with her mother.

and i'm sorry but i found max being so quick to bring up "it became our problem when i moved across an ocean for you" to be such a red flag lol. especially considering that she JUST told him 2 episodes prior about how him moving and leaving everything in nyc would cause him to resent her was a huge fear. i could never, EVER imagine lauren hitting at leyla's insecurity like that even in the heat of the moment. even when their relationship is strained, lauren and leyla still maintain a baseline level of communication over issues. meanwhile max and helen's arguments get swept under a rug never to be brought up again. but tbh at this point i place the blame more on the writers' feet than the ship. don't get me wrong though, making grand gestures to band aid over real concerns are definitely in line with max's character. look that his relationship with my poor girl georgia. i know people in fandom like to clown on her and talk about how max has actually ~changed~ for helen but watching him throughout this season i can't help but laugh because did he? did he really? constantly saying he was ready to go to london when his actions said otherwise, starting a riot with her patients at the clinic even though she specifically, specifically asked him not to stir up trouble that would make her look bad to her boss, crawling back to NA to meddle in their business even after fuentes was removed when he should've been getting on the first plane back to london, taking the first 'eye opening' experience to tell helen to come back to nyc. idk man. i've seen a lot of people say that the other core characters ~pressured~ him but he's a grown ass man and just like when he refused to stepped down as MD when he was undergoing chemo with a pregnant, bed rest mandated wife, he's choosing to linger around NA now.

also don't even get me started on poor luna and how him dragging her back and forth between london, ny and connecticut because he can't stop choosing his work is exactly why georgia's parents tried to sue for primary custody in the first place. then he tried to use that as a 'woe is me' to floyd during their rooftop confrontation in 4x15 when literally nobody asked him to come back. i know part of it is probably a convenient way to explain why luna isn't onscreen due to the child actress being too young to get a vaccine and safely be on set but. bleh.

#anon #asks

[pan-to-the-head]

Thank you so much for asking about the use of 'narcissism' on that aita post. I've had the same question for like two years now but am too afraid to ask, and most discussion of it I've seen ended like how that person talked to you--ending by blaming you somehow and saying you were taking their words in bad faith, when really the term narcissist is older than the diagnosis and, as you pointed out, really isn't different than describing someone as antisocial or paranoid. I think it is different than calling someone autistic or cancerous bc those are medical issues USED as insults, not insults that were then used to DESCRIBE patients (which is the real issue, imo, people are putting the cart before the horse here). Anyways sorry for the long ask, I'm autistic myself and have been wondering forever about this and have never been brave enough to ask outright.

thank for your words, anon! I’m really glad you appreciated what I had to say. I wish I could see the replies from That Person you speak of, but alas, That Person has blocked me. I can only see my own replies. here they are:

I hid their username cause they might not wanna talk to me. yknow, cause they blocked me. totally valid btw. I was being incredibly irritating. apologies.

link to the original post: https://www.tumblr.com/am-i-the-asshole-official/746300326107381760/aita-for-getting-upset-over-my-partners

I may not be able to see That Person’s replies, but there were some other relevant takes on the matter:

———

I ran out of colors Mar 29

Pretty much esh, i get being upset but calling him a narcissist is a big no-go. Both of you have a right to be upset here, i hope you can come to a compromise by communicating and not using insults.

———

not saying the usernames Mar 29

Because of the huge difference in severity here I'm voting NTA, but you shouldn't be using narcissist as an insult because it is ableist against people with NPD. Seriously, though, he's reasonably upset about intolerable noise that triggers his trauma in his home and so in response he's making intolerable noise that triggers your trauma in your home? The asshole office workers probably can't even hear it well enough to tell what he's saying.

———

not saying the usernames Mar 29

Hey tumblr peeps...why is OP ableist for calling him a narcissist but he's not ableist (or narcissistic) for thinking only his truama matters and if OP doesn't 100% agree with him they're against him? Like l'd just like to know how we're defining these words now

———

not saying the usernames Mar 29

@/not saying the usernames narcissist =/= abusive. people with NPD are not inherently abusive and often have NPD because of abuse. its ableist to perpetuate the idea that narcissists are all abusive, not to mention how many people get called narcissists (without actually having NPD) as a synonym for bad person

not saying the usernames Mar 29

I feel i should say that i dont think OP is "just as bad" as their partner for using narcissist in the way they did, but it is something to note for in the future ykwim? anyways OP you might want to reconsider this relationship, your partner seems uncaring of your trauma and how their actions may affect it.

———

not saying the usernames Mar 29

@/not saying the usernames I never called their partner abusive. A narcissist is someone who can only consider themselves and their feelings, that's exactly how their partner is behaving. If the partner was diagnosed with NPD can we call them narcissistic but not abusive?

———

not saying the usernames Mar 29

@/not saying the usernames narcissist is someone with NPD. what you are describing is someone who is self-centered. having a disorder doesnt make someone exempt from being abusive, but being a narcissist doesnt make someone automatically abusive.

———

not saying the usernames Mar 29

NTA except for calling him a narcicist. Don't pathologize him being a jerk.

not saying the usernames Mar 29

That said, frankly I don't trust this guy. He claimed you're insensitive for... being hurt by suspiciously specific actions that he could reasonably expect to hurt you.

———

I ran out of colors Mar 30

ESH

I ran out of colors Mar 30

@/not saying the usernames the disorder was named after the adjective, not the other way around. you can be narcissistic or a narcissist without having NPD.

———

ran out of colors Mar 30

@/not saying the usernames Narcissist as an insult predates the disorder being named. It's no more ableist than saying "paranoid" is ableist to people with paranoia.

ran out of colors Mar 30

Like, if anything, you should be saying whoever named the disorder is ableist for naming it after an insult (though idk what better term you could come up with to describe what it is)

———

not saying the usernames Mar 30

@/ran out of colors If you'd keep up with what people with personality disorders are saying about these issues, you'd know that it's generally agreed upon that the names and diagnostic criteria were written by ableists in the first place. That doesn't absolve modern people of the responsibility to not make the stigma against these disorders worse. Everybody knows the word predates the disorder, but people with NPD have repeatedly stated that its continued use as an insult stigmatizes their disorder.

not saying the usernames Mar 30

"The normal word came first" is a ridiculous argument when that is also the case for like half of all slurs. Are those all okay to say now as long as they meant something else first?

———

I think I copied those down right.

anyway, this is the second ask I’ve gotten because of my comments on AITA posts. I’ve also been blocked by users because of my comments on AITA posts. obviously, this is incredibly shameful and I am very embarrassed. I give my sincerest apologies to anyone that has witnessed my behavior in the replies of AITA posts. thank you for your patience. pls forgive me.

toodles :3

[tomasorban]

The Extraordinary Health Benefits of Mushrooms

#1 – Increasing Antioxidant Activity

All available evidence indicates that, at high levels, free radicals damage various structures in your body’s cells. This cellular damage contributes to an increase in your risk for developing many health problems, including those related to aging. This is why decreasing or inactivating free radicals can lead to huge benefits for your health.

Dietary antioxidants, such as vitamin C, vitamin A, selenium, beta-carotene, and others, counter the adverse health effects of free radicals.

Promisingly, many mushrooms also contain powerful ingredients that have been found to neutralize free radicals.

For instance, extracts of the medicinal and dietary mushroom Reishi have been shown to reduce free radical activity. Known in China as the “spirit plant,” Reishi is believed to relax and fortify both mind and body.

Another medicinal mushroom, chaga, is also known for its antioxidant properties — indeed, according to a report in the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, a Chaga polysaccharide has been found to possess “strong antioxidant activity for scavenging free radicals.”

Similarly, the journal Carbohydrate Polymers reports that polysaccharides present in the fungus Cordyceps have been shown to “improve the antioxidation activity in immunosuppressed mice (and to) significantly increase… total antioxidant capacity.”

The great news is that Cordyceps not only helps to neutralize harmful free radicals, it also enhances the activity of your body’s innate antioxidant systems.

#2 – Enhancing the Immune System

Every second of every day, your immune system is working overtime to clear away debris, to fight off cancer cells, and support your body achieve vibrant, healthy functioning.

It’s an extraordinarily complex and multifaceted system. And sometimes, especially as you age, your immune system can begin to wear down and function less effectively.

Mushrooms can help. They boost both the levels and activity of many vital components of your immune system — and may even “prime” immune cells so that they become more effective in responding to future infections and attacks.

Macrophages are a type of immune white blood cell that engulfs and digests cellular debris, foreign substances, microbes, cancer cells, and anything else in your body that does not appear healthy to the immune system.

A Chaga polysaccharide has been shown to induce rapid increases in macrophages in mice.

In another study, giving Chaga extract daily for 24 days to mice with compromised immune systems increased the numbers of protective white blood cells in their bone marrow.

Another medicinal mushroom, Reishi, has been shown to boost the production of many components of the immune system, including natural killer cells, which detect and destroy cancer cells and cells infected with viruses.

In one study, 34 patients with advanced stages of cancer were treated for 12 weeks with a Reishi-sourced polysaccharide. The patients who were given the treatment showed substantial improvements in the effectiveness of their immune function.

Shiitake is one of the most popular and best-studied mushrooms in the world today. These mushrooms contain a polysaccharide known as Lentinan, which Cancer Detection and Prevention Journal has described as “a unique class of immunopotentiator” that helps to improve the quality of life and extend survival.

In a 2014 study reported in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, researchers gave 52 healthy young adults either five or 10 grams of dried Shiitake mushrooms daily for four weeks. Consuming mushrooms was associated with a substantial increase in the number and effectiveness of both “T immune cells” and natural killer cells.

In just one month, eating the dried shiitake mushrooms was found to support both a stronger immune system and a marked drop in inflammation. The subjects who took ten grams of dried shiitake’s daily had the most positive benefits.

#3 – Managing Blood Sugar Levels

Mushrooms may also be useful in managing safe levels of blood sugar.

Compounds from the parasitic fungus Cordyceps have been shown to help support balanced blood sugar levels. For example, a study published in the journal Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin found that a Cordyceps polysaccharide showed “potent hypoglycemic (blood sugar lowering) activity in genetic diabetic mice,” while “plasma glucose level was quickly reduced in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice.”

The study also found that this same Cordyceps-sourced polysaccharide contributed to lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels.

One of the most common and devastating complications that can be caused by diabetes is diabetic nephropathy. Over time, the condition can cause the kidneys to malfunction and, eventually, to fail.

In one promising study, Cordyceps was shown to significantly reduce blood glucose levels, lower kidney breakdown markers, and preserve renal function in mice.

#4 – Supporting Brain Health

The ball-shaped mushroom with cascading icicle-like spines known as Lion’s Mane has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine. Once reserved for royal families, Lion’s Mane contains up to 20% protein and is considered to be a gourmet dish by many.

Potent compounds in Lion’s Mane have been shown to activate a very important peptide (a small protein) known as “nerve growth factor” or NGF. NGF is necessary for the growth, maintenance, and survival of the neurons in your brain.

These Lion’s Mane compounds stimulate your neurons to re-grow and trigger a process known as re-myelination, which helps to keep your neurons healthy and maintains their ability to conduct electrical signals efficiently.

In one small Japanese clinical study, elderly men and women with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) were given Lion’s Mane for 16 weeks. Throughout the study period, the mushroom-eating group showed significantly increased scores on a cognitive function scale compared with the placebo group. But if they stopped consuming the mushroom, their advantage disappeared.

Short-term memory refers to your ability to hold a small amount of information in your mind in a readily available state for a short period. Visual recognition memory is a measurement of your ability to recognize previously encountered events, objects, or people, and to “remember” them.

Both of these types of memory are often lost in people with age-related health conditions. And both of them appear to be supported by eating Lion’s Mane, which has been shown to help prevent the breakdown of spatial short-term and visual recognition memory and delay the onset of cognitive dysfunction.

#5 – Improving Exercise Performance

Mushrooms help you live better — and stronger. Especially Cordyceps.

Cordyceps extracts have been shown to dilate the aorta — the main artery in your body that supplies oxygenated blood to your entire circulatory system — by up to 40%, thereby increasing blood flow and greatly enhancing endurance.

What’s more, Cordyceps contains adenosine and can stimulate the production of ATP — one of the main sources of energy in your body’s cells. This may be one of the reasons why it has been found to improve stamina in athletic performance.

In one Japanese study, supplementation with Cordyceps improved the performance of over 70% of long-distance runners.

In a 2010 double-blind, placebo-controlled study, a Cordyceps extract known as Cs-4 was given to 20 healthy elderly subjects three times per day for 12 weeks. Supplementation with Cs-4 was found to meaningfully improve their exercise performance and overall wellness.

Mushrooms don’t just help you live longer. They can also help you live better — and stronger. Especially Cordyceps.

Cordyceps extracts have been shown to dilate the aorta — the main artery in your body that supplies oxygenated blood to your entire circulatory system — by up to 40%, thereby increasing blood flow and greatly enhancing endurance.

What’s more, Cordyceps contains adenosine and can stimulate the production of ATP — one of the main sources of energy in your body’s cells. This may be one of the reasons why it has been found to improve stamina in athletic performance.

In one Japanese study, supplementation with Cordyceps improved the performance of over 70% of long-distance runners.

In a 2010 double-blind, placebo-controlled study, a Cordyceps extract known as Cs-4 was given to 20 healthy elderly subjects three times per day for 12 weeks. Supplementation with Cs-4 was found to meaningfully improve their exercise performance and overall wellness.

What Can You Do With This Knowledge?

Mushrooms are potent health-boosters, and their documented benefits are extraordinary. The mushrooms discussed in this article are considered safe and relatively non-toxic.

But unless you’re a trained mycologist (an expert who specializes in the study of fungi), it is not recommended to begin harvesting them in the wild because some wild mushrooms are poisonous. There are so many varieties, species, and subspecies that a simple mistake could result in severe consequences.

You may be able to find fresh shiitake or Lion’s Mane mushrooms in a local or specialty grocery store (and they’re both delicious!). But some of the most potent medicinal mushrooms can be bitter or may be difficult to find.

Plus, many health experts recommend combining multiple medicinal mushrooms for their synergistic effect.

If you’re going to take a mushroom supplement, you want to look for a manufacturer that offers 100% organic mushroom extracts and supplements, produced, stored, and packaged under strict guidelines to preserve their nutrient content and overall effectiveness.

And what about the common “table mushrooms” like button, crimini, portobello, or oyster? There is considerable evidence that all edible mushrooms, even the most common grocery store varieties, have potent health-boosting properties. But the most powerful may be the medicinal mushrooms described in this article.

#mushrooms #mycology #food #diet #health #medicine #self help #healing #nature #inspiration #consciousness

[melon-kiss]

Screaming, Pt 2

Link to the part on AO3.

__________

The curly-headed one has established a new routine. He comes once a week to visit. That’s new.

I don’t get many visitors here. There are nurses, who enter my room three times a day, forcing me to take meds. Well, I’m not the one to give in easily, so they have to put a lot of effort to make me swallow the pills and I don’t do it myself anyway. I look like a dog or a cat - they massage my throat until they’re sure the meds go down to the stomach. I feel sorry for them, but it’s not like I can do much more. My body is detached from my brain.

There’s also a doctor - Mark... something. I didn’t get his last name and didn’t care to ask. He comes by once a day to tell me what the weather’s like, how my blood tests came out and remind me how important it is to eat solid food. They can’t keep me on the IVs for much longer, he says. He mentioned something about me losing a lot of weight. I have to believe him because I don’t recognise my body entirely. He talks to me as if I didn’t know anything. Let me tell you something, mister - I may look like a vegetable but my brain is fine (excluding the major damages caused by LSD, of course). I know I’m in a hospital for the mental ones. I’m not stupid.

The doctor’s visits seem pointless. He looks at my patient chart, takes my temperature, checks my reactions. If the diagnosis were based on them, I would be out in no time. But it’s not. His visits are not completely useless, though. I managed to overlook the chart and confirmed the name once: Molly Hooper. It reminded me of a certain badge and a white coat. These were the memories from the morgue and lab. But I couldn’t see any faces, they were blurred. I remember the rooms, especially the lab. Nothing beyond. Still, it was better than nothing at all.

The curly-headed one comes once a week and sits down almost at the other end of the room, in the left corner. He always wears a suit but he doesn’t look like the police officer that came with him the other day. I can’t figure out what he does for living. He takes off his coat and scarf, and sits in his corner. He puts his hands like in a prayer and presses them against his lips.

And stares.

Endlessly.

Not once in six weeks he’s spoken to me.

His bright blue eyes study my face and my eyes follow his. I don’t take them off of him. I usually sit with my legs pulled up and pressed against my chest, with arms wrapped around my knees. He sits in the corner for about an hour. He doesn’t take notes, doesn’t look away. Doesn’t take a short round around the room to straighten up his legs. It’s a routine and it’s quite comforting to know what he’s going to do every time he drops by.

Then, after the hour is over, the puts on his scarf and coat, comes close to me. He places a kiss on my forehead and whispers something that sounds like “Norbury”.

But after those six weeks I notice a change. During the seventh week, I wait. I keep glancing at the clock over the door on Wednesday. He doesn’t have one specific hour we comes at but the later it gets, the more anxious I am. Not that anyone could tell - my body is still resilient to all brain commands. It’s heavy, like a medieval armour.

It’s almost nine in the evening when he walks in. I have no idea why he’s been let in at such a late hour, but he does come in. He looks pale and exhausted. His movements are slower than usual. There are dark circles around his eyes. He flops onto the chair and doesn’t look at me intensively anymore. He supports his head with the thumb and the index finger of his right hand and blinks but there are no more thinking traces in his eyes. He moves his eyelids up and down and they’re heavy from something that resembles pain.

He sits like this for about twenty minutes and then he pulls up his chair right at the end of my bed. He stares straight at me at the very close proximity of two feet.

I don’t have the slightest idea of what my face is showing but I know I feel frightened.

I understand what happened to me, I know the side effects of LSD. And I know that it wasn’t my weekly guest who drugged me - it was a girl named Eurus. Since he looks like a male, I don’t have any reason to believe he’s the perpetrator, but if I didn’t know any better, I would suspect it because the guilt filling his eyes is so heavy I wonder how he can walk without limping. But now, being close to him, I can feel the warmth of his breath. It’s fresh, very minty at the end of every exhale. My heart pounds pretty quickly comparing to last seven weeks but I still don’t move much. I feel trapped.

I try to tell him it’s not his fault. I really do. I can see he puts all the blame on himself and I would like to tell him to forget it. I don’t remember him anyway. He should find someone else and fall in love again (I hate those so called advices but they seem to work for some people, and I hope they would for him), maybe this time with someone less mental. He’s very handsome; I’m sure he won’t have a problem finding someone willing to take the pain away. He also seems very intelligent and perceptive. That’s always very attractive.

He looks at me for another thirty minutes and stands up unexpectedly. He locks my face in his hands and kisses my forehead, but then, he puts our foreheads together. I raise my eyes up to see his face and it’s all wrinkled with pain. He closes his eyelids very tightly.

“I’m so sorry, Molly,” he whispers and it almost sounds like crying. “Please, forgive me. Please. Please. Don’t hate me.”

I want to comfort him that I don’t even know him and therefore cannot hate him. It’s this Eurus gal. She’s nuts, not him. Maybe she hates him? I don’t understand why I would do it. Unless he was my bodyguard, he’s not the one to blame. And even if he were, it wouldn’t be his fault. He’s not the perpetrator.

The minute he straightens, one of the grey-haired visitors walks in. It’s the shortest one. He looks at the curly-headed, worried. He, however, steps back quickly.

“Sherlock, we should go.”

Sherlock. I come to realise that it must be his name. Sounds dramatic. Baroque. Funny even.

“I know. Thank you, John.”

I follow him with my eyes to the exit. He walks out without looking back.

I lie down on my bed and cover myself with a blanket. Although my brain has issues adjusting to the new reality it’s found itself in, my sleeping schedule is quite regular and looks good; I fall asleep around eleven, wake up at seven. My dreams are very basic - they are a mix of the hospital staff’s faces and childhood memories. My dad often comes to me and plays with me and my sister. I know he’s dead. I remember that much. It fills me with sadness. I have this one memory; our dad was always cheerful, even after he was diagnosed with cancer. But I caught him sitting alone in the bedroom once, going through our old family photos. I was quite certain he was crying. Being twelve back then, I had no idea what to do, how to help him, so I got back to my sister. Our dad came back to play with us five minutes later and he was cheerful again. If I hadn’t seen him earlier, I could never have told he was in pain.

Then, after I wake up, the nurses change my IVs, force me into taking meds, I sit. They try to feed me with solid food, like toasts for breakfast and pasta for dinner. I cannot make my body move towards the plates. I promise myself that I will try to force my muscles everyday to make a progress and maybe finally reach the food. I have to, if I want to survive.

But do I?

Do I want to return to the life I don’t know? Do I want to be out of the hospital, in the real world? Out of the warm comfort zone of my bed? Amongst the people I don’t recognise? All I have is the memories, more even like shreds of them. A man falling behind the window. A present? And the word: you. I don’t even know that it means.

The memories from the last visit of the unknown trio are without any faces again. They trigger my anxiety, so when I try to go through them again, I do it very carefully. I don’t know why it’s so difficult for me but I feel like there’s a huge weight to them. Maybe back then I felt emotionally attached to all those events? I can’t exclude any possibility. But the man... Have I witnessed a suicide? That would explain the fright.

And the curly-headed one. Sherlock. He’s handsome. But why would a man so attractive come to my hospital bed every week? He said something about love but if he does love me, I won’t be able to tell. His visits are not romantic. He doesn’t try to convince me to talk. He just sits there and stares. Maybe he tries to find a solution? Truth is, I start to like his presence. He’s arrogant but I feel like there are whole entire worlds to see under this obnoxious shell. I wish I could tell him about my thoughts, but my body does not cooperate.

I fall asleep to a voice echoing I love you in my head.

 * * *

 “...she’s definitely in dissociative fugue. It means that she blocks all the traumatic memories, or even more. Her memory can spontaneously get back entirely one day, or piece by piece... or never. Seeing you, all of you, can help but it’s no guarantee. Just talk to her but don’t force her into remembering anything. Use phrases she can remember, show photos of places she’s been to. But not too often and not too forcibly. It can get worse.”

The door to my room creaks when it’s being opened and the Three Horsemen of Madness come in. Not one of them looks happy to be here. I can sense their awkwardness. I imagine talking to me must be as weird as talking to a wall. The result is pretty much the same. Sherlock and the police officer sit, the short one, John, stands. They all keep a distance, as if afraid of my sudden attack. Considering my body does not belong to me anymore, there’s no threat.

“Hello, Molly,” John says finally. “I’m sure you have troubles remembering us... but we’re here to help you. My name is doctor John Watson. This is detective inspector Greg Lestrade and this is... Sherlock Holmes.”

This is the part where a normal person would respond but as it happens, I’m no longer considered normal. It has its perks, you know. My gaze jumps from one person to another. Detective inspector has a wrinkle of worry between his eyebrows and looks hurt. Doctor Watson anticipates some sort of feedback from me, apparently. Sherlock Holmes studies my eyes thoroughly again.

They all should be locked down here with me, to be honest.

“Sherlock and I are sort of... detectives,” John says.

Three detectives in my room. Am I a forensic pathologist? No, I remember St. Bartholomew’s hospital. I once met a guy named Jim there, who turned out to be gay. But someone had warned me about this before...

I see shreds of the lab. I feel dizzy and blink intensively, while John continues his monologue.

“...and you used to help us. You know, we could really trust you.”

...and I’ve always trusted...

“Molly.” Sherlock’s voice does it again to me - makes my heart race. I blink quickly. “We’d like to discuss a case with you. It’s very easy, I’ve found the resolution in about three minutes.” Ugh, cocky. “But that’s why we’d like to start with something very simple.”

He looks at Greg.

“Well, the victim was found naked in his own home, with only watch on his left hand,” Lestrade says. “The watch wasn’t working, it showed eleven thirty. It was male, thirty four, worked as a...”

“No, you’re doing it wrong,” Sherlock interjected. “You’re telling the story from the wrong point of view. How is she supposed to understand a word of what you say if you tell the story, starting from the middle?”

The cockiness again. Something in my body wakes up. I begin to feel a strange heat somewhere in my chest area. I’m close to rolling my eyes on him.

“Sherlock, I think it is the beginning,” John argues. “This is how the story begins for us.”

“Oh, come on, John, not you too!” Sherlock replies, annoyance visible on his face. “I understand that being an idiot must be difficult but it doesn’t excuse you from thinking at all.”

What?

John only rolls his eyes (finally, someone!). The argument gets hotter with every minute and Sherlock doesn’t slow down with the insults. I don’t like it. It’s getting on my nerves. “Idiots”, “morons”, “half-brainiacs”, “thinking requires a brain”. These phrases slip out of his mouth uncontrollably. I see now he’s the emotional one in this trio. John and Greg try to convince him to calm down but he’s on fire. He cannot be stopped.

“...and I’ve told you, the watch has been tampered with! Oh, his bloody fiancé set the time as a symbol of the number of days spent together. Until she’d found out about the lover, of course. A three-year-old could resolve this! Seriously, Lestrade, I’m starting to consider that they choose ONLY MORONS to be police officers...”

Before I can restrain myself, I hear my own voice:

“STOP IT!”

I feel like I’m outside my own body. I watch myself from a perspective of a third person. The room falls silent. I observe three pairs of eyes getting wide to the size of tennis balls. Sherlock’s sarcastic look on his face fades into fear.

Every vein in my body pulses furiously. The heat takes over my numb muscles. My face burns. The bones in my jaw almost hurt, when I say the words:

“JUST STOP IT!”

Suddenly I stand on my bed but not for long. I take a long leap and jump on Sherlock, pinning him to the floor.

Once again I’m in no control of my body. Something in my brain tells me to stop but my fingers wrap tightly around his neck without my consent. I’m out of control but this time, I can’t stop my body from moving, not from sitting still. He’s slim but strong and I’m certain he’s able to defend himself, especially with my arms so skinny and bones so frail. I don’t know if it’s the shock or the lack of strength, but he doesn’t do much to push me.

I feel John’s and Greg’s hands trying to pull me away, but my fury is stronger. My palms clench even tighter around Sherlock’s neck.

“Molly!”

I’m not Molly. I’m not the one they’d like me to be. Molly Hooper doesn’t exist anymore.

I look straight in Sherlock’s eyes. They’re bright blue, filled with tears. He seems to be begging me, but not to stop. Forgiveness. It feels like a sorry. And not even for getting me mad. I don’t understand. For a second I think I let go a bit of the clench.

You. I’ve seen those eyes before.

Dizzy. World spins. I tighten up my grip.

“NURSE!”

A few second later I hear the door creaking again. Several footstep approach me. They pull me back by my arms and shoulders, I fight it. I notice three nurses and a doctor. He holds a syringe in his hand.

“STOP IT!”

It sounds like crying. I shake, try to bite, kick everything and everyone. I toss and turn, and I’m not even in my bed anymore. My body is detached from my brain. Still. I want to be calm but I can’t. Everything in me says to be furious, so I am.

“STOP IT!”

My scream is so loud it makes my guests wince. The nurses and the doctor manage to hold me in their arms for five seconds. Sherlock slowly sits on the floor. I feel a sting in my arm, which makes me only scream more. Whatever is in that syringe, it starts working immediately. Sherlock’s frightened face gets blurry. Suddenly, I find myself lying on the floor.

“Leave me alone,” I mumble.

I see a colourful sweater, a kitchen and a telephone in my hand. Before I’m able to take a closer look, I drift away into a black emptiness.

#sherlolly #sherlock #sherlock x molly #molly x sherlock #sherlock holmes #molly hooper #fanfiction #screaming

[artificialqueens]

Gloxalias and other ways to say I love you (branjie) - writworm42

A/N: Brooke works in a hospital gift shop. Vanessa is the mom of a young cancer patient who really loves flowers. It’s no match made in Heaven, but they might just be able to create their own.

This fic has the potential to be hugely, massively triggering. There’s grief, mentions of death, descriptions of anxiety, and explicit content to do with childhood cancer, surgery, and there’s a lot of medical content. PLEASE take care of yourselves.

Thank you Holtz for beta-ing this and for being a wonderful human. Also thank you to all the folks on AO3 who shared their stories with me. The responses from everyone who’ve been touched by cancer in some way have been truly humbling, and I hope readers here on AQ will find it resonates with them too.

The first time Brooke sees Vanessa, she’s combing through the hospital gift shop looking for flowers.

“Are you sure your unit allows flowers?” Brooke asks when the woman reaches the counter with an armful of daisies.

“Oh, um… No.” she looks taken aback by the question, like it was one she’s never considered. “You even allowed to ask me that? Consternationality an’ all that?”

Brooke is unable to keep herself from cracking a little smile. “Nah, confidentiality only applies to doctors. I’m just a lowly cashier,” she sighs with a fake forelorness that makes the other woman laugh, a loud, scratchy bark that makes everyone within fifty feet of the gift shop turn around in alarm.

Brooke thinks it’s infectious.

“Seriously though, mama, I ain’t actually sure.” the woman shrugs after they both finally calm down. “You know if the pod—peda—pom—the kids’ ward lets people have flowers? My kid loves ‘em.”

Brooke doesn’t, and she tells the woman so. For a moment, from the way the bright, lively twinkle in the woman’s eyes dies down a little, Brooke is afraid the woman might start to cry, or even yell. She’s seen it before; distraught family members upset at the exorbitant pricing of stuffed animals or the fact that their loved one’s favourite snack isn’t available taking it out on her, screaming until their voices are hoarse and their rage is subdued by a peace offering of a free purchase of any one item they want. Brooke isn’t supposed to do it, but it saves her jugular, and she can get the desperation and pent-up grief they’re feeling.

She’s about to offer the same consolation prize to this woman when the woman collects herself unexpectedly, letting out a sigh as her face smooths over into something that’s almost a smile.

“Alright, Mary. I’ll check with the nurse and come back if I can.”

“Brooke.” Brooke says, almost inaudibly, as the woman turns to leave.

“Huh?” the woman turns around, a confused frown knitting itself onto her face.

“Brooke. Not Mary. My name’s Brooke.” She blushes the minute the words are out of her mouth, realizing how nitpicky and stupid she must sound. But if the woman thinks so, she doesn’t show it; in fact, she smiles brightly, the sparkle returning to her eyes as she laughs again, making Brooke relax and laugh a little, too.

“Alright then, miss Brooke-not-Mary. See you soon as the nurses tell me I can come back down and pick up these flowers.”

“Alright then,” Brooke nods, an inexplicable thread of hope weaving through her chest, “See you around…”

“Vanessa. But my friends call me Vanjie.”

—

Vanessa comes back down a few days later, a triumphant smile spread across her face as she marches straight up to the counter.

“Guess who can buy flowers, bitch!”

Brooke looks up from the stolen magazine she’s not supposed to be reading and grins.

“I was hoping you’d come back.”

Vanessa arches a brow. “You flirtin’ with me, Mary?”

Brooke almost chokes on her tongue.

“I’m—no, I’m so sorry, I’m not—“

“Relax,” Vanessa chuckles, raising her hands in mock surrender. “I’m just jokin’, I ain’t mean nothin’.”

Brooke can’t figure out why she feels a little disappointed at the words, nor why Vanessa’s voice seems to hold the same feeling.

Or maybe she’s just imagining it.

Nonetheless, Vanessa circles the flower section for about five minutes before returning to Brooke with the same armful of daisies she had picked out yesterday. Only this time, there are twice the amount, such that the brunette’s face is almost completely hidden behind their petals.

“You good?” Brooke laughs as Vanessa drops the flowers onto the counter with a huff.

“Just ring ‘em up, mama.” Vanessa rolls her eyes, but she can’t hide the little smile she’s clearly trying not to crack.

Brooke starts to do just that, and soon the only sound that fills the room is the rhythmic beeping of her scanner.

—

“So… your kid really likes daisies, huh?” Brooke ventures the next day, when Vanessa was back with the same armful of flowers. The younger woman just blinks.

“I mean, they like most kinds of ‘em, I just don’t wanna fuck up, y’know? I been reading up on all that petal-talk shit, I ain’t want to get them somethin’ that means divorce when I’m tryna make them feel better. I know daisy means happy shit, so that’s what imma stick to.”

Brooke’s heart softens. She’s been working at the gift shop for about five years now, and she’s seen countless parents blow through looking for something to either get their kids or pass the time while trying not to worry about them. She’s never met a mother so hung up on details that she’d worry right down to the hidden meanings of the flowers she’s buying. It’s downright adorable, and even though she probably shouldn’t, she can’t help but get involved.

“Y’know, I used to be into flower language myself.” She shifts on her feet, suddenly acutely aware of how her suggestion could be taken. And, just as she feared, Vanessa laughs.

“There you go, flirtin’ with me again.” Vanessa winks, still giggling as she watches Brooke’s face go crimson. “Tell you what, I gotta go ‘cause my kid’s got an MRI, but imma be back tomorrow, an’ you can teach me all about that daisy tulip pussyfoot mumble-jumble. Sound good?”

“Sounds good.” Brooke smiles.

For some reason, even after she gets home that night, her body is still buzzing with nerves and something that feels suspiciously like excitement.

—

As it turns out, Vanessa isn’t just back the next day—she’s back the day after that, and the day after that, and so on for the rest of the week. At first, they stick to flowers; Brooke runs through every plant in the gift shop’s small collection, rattling off any fact she thinks Vanessa might find interesting.

“You know, even though tulips are commonplace now, in the 1600s, these things were actually more valuable than gold in the Netherlands. Isn’t that wild?”

“I actually read that the juice from bluebell flowers can be used to make glue. See how sticky it is?”

“Orchids are actually my favourite flowers–Did you know that they don’t even need soil to grow? They can get nutrients from the air!”

Vanessa always listens with intent, nodding and smiling in a way that Brooke can tell shows she’s genuinely interested.

Slowly, they get to talking more, Vanessa hanging by the counter long after she’s traded a creased wad of fives for a new vase or packets of plant food. Sometimes, she doesn’t buy anything at all, only stands across from Brooke, or drags her over to the flower section to talk, the perfumy smell of pollen tickling at their noses as they trade snippets of their life stories.

Vanessa is a fashion designer who works part-time for a swimsuit company, part-time on her own small business designing adaptive clothing for disabled people of all ages. Vanessa’s kid, Frances, is twelve years old and loves soccer, flowers, and their pet frog, Bertha. They’re in the seventh grade but doing math at a grade eight level, and they had come out as non-binary when they were ten, the same year they were diagnosed with a tumour lodged in their occipital lobe. Vanessa and Frances were Catholic, and even though cancer, transness, and faith were difficult to reconcile, the chaplain at the hospital was fearless and the two of them had managed.

Vanessa had been married before, but he had died of the same illness that Frances is struggling with now, long before Frances even knew him. They don’t remember him now, and for that, Vanessa is grateful.

“I still haven’t told them,” Vanessa shrugs through a noseful of baby’s breath. “I don’t want them thinkin’ that they’re goin’ the same way. It’s been two years now an’ the cancer’s gonna be gone after this last round of chemo and then their resection, I can feel it. I don’t want them worryin’ about how their daddy didn’t get the same chance.”

Vanessa leaves that day with an armful of violet chrysanthemums and a weight lifted off her shoulders.

–

“I can’t tell you how nice it is you don’t pity me.” Vanessa says the next day.

“Mm, what do you mean?” Brooke frowns as she deadheads a pot of violets that nobody’s buying.

“I can tell. Whenever I tell people it’s my kid I’m here for, they get all sappy, an’ tell me they’ll pray for me. An’ it’s nice and all, but it gets old real quick, you know what I’m saying?”

Brooke does. She’s seen it too many times before not to. It’s one of the reasons only she works at the gift shop now; other than the fact that it’s stocked by a rotating parade of high schoolers and a few well-intentioned volunteers on her days off, she’s the only person who’s ever been able to shut that pity off. Most of the time, it’s a survival mechanism.

With Vanessa, though, it comes easier than that.

“You don’t need my pity.” Brooke shrugs. “You need this pot of violets more.” she kicks the massive pot over to where Vanessa is kneeling, and relishes in the barking laugh that follows.

Everyone in the lobby hears Vanessa’s laugh so often now that no one turns snaps to attention at its melody anymore.

And as for Brooke, it’s become one of her favourite sounds.

–

The date of Frances’ resection approaches far too quickly, and the closer it gets, the more Vanessa asks to hear about Brooke’s life.

“Well, what do you want to know?” Brooke passes the illegally-opened bag of maltesers that she and Vanessa have been sharing into the smaller woman’s hands.

“I dunno.” Vanessa wiggles on Brooke’s stool, a spare volunteer vest that’s far too big for her framing her hunched-over form. She’s not supposed to be wearing it, not even supposed to be behind the counter, but at this point, nobody would know the difference, and Vanessa needs the shelter. “Tell me how you got into flowers, an’ how come you ain’t a florist.”

“I am one, technically.” Brooke pops another malteser into her mouth and chews casually. “It’s just hard to get work in a flower shop these days. I’d save up to open my own, but…”

“This job ain’t pay well.” Vanessa nods. “I can tell you kinda like it here, though.”

Brooke shrugs. “Some people collect stuffed animals, I collect stories.”

Vanessa looks at her with an expression she can’t quite decipher, but dares to hope means something good. Her hopes are realized when Vanessa’s face smooths out, her voice suddenly gentle.

“I bet you got lots of interesting stories yourself, huh, miss Brooke?”

Brooke can feel her face grow hot, and hopes to God she doesn’t look as flustered as she feels. Taking a deep breath and pulling herself together, she forces out a joke. “Wow, now who’s flirting with me?”

Vanessa arches an eyebrow, but doesn’t protest. In fact, she only hums as she pops the last malteser in her mouth, gets up, and walks away, a swing in her hips, twinkle in her eye, and stolen volunteer vest still hanging off her shoulders.

–

“Tell me more about you.”

Brooke is locking up the shop when she hears the telltale scratch of Vanessa’s voice behind her.

“Oh, hey.” she smiles reflexively, the muscles in her face so used to stretching into a grin when Vanessa’s around now that it feels second-nature. “I’m actually just about to close–”

“I’m not tryna buy anything.” Vanessa shakes her head. “I wanna… I just… Please. The third floor Tim’s is twenty-four hours, let me buy you a coffee or somethin’.”

The realization hits Brooke in the chest before she can feel any sort of celebration at the suggestion.

It’s April twenty-fourth.

The evening before Frances’ surgery.

“Okay.” Brooke nods, “Let’s go get coffee.”

–

Brooke can tell that Vanessa doesn’t drink coffee much from the way her hands start to shake about halfway through her first large triple-triple. Or maybe she’s just that nervous; either way, when Brooke offers her hand, Vanessa takes it without hesitation.

Their fingers knit together almost too comfortably, and Brooke pretends not to notice Vanessa’s blush as the warmth of Brooke’s hand connects with the cold sweat against her own.

It’s just a comfort gesture, Brooke tells herself, but from the way Vanessa grips back, soft and natural and like her hand has found its way home, she’s not sure she believes it.

They talk for hours, bouncing from topics like Brooke’s favourite childhood TV shows to how she used to dance to her top five role models. At some point, they run out of things to talk about, but rather than settle into silence, they lapse into a spontaneous game of truth or dare, letting swigs of even more coffee keep score as they trade escalating challenges between one another.

At first, the questions and dares are innocent enough. Vanessa asks Brooke her favourite hockey team, Brooke dares Vanessa to try to throw a balled-up napkin into the trash from her seat at the table. At some point, though, when they’re both full up on coffee and their box of forty timbits is running low, things take a different turn.

“Truth.” Brooke nibbles on one of the last sourcream glazed in the box, watching Vanessa intently. She’s expecting another commonplace question, something boring and by-the-book, but then Vanessa pauses, chewing her lip.

“What is it, Ness?” Brooke prompts. Vanessa exhales deeply in response.

“Are you single right now?” Brooke’s heart stops as Vanessa spits out the question, her eyes locked on Brooke’s face and anxiously searching for an answer in her expression.

It’s nothing; it’s probably nothing. Vanessa’s just trying to make conversation, that’s all. Their connection, their jokes about flirting, Vanessa’s hand still stuck intertwined with Brooke’s–it’s all just two women brought together by an unfortunate circumstance, two women who have become friends, no matter how much Brooke wants it to be more. Vanessa’s different. Vanessa doesn’t want the same thing as Brooke. She can’t want the same thing as Brooke. She’s a mom, an amazing, fearless, talented working mom, and Brooke runs a hospital gift shop. Vanessa is fierce and passionate, and Brooke sells flowers and candy while watching her life go by. There’s no way Vanessa is asking for the reason Brooke wants her to be. Brooke shouldn’t get her hopes up.

She can’t help but get her hopes up as she answers with a quiet, hopeful, “Yeah. I’m single. Yeah.”

She can’t help but have her hopes melt into relief when Vanessa smiles.

“Your turn.” Vanessa’s grip tightens on Brooke’s hand, and the sparkle in her eyes, that beautiful fucking sparkle that always seems to feel like it’s just for Brooke, is somehow incredibly reassuring. Encouraging.

Almost like a dare.

Brooke takes a deep breath, and then she takes a chance.

“Truth or dare?”

“Truth.”

“Why do you want to know if I’m single or not?”

There’s a beat, and Brooke falters, an apology readying itself on her tongue. Before she can completely lose her nerve, though, Vanessa stands up, and then she’s crossing around the table, walking towards Brooke, and then she’s leaning down, she’s leaning down with her hands cradling Brooke’s face, and–

Oh.

Brooke’s eyes flutter closed as she leans into the kiss, her thoughts fading away as everything becomes focused on the feeling of Vanessa’s lips against hers, soft and wanting and tinged with the bitter taste of dark roast that’s been mixed with too much sugar. And when Brooke kisses back, Vanessa sighs just a little, her thumb instinctively moving forward to stroke against Brooke’s cheek, and Brooke finds herself wishing that the moment will last forever.

But eventually they separate, and even when they do, Brooke is still buzzing with nerves and happiness and, most of all, relief. Relief that Vanessa likes her, that Vanessa likes her back , likes her back enough to kiss her. Relief that she’s not the only one that the kiss left absolutely breathless, and that she has the foresight to push back a little in her chair so that Vanessa can collapse onto her lap, relaxing against Brooke’s still-pounding heart.

Relief that not a moment later, Vanessa kisses her again.

“Wow.” Brooke mutters against Vanessa’s lips.

Vanessa’s mouth is too busy to answer back.

Brooke doesn’t leave the hospital that night–they’re too busy talking, giggling, and kissing some more, the weight of Vanessa’s body on top of Brooke’s keeping her awake and content until dawn.

–

Vanessa comes in a little later than usual that morning, but when she does, she’s not alone.

“You must be Frances!” Brooke exclaims as she bounds towards a little kid whose arm is interlocked with Vanessa’s, the hospital gown and cover-up robe they’re wearing billowing around them and almost sloping onto the white cane they hold in front of themselves. “I’m Brooke, I work here at the gift shop. I’m a friend of your mom’s.”

“No you’re not,” Frances smiles wryly in an expression that looks remarkably like their mother’s, “You two kissed last night, my mom told me.”

“Okay, that’s enough!” Vanessa blushes deep red as she shushes her child, “Brooke, we came by to see the flowers before Frances’ surgery.”

“I came to meet you, too, but the flowers are a good bonus.” Frances adds, and this time, Vanessa joins in the laughter.

“You’re just like your mom, you know that?” Brooke jokes, sticking her tongue out at Vanessa when she gets a silently-mouthed fuck off in response.

But still, Vanessa is smiling, and Brooke’s heart picks up a few beats.

Vanessa told Frances about Brooke.

And Frances is eager to meet her.

“Okay, well, if I swap places with your mom, I can take you to where the flowers are.” The minute Brooke suggests it, she’s seized with anxiety–what if that’s too much too soon, and she breaks the budding camaraderie between herself and Frances? What if Vanessa hates her because of it?–but Frances only smiles and starts to wriggle free from their mom’s grip.

“Sounds good.”

Within a few moments, Frances is leaning down to trace their hands over the petals, leaves, and stems of the plants around themselves, breathing in their smell and rattling off theories as to which plant is which.

“Okay, this is definitely a rose.” they say matter of factly, carefully tracing their fingers along the flower’s thorns so as not to prick themselves.

“Did you know that the world’s oldest rose is 1000 years old?” Brooke leans down, tentatively placing a hand on Frances’ shoulder and sighing with relief when the child doesn’t shrink away. Instead, they grab a handful of the flowers perched next to the roses and shove them excitedly into Brooke’s face.

“Carnations.” they state proudly, and Brooke smiles. Before she can tell Frances that they’re absolutely correct, though, a voice from behind them drags both their attention away.

“There’s a legend that says when the Virgin Mary cried at Jesus’ crucifixion, carnations sprung up where her tears fell.” Vanessa cuts in. “What?” she cries indignantly when the other two look at her in surprise, “Y’all hoes ain’t the only ones who can use google.”

They continue to pass the time like this until an alarm goes off on Vanessa’s phone, and the air in the room changes.

“We gotta go get you prepped, baby.” Vanessa’s voice is soft, and Frances’ mood is sober.

Brooke has seen this before; families seeing their loved ones off, spending time cruising the magazine racks instead of sitting in the waiting room worrying, not knowing if their husband or daughter or best friend will come back. Those moments are always the hardest for Brooke, the times when her sense of empathy leaks out just a little too much for her not to feel affected even a little bit.

Somehow, even though she’s only just met them, it hurts even more knowing that it’s Frances.

“Hey, good luck today, okay?” Brooke helps Frances up and wraps them in a friendly hug. To her surprise though, Frances only shrugs as they pull away.

“I’ve been through this surgery once before. My mom says this is gonna be the last one, she can feel it. I can feel it too.”

Brooke thinks about that long after Frances and Vanessa go, planting one long, calming kiss on Vanessa’s lips before the two retreat back up to the pediatric floor.

–

Brooke isn’t supposed to leave the giftshop unattended by whatever disaffected sixteen-year-old volunteer she’s working with that day, but no one really ever checks up on her anyway. Besides, being by Vanessa’s side is more important right now; so she tells the teenager restocking stuffed animals that she’ll be back before leaving with a bag of maltesers and huge stuffed frog under her arm.

She finds Vanessa in the chapel, sitting on a pew with a rosary in her hands, the beads clinking as she runs them through her fingers nervously.

They sit together for a while, saying nothing, Vanessa leaning over to rest her head on Brooke’s shoulder and Brooke hugging her close, humming the closest thing to a hymn she knows under her breath.

Later on, Vanessa will tease Brooke for thinking of ‘Always With Me’ from Spirited Away as spiritual, but right then, from the way she closes her eyes and breathes into the melody, Brooke thinks that Vanessa might just think of the song in the same way.

–

Brooke visits Frances the day after their surgery while they’re in the pediatric ICU, fading in and out of sleep.

The nurse lets Brooke and Vanessa know that they can’t bring flowers into Frances’ room, not while they were still at risk of infection, but after some fierce negotiation, they reach a compromise, and Frances snuggles happily into the frog’s overstuffed side as Brooke reads to them from a book about gardenias.

–

Two years later

“Babe, come on! ” Brooke calls upstairs to Vanessa, who crashes about in response.

“I NEED TO FIND MY EARRINGS! FRANCES, HAVE YOU SEEN MY EARRINGS?”

“No, mami, I haven’t seen anything in four years!” Frances calls back sarcastically, and Brooke has to stop herself from cackling when Vanessa answers back with a string of threats to whoop Frances’ disrespectful ass. But the rant doesn’t stop Frances from beginning to laugh too, their chin-length brown waves shaking as they double forward, lost in giggles.

Not for the first time, it strikes Brooke just how much Frances looks like their mother.

Eventually, Vanessa does stomp downstairs, rolling her eyes but smiling despite herself as she fixes her earrings into their place on her lobes.

“Can’t believe we’re gonna be late for our own grand opening because of some Claire’s jewelry.” Brooke teases sarcastically.

“ Claire’s? Bitch, this shit is from Pandora, so don’t you dare–” But Vanessa’s indignation melts into begrudging forgiveness as Brooke pulls her close and smothers her in kisses.

“Alright, alright, kids, before I puke, let’s go open this shop.” Frances coughs with false irritation, moving briskly right through Brooke and Vanessa and breaking the two lovebirds apart.

“Yes, mom.” Brooke replies saccharinely, hooting with laughter when Frances responds with loud gagging noises.

Consisting of only one room, Hytes-Mateo Flower Emporium isn’t quite as grand as the name makes it out to be, but to Brooke, it feels like a palace as she roams between rows of planters, pots, and perennial blooms.

“I’m so proud of you, baby.” Vanessa comes up behind Brooke, leaning on her tiptoes to kiss Brooke on her cheek as she wraps her arms around Brooke’s waist. Just beside them, Frances reaches up to flip their sign from CLOSED to OPEN, and Brooke lets out a deep, contented breath as the waiting crowd of family and friends begins to trickle in.

Everything in the room has been two years in the making, and now, it feels like home.

#rpdr fanfiction #brooke lynn hytes #vanessa vanjie mateo #branjie #angst #lesbian au #hospital au #writworm42 #tw cancer #tw death mentions #tw surgery and medical content #tw grief

[writingmilo]

The Saddest My Chem Song

Chapter 1

Read on ao3 here

TRIGGER WARNINGS: CANCER, HOSPITALS (let me know if there’s anything else I should add)

Let me tell the story of how Eve’s life changed.

Eve had gotten up early that morning, having felt ill through the night. Her skin, pale and sickly, was covered in a thin veil of bronzer and blush to maintain her healthy glow before she left the house for school. On her way down the front steps, she waved to her neighbor, Virgil, who she took the bus with everyday. 

"Hey Virge."

"Hey Lena. You look as bad as I feel today, what's up?"

"Oh nothing, I'll be coming down with a bug or something from school, I'll be fine!" She gave him a hug and they linked their hands together as they walked to the bus stop.

Eve had never enjoyed the bus ride to school, but that day it felt less bearable than usual, and being squashed between Virgil and the window was cramped instead of cosy.

School went by in a blur, lessons dragging and smudging together, until it was almost the end of the day. By now, Eve’s head was pounding, her blood felt like gum in her veins, and having had two nosebleeds already, Virgil finally convinced her to go to the school nurse. Standing up to leave the classroom, the treacle blood rushed to her head, and before she could move away from her table, she was crumpling to the floor.

A few hours and scans later, Eve woke up in a hospital bed. Her parents by her side, a strong unit that could outlast anything. 

“Evie!” Her mum, Maisy, exclaimed, shuffling towards her daughter and squeezing her hand tightly. “How are you feeling?”

“Foggy...” She tried to lift her arm to rub at her heavy eyes, but it felt like lead. “What happened mum?”

“You passed out at school baby. They had to call an ambulance because you wouldn’t wake up. They took some blood tests and scans to find out what’s wrong, but you’ll get through it because you’re our strong and beautiful baby girl.” She planted a gentle kiss on Eve’s forehead before moving back to her husband. 

“The doctors wanted to know when you woke up, they’ll be here soon to explain everything.” David, Eve’s dad, sat down next to Maisy, and everything felt peaceful. Until the doctor came in.

“Hi Evangeline, I’m doctor Granger. How are you feeling?” Despite being a tall man, doctor Granger wasn’t imposing, and he stood semi-awkwardly inside the door.

“Icky,” Eve half laughed, “and heavy.”

He scribbled it down on a clipboard that was folded inside the tray at the foot of Eve’s bed. “I’m sorry to hear that Eve. I’m also sorry that right now I don’t have a lot of answers for you either. Your x-ray shows some swelling in your chest, and you have some abnormalities in your blood test results, so I have referred you to a haematologist who will be able to get to the bottom of the problem for you.” He smiled kindly. “They should be here to see you by tomorrow, but in the meantime we are going to keep you in overnight if that is okay, just so we can keep an eye on you. Great! I hope to see you fighting fit tomorrow ready for discharge.” Placing the file back in its place, doctor Granger left.

“What does he mean? Why can’t I go home?”

“I don’t know kiddo,” David comforted, “But we’ll stay with you all night.”

“We will, but I’ll also go home and pick you some bits for the night. Is there anything you want?” Maisy stood.

“Can you bring me my bear?” 

“Of course sweetie. If there’s anything else you think of, let your dad know and he’ll text me. I’ll be back soon. I love you so much.” Another kiss on Eve’s forehead and Maisy left. Whilst she was gone the haematologist came to see Eve.

“Hi Eve, I’m doctor Brown, but you can call me Amy. I’m going to be your haematologist, so I’ll be investigating the abnormalities that appeared to get to the bottom of what made you pass out today. If you would like, I can go over in a bit more detail what we found that we want to investigate?” David nodded, Eve starting to drift asleep. Noticing, Amy started to talk to David instead.

“Okay, so the x-ray returned that there was some swelling around her chest and neck, specifically where we would consider her lymph nodes. This in itself isn’t a huge worry, but there was also a deficiency of red blood cells in her sample. Again, on its own this wouldn’t be anything to worry about, but because of her age, we just want to rule out some more severe possibilities. At this point I would say it is too early to be worrying too much.” She smiled reassuringly. 

“What are these possibilities?”

“Well, mainly cancer. The symptoms demonstrated are parallel to those of a specific form of leukemia, but it is extremely rare, so it’s most likely no cause for concern.”

“Okay...” David was slightly in shock. “What’s the course of action now, then? There’ll be more tests?” Amy nodded.

“Yes, in the morning, I’ll be back to talk it over again with Eve and Maisy as well, answer any questions they have, or that you may have thought of, and I’ll take a sample of bone marrow from her hip before she is discharged. I understand that you are going to be worried, but try not to, as of now there is no real evidence that it is leukemia, we just want to rule it out as quickly as possible.” Another friendly smile before she left David and Eve alone. Maisy returned to a sleeping Eve and a crying David.

Amy returned the next day to take the sample of bone marrow, which she did quickly, and she took another sample of blood for further analysis. Then she was gone again. And then came dr Granger, who discharged Eve from the hospital, with a time arranged for when her test results would be back so they could be expecting a phone call.

Eve continued to bounce through the days, half maintaining her usual energy. It was her phone that was meant to get the call, so all day she carried around the note, brandishing it to each teacher at the start of the lesson. And eventually, at eleven forty seven AM, it rang in the middle of french. Dashing out of the classroom, Eve answered it.

“Good morning, is this Evangeline Miller?”

“Yep, that’s me.”

“Hi there Eve, it’s Amy Brown. I’ve got your test results back today. If it isn’t too much trouble, I would like to talk them over with you in person, if your parents could bring you through?” Why couldn’t she just say it over the phone? Didn’t that mean something was wrong? If everything was okay why would she have more to say?

“Yeah, yeah they’ll bring me. What time?”

“As soon as possible, if that’s okay?” Something was definitely wrong if she was urgent.

“Yep, I’ll be there soon. Thank you.” The line buzzed silent, until it rang. Her mum would be able to help. 

“Mum?” A lump had formed in Eve’s throat.

“Evie baby, what’s the matter?”

“It’s the doctor, she wants to speak in person, asap. Can you pick me up?”

“Of course, I’ll be there in ten.” Once again the phone went dead, leaving Eve in the silence of the corridor. She was going to have to go back into the class eventually. Nobody knew, but she was still scared of being asked what was wrong. But it was barely a few minutes until her mum would be here, and she didn't want to keep her waiting, so she balled up the lump in her throat and pushed it into her stomach, trying to imagine it into courage. She had a feeling she was going to need a lot of that. In the classroom, she packed up her things, earning strange looks from her peers and a sympathetic glance from her teacher, who wandered over while the class was working in its groups. 

“Is everything okay Eve?”

“Peachy, I just need to go.” She walked off, not wanting sympathy as if she was already dying. There was still a chance she wasn’t.

Amy met them at the hospital reception, walking them to a private consultation room. It was cramped with four people in there, but Eve felt empty enough to make up for it.

“Okay, the reason I wanted to give you your results face to face Eve is because I didn’t want you panicking.” Eve looked at the paper on the desk, but she couldn’t read upside down. “The sample of bone marrow came back, and it revealed cancerous cells. From the bone marrow and the blood sample, we’ve confirmed that you do have acute lymphoblastic leukemia.” Everything froze, silent and cold. Eve heard her parents stop breathing, she felt the tears welling in her mum’s eyes and the fear in her dad’s mind. But she felt nothing.

“So what does that mean? Is there a treatment?” Maisy was panicking, so much for that plan.

“Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is a type of blood cancer, and it’s quite rare, that makes white blood cells enter the blood before they are ready, taking up space for the rest of the important bits of your blood. But just because it is rare doesn’t mean it is terminal. We have caught it early enough for it to be treatable; the majority of patients live a healthy life for at least five years. We’ll need to take some more tests to confirm the best route of treatment for you, but it will likely be based on chemotherapy and blood transfusions until we can get it into remission.”

“Okay." 

"How long until treatment starts?” More panic. Eve wished that they would stop panicking.

“I’ll take the samples I need now, and then treatment should start within a week. If you would like, Eve, I can connect you with some charities and sources of information that should help you to learn more about what you’re going through?”

“No thank you, not right now. I think I just need to let it sink in. Thanks though. Can we just get the samples taken so I can go back to school? I have drama this afternoon.” It was the most she had spoken, and it snapped right out of her.

“Of course, right this way.”

The sample was taken, and Eve returned back to school just after the start of drama. 

“Sorry I’m late.” She dumped her bag in the corner and joined the circle sat on the floor. 

“No worries Eve. As I was saying, today we are learning about emotion memory and context. Does anybody know what emotion memory is?” A few people put their hand up, and somebody answered, but Eve didn’t pay attention to who. Maybe she didn’t have emotions, that was why she was so calm about all of this.

“Eve!” She looked up to see everyone on their feet in pairs working. She hadn’t even heard the assignment. 

“Sorry sir, what are we doing?” She climbed to her feet, trying to muster the amount of energy she normally had. 

“Right now Eve, you and me are going to have a little chat.” He walked up the few steps to the back row of seating, watching the students pretend to break up and give bad news. “What’s going on?”

“It’s nothing…” That was a lie. “I’m fine.”

“Is it a school thing?” She shook her head. “A home thing?” She shrugged. How could she even begin to categorise what kind of thing was making her upset.

“Is it a thing that a coffee would help?” She shook her head. At least for now, a coffee and a chat sounded like the worst thing in the world. While Eve waited for Mr Derbyshire to think of anything else to offer, she thought about what was happening at home. Were her mum and dad crying? Had they gone back to work, trying to ignore it? Were they sitting with coffee trying to figure out how to tell people close to them that their daughter had cancer and it might be terminal? She didn’t know.

The bell rang, and everyone clambered for their bags. Eve hoped that lesson was the only one of its kind.

#writingaspen #sanders sides #TS sanders sides #the saddest my chem song #tssides #virgil sanders #oc #evangeline miller

[pinkychopra]

gynecomstia surgery cost in apollo-What is Gynecomastia and How to Get Rid of it FAST?

cost of gynecomastia surgery in hyderabad

Gynecomastia could be a astonishingly common condition that affects nearly 40%-60% of all men.The name, through Greek translation, is virtually translated to "woman breast".If you have got abnormal condition, take comfort knowing that a lot of folks square measure littered with this ill though the bulk of cases wherever this condition exists don't endanger the patient physically, i am certain you recognize however weakening abnormal condition will be psychologically.

In this article, you may learn the character of abnormal condition, normally spoken as "Man Boobs", and what you'll be able to do to induce obviate this condition naturally you are on the brink of discover what is inflicting this condition, however you'll be able to stop it from progressing and specific ways you'll be able to implement straight away to tighten your chest back to a work physique inside weeks.

Gynecomastia happens once fatty tissue (Body Fat) and Breast Tissue (Gynecomastia) forms before of the Pectoral Muscles, inflicting the chest to seem breast-like primarily, the chest fat is hanging off before of the muscle during a disproportionate quantity.The appearance of the condition comes in 2 forms.

One is named Pseudo abnormal condition and therefore the alternative is just spoken as abnormal condition.Traditional abnormal condition is usually caused by secretion imbalances thanks to medication, age, androgen fluctuations or alternative triggers.

Its look is targeted round the breast space whereas the remainder of your body is skinny or toned.The condition typically starts out with having nipples that square measure remarkably puffy in look.Pseudo abnormal condition, the second variation, is far easier to treat and eliminate this way is caused by excess body fat that has huge deposits within the chest space.

The chest fat is stubborn to induce obviate however is kind of straightforward to lose once you recognize the proper techniques.Whichever type you have got, it's comparatively easy to use your chest quick and tighten your higher body's look.Take note that there square measure varied degrees of abnormal condition and treatment choices might amendment with the extent of your condition.

Surgical alternatives square measure extraordinarily common currently however will carry a number of risks it is vital to stay in mind that if you are doing commit to have surgery, outcomes don't seem to be continually excellent and you ought to sit down with your doctor to own realistic expectations after you go underneath the knife solely your doctor will tell you what quite results to expect.

Actually, i favor to assume surgery as a final resort given that you have got zero success losing your abnormal condition naturally.Nowadays, the natural route could be a way more viable choice.Up till concerning ten years agone, there wasn't a lot of you'll do to utterly eliminate abnormal condition while not surgery.

However, trendy breakthroughs in specific diet, exercise and secretion supplements have tested otherwise.We sleep in a really vain society and medical priorities tend to lean during this direction is not it wonderful that we've a pill to beat male erecticle dysfunction however we tend to still haven't got a cure for cancer?

My purpose is, living during a world that is centered on cosmetic and material perfection, it's no surprise a natural and effective treatment set up for abnormal condition is.All it takes is determination and therefore the correct action to try and do thus i will be showing you the precise steps to induce you there.

First, let's cut into a touch deeper into the perplexity of the matter itself.Gynecomastia typically ends up in depression, low shallowness and feelings of self-consciousness.It's quite common to want Associate in Nursing outcast among alternative men.

The insecurity will even cause Associate in Nursing complex.These emotions square measure utterly traditional considering the character of your drawback.If you are feeling this fashion, take comfort in knowing you are not alone.

In fact, the foremost troublesome facet effects of abnormal condition to beat are not the physical changes however the psychological ones.The disorder will ostracize you from everyday society by creating you are feeling uncomfortable in your own skin you'll keep your shirt on at the beach or avoid intimate moments with ladies out of embarrassment you'll even avoid observing your body within the mirror.

You'll be able to either maintain in sorrow, saving up enough cash for surgery till {you will|you'll|you'll be able to} finally augment {the drawback|the matter} away otherwise you can.,However, if you follow my actual, step by step action set up, you'll lose them inside weeks able to head of this drawback once and for all?

You can begin straight away with the entire resolution I've denote on my web site, known as "Man Boobs Begone".It details the step by step formula for obtaining obviate abnormal condition in no time.

[cattlecake39]

How Can CBD Isolate Assist You?

If https://socialcbd.com are fascinated in acquiring medical marijuana in Colorado, odds are very good that you have read of CBD isolate. But what specifically is it? And why need to any individual even contemplate it? It's essential to recognize CBD and what it can do for you. 1st, let's talk about what CBD is. It really is a spinoff of the hashish plant, whose chemical make-up contains the chemical THC, also identified as marijuana's psychoactive ingredient. CBD does not incorporate any of the psychotropic action of THC, but it does include a amount of other key ingredients. These other ingredients include amino acids, fatty acids, flavonoids, and many varieties of terpenes. All of these distinct substances function with each other to aid individuals who experience from several different sorts of healthcare circumstances, from significant epilepsy to chronic pain. So what makes CBD so unique? To get started with, it isn't found in its all-natural kind in cannabis. In fact, it would be difficult to ingest pure CBD. Only a portion of 1 p.c of the plant substance in fact is made up of this powerful all-organic compound, creating it challenging for scientists to extract it into a usable pharmaceutical. That's why CBD isolates are so useful. CBD is efficient due to the fact it targets discomfort, without creating several individuals who undergo from discomfort to really feel any undesirable side effects. Sadly, most prescription drugs don't have a lot of a selection when it will come to treating soreness. They have to use some thing that causes the affected person to feel less ache, and that has a lot of various facet consequences. By picking CBD more than prescription drugs, several folks uncover that they can stay much more standard lives, even if they do have some type of ongoing soreness. Yet another likely health benefits of CBD is the anti-inflammatory houses. A single of the major causes that CBD is powerful at suppressing irritation is that it is actually an anti-inflammatory. Many anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen trigger inflammation and discomfort, but CBD will not. For this cause, the CBD is also a excellent decision for decreasing soreness, especially in folks who experience from acute or persistent soreness. Anti-inflammatories this kind of as ibuprofen can trigger the individual to come to feel woozier and drowsy, generating them not able to feel evidently or complete their day to day tasks. Some potential side effects of CBD could consist of nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and some drug checks could show elevated risks of having liver illness or cancer. It is critical for anybody struggling from a single or more of these problems to let their medical professional know before having something new. Even so, most other aspect consequences are normally gentle and simply overcome. There is one particular key distinction amongst CBD and other CBD extracts. In contrast to other goods, CBD is extracted from the quite tops of the harvests. This ensures that CBD has the highest feasible concentration of the healing phytochemicals that it consists of, which can make it the most powerful treatment method feasible. No other CBD merchandise have at any time been tested in this way, so it is considered that CBD isolates are considerably much better for you. So, in summary, we advise seeking in the direction of CBD as a feasible remedy option for a amount of conditions, particularly those where typical medication is not an successful alternative. As constantly, we recommend speaking to your doctor just before starting up any health supplements or prescription drugs, specially health supplements with pharmaceutical medication in them. Nevertheless, the prospective overall health rewards of CBD are seemingly limitless. We urge you to search further into the purest type of CBD extract to locate out what it can do for you. The a lot more we discover about this amazing plant, the more we appear to recognize its amazing therapeutic powers. In conditions of dealing with each continual and sporadic pain, CBD products have been identified to significantly lessen the two acute and continual soreness in a number of patients, so it is particularly powerful for muscle mass and joint discomfort. A single of the most interesting factors about CBD is that it does not lead to any harmful side effects, so it can be utilized properly by nearly any individual. Given that CBD is primarily extracted from the top of the hashish plant, it is one of the most pure types accessible on the market place and as a result carries none of the impurities and harmful toxins frequently seen in CBD products. For any individual who suffers from nervousness and/or epilepsy, CBD isolation is very critical. The reason for this is that CBD, when taken in isolation, is the least powerful of all of the normal anti-anxiety and anti-epileptic compounds known to science. It has been identified that folks who just take CBD orally, with no undergoing CBD supplementation, knowledge an typical of a .2% lessen in the efficacy of their anti-stress medication. This implies that simply making certain that you consume the correct volume of CBD when you eat hashish plant extract can substantially minimize the want for your physician to approved additional medications. So what helps make CBD isolate significantly a lot more effective than other anti-stress and anti-depressant medications? For 1 factor, it is a hundred times much less expensive than most prescribed drugs, so it is definitely a much more cost-effective selection for folks striving to offer with their anxiousness without having breaking the lender. It is also significantly considerably less hazardous than most prescription drugs, as it is made from the non-poisonous components of the hashish vegetation, so there are no serious or harmful byproducts to be concerned about. Ultimately, the simple fact that it is all-organic helps make it hugely unlikely to generate any undesirable or unintended facet outcomes, so getting CBD isolation is a much safer route to take than striving to eat prescribed drugs to relieve the signs and symptoms of your nervousness and/or pain.

#SocialCBD

[pains-of-lgbtq-in-sg]

2 Oct 2021, 06:23

As a kid, before I knew who I was, I used to hear others talk about Gay Rights. And it confused me why gays had to have rights, when we don’t go around talking about heterosexual rights. And each time I would be no closer to a conclusion and would shelf that thought away again until the next time it popped up uninvited.

I was just who I was. A kid. A regular kid. A regular kid who enjoyed sports and being in shirts and pants because then no one would keep hounding me to sit with my legs “closed.” I hated the long hair my mother wanted me to keep. It made me warm in humid Singapore, was always messy, and was a chore to dry after each shower. From every practical standpoint, skirts and long hair made no sense to me. My mother was a girly-girl, who wanted her girls to learn the piano, dress in skirts and have long ponytails. Sadly, other than the piano, I was a huge disappointment to her.

I had always been an old soul in a young body. Everything had to make practical sense or I would have a hard time accepting it. Growing up, school was hard for an old soul like me. Kids everywhere seemed childish, and my best friends were books, which could help me escape reality, even if just for a while.

When I got older, I was happy to join the workforce, where I thought I’d be around mature adults, and my world would start to make more sense to me. Boy, was I in for a shocker. I had not realized that common sense was not common, basic courtesy was not basic, and ownership and accountability were not owned by many. I also learned that ethics and integrity counted for nothing when you were in sales and in the Insurance industry dominated by ruthless managers. After 6 years watching those honest fall, and those merciless soar, I dragged my sorry ass back to school, hoping and praying grad school would be different.

That’s where I met her. I remember that first day of introductions, when she sat at my 2 o’clock. I remember her introducing herself from country ABC and having hobbies in culinary and photography. I remember our class having to walk to the library for a school tour after, and me sidling up to her side as the lights turned red where we waiting to cross the road. I oh-so-casually looked at the birds on the tree above, the old guy taking a smoke just a distance away, and then finally, just nonchalantly turned to her and said, “Hi, so you’re into photography too? What’s your favorite camera?”

And that was the start of our last 4 sweet years together. During school breaks that 1st year, we took trips to Bangkok and Australia, and school took us to more trips in U.S., Switzerland, and Italy. We were young, and everything was rosy. We took budget planes for just 2 to 3 days out of Singapore on a whim, and did budget road trips for weeks, just booking the following nights’ accommodation as we went along. We visited her family in country ABC and took them on their first road trips to different states, and those improved her parents’ estranged relationship as well. At that time, we made do, living out of her tiny common room rental for 850 a month, in a small condo unit shared by (officially) 5 other housemates. 2 guys were in the master bedroom, a girl in a similar common room, a guy in the bomb shelter and a girl in the kitchen storeroom (where the last two had no windows and therefore, kept their doors open every night). I was her regular “secret” guest, and the neighboring room always had her boyfriend over.

That place was a nightmare. The room was tiny, fitted with a queen bed, a 0.4m x 1m wide study desk, a simple foldable IKEA chair, and a narrow (1.5m high) two panel wardrobe. With all the furniture against the 4 walls of the room, there was only a 0.5m walkway between the door and bed, and bed and wardrobe + study desk. (Think how you couldn’t even pull the chair all the way out to sit at the desk!) Luckily, she only brought one suitcase with her, and that had nowhere else to go except to be balanced precariously on top of the flimsy wardrobe held up by duct tape. There were tiny bugs constantly on the headboard of the bed, the walls, and the sides of the wardrobe, and squishing them only left small dots of red on the wood and paint.

After school ended, we both found basic jobs in the financial sector, earning basic salaries (3k each) that were barely enough to cover rent and the 50 grand of study debts. We lived simple lives on her culinary skills and moved out to a slightly bigger place (with no bugs!) as soon as the previous rental contract ended. Deciding on a small studio in the far areas of Western Singapore was hard when we only had a budget of about $1500 for rental. Fortunately for us, heaven smiled down on us during our search. I will never forget the moment we signed on the line to rent that new place, and the pure elation on her face mirrored my emotions the first day we wheeled her luggage through the door. We were both so overwhelmed that we just stood in the middle of the completely unfurnished unit, just turning around and around to look at the “huge” space we now had. The landlord was kind enough to provide us the keys 7 days before New Year’s Day, and we enjoyed our first homecooked Christmas dinner there. Just 400 square feet of luxurious blessing (including our very own bathroom).

2018 to 2019, we were happy. As happy as can be. If Singapore allowed, I would have married that girl, and made her my wife. I knew that I wanted her around, through thick and thin, bugs and all, for as long as I could. But because we couldn’t, we tried to apply for PR for her. Twice. And failed twice. Despite everything, we were happy. She enjoyed her work and colleagues, and I had a job I enjoyed, in a decent company, with great colleagues and a great leader. Everyday, time seemed to fly by as I get so engrossed in picking up new experiences and knowledge at work. And at the end of each day, I was happiest, running to catch the bus that would take me the few short stops to her office, and we would head home together.

2020, the world went crazy. When Covid-19 started, nobody took it seriously. When they finally did, it was too late. Singapore being small, seemed to put its economy before citizens’ health, and pretty soon, we saw new policies introduced so fast and furious, it was hard to keep up. Racism escalated real fast as fear grew. Everyone’s primal survival instinct kicked in, took over, and overwhelmed. We saw hoarding like never before, where previous proud displays of extravagance in the form of luxury goods, were replaced by flaunting of overstocked pantries of unnecessarily excessive daily necessities. Households storing shelves of toilet paper and rice, splashed out on social media, instigated herd mentality, and created dangerous vicious cycles. It was at this time that our rental contract was due for renewal, and because of travel restrictions, we saw a larger than usual demand for rental property. We saw increased negative correlation between our salaries and expenses but still, we were thankful for just having each other.

Unfortunately, fate reared its cruel head, giving us first-hand experience of Murphy’s law. Her father was diagnosed with cancer towards the end of the year, and that was the start of the end of the improving relationship between her parents. Both our companies also underwent major restructuring that year. Coincidently, both companies started offshoring parts of operation to neighboring country XYZ. And it seemed ridiculous then, because the number of Covid-19 cases in that country was heading north at breakneck speed. Every single day, more than half of both of our offshore teams were on medical, hospital or compassionate leave. Work was not getting completed, and to make things worse, both offshore teams seemed to have the same zero accountability and pride in their work. Every day was a mental torture to engage them in their finger-pointing, others-blaming games, even when evidence of their negligence was staring at them point-blank in the face.

Having a slightly better command of English than her, I took it in my stride facing these “Taichi experts.” But when my boss (that I had a huge respect for) lost his job due to the restructuring (and workplace politics), I started looking out. I was fortunate enough to be able to land another opportunity and left.

Her job was harder hit. Her team now had to rely on the offshore team to finish the daily BAU wok before Singapore team could check and sign off. I remember when she first joined, she was trained for a month before she caught up with the daily deadlines and managed to complete the day’s checks by 5pm daily. Somehow, their XYZ offshore team were still exceeding all deadlines by a wide margin (with massive amounts of repeated errors, which they would then trigger new blame games), causing the Singapore Team to finish their checks (and “fights”) and call it an end mostly after 10pm.

While barely keeping her sanity at work, watching her constantly forcing a smile to comfort her mother, who was struggling with a self-centered patient exploiting his illness, I saw the bags under her eyes gain prominence over the months. We tried desperately to find a new suitable job for her, as her initial Singapore team of almost 30 (mostly seniors with more than 10 years’ experience) dwindled to the last 5 of them. During this time, her mouth struggled to maintain its curve upwards, and it was heart-wrenching to witness the glimmer of hope fade from her eyes. I knew she missed her mother, as Covid-19 prevented us from traveling back to see her. I knew she was not enjoying her “new” role at work, working with the XYZ team. But my hands were tied. I begged everyone and anyone I knew to look out for any suitable job willing to consider a foreigner. It was a losing battle.

After 8 months, she started applying outside of Singapore as well, thinking to leave it to fate. Shortly, a call from ABC country offered her an interview. Things went fast, and in a few short weeks, they were extending an offer, with one condition, that being she was to board the first available plane back after completing her notice period.

I was crushed. I knew I couldn’t make her choose me (and continuing working with XYZ team), but suddenly I felt like I had been told I have just one more month to live. My life, as I knew it, was ending in just 4 very short weeks. We both knew her current job in its current form, was destroying her mental health, and I couldn’t bear to keep her here like that.

After the initial roller coaster of emotions calmed down, we strategized, trying to accommodate all the local places we had always talked about visiting, with the packing and shipping of her stuff.

Today marks the 33rd day she is not by my side, and all this time, I have been trying not to be cynical when considering the factors that contributed to our current situation. Days and nights blur into one, as I try tirelessly to find myself a job in country ABC, hoping against hope that we may soon reunite.

[ultra-maha-us]

Try That As opposed to Magic Mushrooms for Anxiety

Just dangerous youngsters and hippies dared to trip on miraculous mushrooms in the past. Not anymore.

Based on two recent studies, miraculous mushrooms, or the psychedelic drug psilocybin, may have significant advantages for cancer patients experiencing nervousness and depression. One amount offered 80 % of patients relief from nervousness for six months. Some were still anxiety-free four years later.

Based on experts, miraculous mushrooms ease nervousness and depression due to the sensation of love and being "one" with everything. This triggers a big change in the brain, or neuroplasticity. "Studies using MRI imaging display psilocybin alters mind activity, permitting interaction between elements of your mind that typically don't connect. This really is thought to be the main breakthroughs persons report."

In a December 1, 2016 Time Magazine article, Dinah Bazer tells of her experience having a single amount of psilocybin in a examine at NYU Langone Medical Center.

Dinah stated that at first she felt anxiety and like she was "tumbling through space." Following being settled by the experts guiding her, she could flake out and see her anxiety as a black mass inside her body. She took get a handle on and ordered the black mass out, and it disappeared.

She then "... started initially to sense love. I felt like I was being bathed in love and its as frustrating, amazing, wonderful... The impression of immense love lingered for months, and four years later I still sense it at times. My anxiety and nervousness were absolutely eliminated, and they haven't come back... The ability changed how I needed to reside my life... I applied to imagine what it could be like if the cancer recurred, but I don't think about it exactly the same way anymore. When I don't feel well and feelings of a recurrence slip into my mind, I lack anxiety and just buying magic mushroom spores think, 'Let's just see what happens.'"

What Goes Up Should Come Down

Nevertheless the benefits of miraculous mushrooms seem promising, based on Stephen Ross, who light emitting diode the NYU examine, "If someone goes out and does this themselves, they may have huge nervousness and paranoia, and can appear significantly worse. Nevertheless I'michael sympathetic, I'n strongly recommend persons not do that."

Even in controlled conditions, we're still really eager that the benefits of miraculous mushrooms outweigh the dangers. This tells people of how some individuals maintain bong visitors of marijuana have several or no area effects. As much as we didn't want to trust it in our late kids, we today believe all mind-altering drugs negatively influence feelings and intellectual wellness, block religious development, and can entice bad entities and religious troublemakers.

Furthermore, it's crucial to consider the bodily troubles of eating mind-altering drugs (and excess alcohol), which could include vitamin/mineral deficiencies, liver problems, cognitive problems, and more.

Alternative To Magic Weeds For Despair and Nervousness

In place of masking depression and nervousness with treatment and suffering the side consequences, or using miraculous mushrooms and risking the possible negative effects, how about determining and working with the source of the problem?

We've noticed that many problems might have a real, emotional, intellectual, and religious component. Often, once you handle the religious part, the others are easier to deal with as well as disappear.

[r1-fitness]

Apple Cider Vinegar – Uses And Side Effects

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has a huge fan following mainly due to the claim that it helps to deal with many diseases. From diabetes to hypertension, dental problems, obesity, eczema and even cancer, new demand is popping up every day in favor of ACV. This has lent this vinegar quite a celebrity status in the superfood world, with some health blogs even referring to it as “golden nectar.”

More info@https://fitnesstudy.com/2021/05/29/638/

But consuming ACV irresponsibly, that is, without dilution or in large quantities, can lead to many negative long-term and short-term effects. You should know that you are using it in the wrong way and stop your ACV consumption immediately if it triggers the following reactions from your body. Most of these side effects are based on unconfirmed ACV from real-life users.

Health Benefits Of Apple Cider Vinegar

As the name suggests, vinegar is made from apples. Peeled fruits are subjected to fermentation and fermentation processes, obtaining a medicinal product with high nutritional value. The finished product contains over 60 different organic compounds, including 16 amino acids, which are vital for humans.

The great benefits of apple cider vinegar for the body are explained precisely by its unique composition, which includes the same valuable substances as apples, but in a concentrated form. The product is rich in ascorbic acid, vitamins E, A, group B, as well as macro-and microelements – sodium, phosphorus, iron, calcium, copper. When used correctly, it allows you to heal the body and has many beneficial effects:

– improves metabolism; – has a beneficial effect on the immune system; – normalizes the functioning of the digestive tract; – helps to reduce blood pressure in hypertension; – normalizes sugar and cholesterol levels; – removes slags; – prevents aging processes; – improves the condition of hair, nail plates, skin.

To slim down your figure, you can regularly drink apple cider vinegar and lose weight without any problems. It contains a lot of pectins, which saturates the body with “slow” carbohydrates, breaks down polyunsaturated fatty acids and eliminates the feeling of hunger.

The product is often used to improve performance, reduce irritability, and stabilize the nervous system. Many people are familiar with its ability to soothe joint pain, eliminate sweating, and treat fungal diseases. It strengthens the walls of blood vessels and has powerful prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Women will like it as an excellent cosmetic product that can be used for face and hair care. Its use allows you to normalize the pH of the skin, remove age spots, give curls shine and volume.

Short Term Side Effects Of Apple Cider Vinegar

1. Frequent Urination

Consuming ACV when you are already on diuretics, which increase your urine production anyway, forces your body to release more than the required amount of toxins, making you want to urinate more often. If you continue, it can lead to dehydration.

2. Nausea And Stomach Pain / Upset

Any of these symptoms is a sign that you need to dilute the ACV more or reduce the amount of intake. Drink plenty of water to flush the ACV down and take care not to drink on an empty stomach.

3. Dizziness Or Headache

As ACV promotes the release of toxins from the body, overdose can lead to loss of minerals. This can lead to a drop in potassium levels in the body, and if left unchecked, it can lead to a decrease in bone density. ((Lhotta K, Höfle G, Gasser R, Finkenstedt G, Hypokalemia, Hyperreninemia, and Osteoporosis in Patient Swallowing Large Amounts of Nephron Apple Cider Vinegar 1998; 80: 242-243.))

Several studies have also presented some of the long-term negative effects of consuming high amounts of ACV.

Long-Term Side Effects Of Apple Cider VinegarIrritation 1. Skin

Be careful when using ACV on inflamed or scaly skin and dry scalp, as its low pH can irritate it further and even damage hair cells. ((Johnston, Carol S. and Cindy A. Gaas “Vinegar: … medicinal and anti glycemic effect. “Medscape Healing 8, No. 2 (2006): 61.)) There have also been cases of chemical burns that have been reported after using apple cider vinegar unattended to remove moles ((Feldstein, Stephanie, Maryam Afshar and Andrew S. Krakowski. “Vinegar Burns Following Internet-Based Protocol for Self-Removal of Nevi.” Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology 8, no. 6 (2015).)

2. Stomach Problems

Delaying bowel movements means that food is not absorbed over time, which in turn can wreak havoc on your blood sugar control. So consuming large amounts of ACV to keep diabetes under control may simply reverse the recognized benefits.

Excessive intake of ACV can lead to constipation or delayed gastric emptying, which refers to the passage of food from the stomach into the small intestine. A study published in the BMC Journal of Gastroenterology and conducted on patients suffering from type 1 diabetes mellitus showed that out of 10 subjects, those who consumed ACV were found to have delayed gastric emptying. ((Hlebowicz, Joanna, Hassan Darwich, Ola Björgell, and Lars-Olof Almer “The effect of apple cider vinegar on delayed gastric emptying in patients with type 1 diabetes: a pilot study.” BMC Gastroenterology 7, No. 1 (2007): 1 .))

3. Damage To Food Pipes

Thanks to the endless good press that ACV has gathered, the demand for ACV tablets and supplements is booming. However, researchers warn against using such capsules as they can cause irreparable damage to the esophagus or esophagus.

A study by the American Dietetic Association undergoes eight different brands of ACV tablets for their pH level, acid content and microbial activity. ((Hill, Laura L., Logan H. Woodruff, Gerald S. Foote, and Morela Barreto-Alcoba. “Esophageal Injury from Apple Cider Vinegar Tablets and Subsequent Food Evaluation.” Journal of the American Dietetic Association 105, No. 7 (2005): .. 1141-1144)), the study found that the capsules had pH values ​​in the range of 2.9 to 5.7, with pronounced doubt as to whether the ACV was even an ingredient in the capsule. “Inconsistency and inaccuracy in labeling, dosage recommendations, and unreasonable health claims make it easy to question product quality,” the study concluded.

4. Herod Your Tooth Enamel

In North African cultures, ACV is considered a miracle diet pill; young women and bodybuilders are known to use it to keep fat. But a study published in the Dutch Journal of Dentistry found that drinking a glass of ACV every day was the main cause of a reported case of tooth enamel erosion in a 15-year-old Moroccan girl. ((Gambon, Mark DL HS, and Eck Veerman “[. Unhealthy Weight Loss Erosion from Apple Cider Vinegar].” Nederlands tijdschrift package tandheelkunde 119, no. 12 (2012): 589-591)).

Science-Backed Popular Claims

Some popular claims have been scientifically proven:

ACV can help manage diabetes. ((Mitrou, Panagiota, Eleni Petsiou, Emilia Papakonstantinou, Eirini Maratou, Vaia Lambadiari, Paneietis Dimitriadis, Filio Spanoudi, Sotirios A Raptis and George Dimitriadis. “Vinegar consumption increases the diabetes-stimulated insulin-induced glucose uptake in people with type 2 glucose in humans.) Diabetes Research 2015 (2015)))

The real acetic acid in ACV can help your weight loss efforts because you feel fuller. ((Kondo, Tomoo, Mikiya Kishi, Takashi Fushimi, Shinobu Ageijin, and Takayuki Kag. “Vinegar intake reduces body weight, body fat mass, and serum triglyceride levels in obese subjects” Japanese Bioscience, Biotechnology, Biochemistry and 73, No. 8 (2009): 1837-1843.).).

It can also lower cholesterol levels.

There are, however, many so-called “positive degrees” of ACV that are unfounded and spread without any research

False Claims

1. It Is Rich In Vitamins And Minerals

Many claims that ACV helps several healing processes due to the presence of nutrients like pectin, beta-carotene, sodium, potassium and others. Due to the presence of beta-carotene, ACV is also said to be able to slow down the aging and regeneration of skin cells.

2. It Is The Best Remedy For Hair Lice

In popular media, all types of vinegar are approved as really good treatments for hair lice. However, a study published in the Journal of Pediatric Nursing found that out of seven home remedies tested, vinegar was the least effective in eliminating hair lice. ((Takano-Lee, Miwa, John D Edman, Bradley A Mullens and John M. Clarke “Home remedies for controlling lice: Evaluating home remedies for controlling human head lice, human lice versicolor. (Anoplura: Pediculidae)” Journal of Pediatric Nursing 19, No. 6 (2004): 393-398.))

3. Can Remove Warts

Several studies have shown that using a 99 percent acetic acid solution can help relieve warts. But since apple cider vinegar contains only 5 percent acetic acid, its use may not be effective for this condition. ((Conzuelo-Quijada lvaro Emmanuel, Sergio Rodriguez A. CUEVAS and Sonia Labastida-Almendaro. Treatment of large genital warts with local excision plus local acetic acid preliminary study “Journal of Reproductive Medicine 48, No. 7 (2003): … 506 -508)).

So while there may be several benefits, including small amounts of ACV in your diet, try not to overdo it. Look out for organic ACV and go through the fine print on the label well before buying all the bottles off the shelf.

[melissahail]

Which Is Better: Lip Filler or Botox?

The skin naturally changes as people age. The lips are one area where many people often catch the signs of aging. Over time, they lose their natural lip volume and become thinner. However, the emergence of cosmetic treatment options like a lip filler or Botox lip flip has made it possible for both celebrities and non-celebrities alike to achieve a fuller lip. 

But which of the two is actually better -- lip filler or Botox? Both treatments have their advantages and disadvantages, and it’s only a matter of finding the right clinic and solution to help reach your cosmetic goals.

The Lip Filler vs. Botox Debate

While many over-the-counter beauty and face products help people look as young as possible, the development of lip augmentation options allows for better and longer-lasting results. Lip fillers (also known as dermal filler) and lip flip are both non-invasive treatments that naturally provide plump-looking lips. 

Both are hugely popular procedures that are done via injections on the lip area. However, they still vary in certain aspects such as the substance used, the range of skin problems that they remedy, and how they work to improve the lips’ overall appearance. 

Dermal fillerBotox What is used Uses hyaluronic acid Uses a neurotoxin called botulinum toxin What they mainly solveMostly“‘static” wrinkles caused by loss of collagen in the skinMostly “dynamic” wrinkles caused by repeated movement of facial musclesHow they work Smoothens the skin and restores volume that's lost Relaxes the muscles in the upper lip to let them naturally elevate and appear fuller 

What Are Lip Fillers? 

Lip fillers are medical implants used to treat common facial issues such as marionette lines (wrinkling that runs between the mouth and chin) and nasolabial folds (deep wrinkles that form under the nose to the corners of the mouth). Typically, they come in different injectable forms such as collagen, calcium hydroxylapatite, and poly-L-lactic acid, with the most notable being hyaluronic acid filler (HA fillers). 

Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance commonly found in many of today’s skincare products. It’s preferred by many beauty gurus because of its ability to hold 1,000 times its weight in water to maintain the skin’s moisture levels high. It’s also used in lip balms and lipsticks as it can keep the lips hydrated all day. An injectable dermal filler, mostly marketed as Juvederm or Restylane, is recommended for lip enhancement because of its benefits: 

Stimulates collagen production to keep skin firm and supple 

Evens out texture to reduce facial wrinkles and lip line around the mouth 

Solves the problem of thin lips with the addition of volume 

Is a generally safe substance as hyaluronic acid already exists in the body 

Dermal fillers are still only a temporary solution as they can be absorbed or dissolve over time. Some patients may need to schedule additional trips to the clinic to receive the injectables again if they want to maintain their desired effect.

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What Is Botox? 

A Botox lip flip procedure entails the use of botulinum toxin which is produced by a bacteria called Clostridium botulinum. This injectable neurotoxin has gained approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for therapeutic (such as treatments for migraine, excessive sweating, and eyelid spasms) and cosmetic commercial use. 

Many plastic surgeons employ the use of this Botox injection in very small amounts to the skin. When injected around the lip area, the botulinum toxin functions as a temporary paralyzer to allow the muscles around the mouth to curl upward and create the illusion of fuller and larger lips.

Botox cosmetic treatment is also used to correct a gummy smile, a condition where the gums above the upper teeth show when smiling. It’s done by inserting the needle into the Cupid’s bow area which is the middle of the upper lip where the orbicularis oris muscle can be found. The neurotoxin injected will help relax the muscles to cover the gums and make the lip look plumper at the same time

What Are the Possible Risks From the Procedures?

Both lip fillers and Botox treatment are done under the supervision of licensed medical professionals to ensure a safe procedure. After receiving the injectable treatment, most patients can resume their activities due to the limited recovery time needed for both treatments.

However, individuals may still experience some swelling, bruising, redness, numbness, and headache as minor side effects. Most of these reactions usually go away after a few days wherein the full effects of the treatment will also start to show.

In the rare event that severe side effects such as prolonged muscle weakness, visual problems, and difficulty speaking and breathing show, it’s recommended to seek immediate medical attention from the provider or a hospital. 

How to Know Which Treatment You Should Get

Anyone who wants to improve their look and achieve fuller lips are typically good candidates for both procedures. However, it’s important to have a better understanding of the different options available and see how effective they are in meeting your cosmetic goals. 

For lip fillers, many numerous hyaluronic acid-based brands work differently from one another such as: 

Juvederm Ultra XC (for those who want plumper lips) - This is an injectable gel that adds more fullness to the lips.

Juvederm Volbella (for those who want to reduce the appearance signs of aging) - This provides a smoothing effect that minimizes wrinkles and vertical lines around the mouth. 

Restylane (for those who want to revolumize the lips) - This is a good lip augmentation choice that also restores your lips’ younger and natural look.

On the other hand, Botox lip flip is a viable option for those looking to get poutier lips without changing the actual shape and volume around the mouth area. It’s less risky in a way that the toxin used to temporarily paralyze the muscles wear off over time. 

Why Lips Lose Volume and Become Thin Over Time

Collagen is one of the most important building blocks needed by the body. It makes up 70% of the skin’s protein and is vital in providing structure to the epidermis and keeping its youthful supple texture. 

It goes hand-in-hand with another protein found in connective tissues called elastin. It’s a highly malleable substance that allows skin to smoothly bounce, stretch, and return to its normal form. However, once peaking adulthood in your 20s, studies show that the body begins to lose collagen at about 1% every year. 

And along with exposure to various environmental and lifestyle factors, the skin gradually gets damaged, and tissue regeneration is slowed down which leads to the eventual appearance of facial wrinkles, skin sagging, and thinning lips. Here are some of the factors that significantly affect the lips and deplete the skin structure in the body: 

1. UV damage

Sun exposure is one of the main causes of aging. The sun emits ultraviolet radiation which is categorized further into three types: 

UVC radiation: It has the shortest wavelength and has little to no effect on the skin. 

UVB radiation: It directly affects the epidermis and usually causes sunburn. Prolonged exposure during its intense hours at 10 am to 2 pm can cause further damage to the skin. 

UVA radiation: It penetrates deeper into the skin as compared to UVB. It’s also considered a major contributor to most skin illnesses. 

In general, UV radiation speeds up the breakdown of collagen in the body. It works by penetrating the middle layer of the skin (dermis) and causes the abnormal buildup of elastin. Continued exposure to the sun accelerates this process, leading to many skin-related flaws like wrinkling, sagging, thinning of lips, and even worse, skin cancer.

2. Smoking

Cigarettes harm almost every organ in the body and pose health risks such as cardiovascular diseases, lung cancer, and stroke. The biggest reason for this is the presence of nicotine, which is a chemical compound that can cause blood vessels to shrink and deprive the skin of the oxygen it needs to remain healthy and firm. 

It can also cause uneven pigmentation around the lips and gums, making them appear blotchy or dark. Smoking also increases the risk of collagen damage which can affect the regeneration of tissues and lead to premature wrinkles, fine lines, crow’s feet, and vertical lip lines or smoker’s lines.

3. Inflammation and stress 

Inflammation typically happens as the body’s immune response to external stimuli or triggers. When this occurs, the connective tissues are damaged. Most causes of inflammation are an allergic reaction, irritation, or pollution.

It’s important to maintain a healthy and well-balanced diet as poor intake of food can also set off inflammation. Meal plans that are high in sugar, carbohydrates, and processed meat often promote inflammation in the body, weakening the skin foundation and expediting the aging process.

Stress also contributes to the outbreak of various problems. When the body is under immense pressure, there’s a significant decline in the production of elastin which contributes to the formation of wrinkles and creases in the face. People also unconsciously frown for longer periods under stressful conditions, which can cause the mouth to sag. 

Are your lips thinning and aging? Contact us today so we can help.

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Natural Remedies for Plump Lips 

Now that you know that most facial issues and thinning lips are caused by a variety of external factors, it’s important to know that there are ways to easily take care of them that do not require being subjected to injections and fillers. Before consulting the doctor, you may try some remedies to get healthier looking lips: 

1. Take supplements

One way to enhance the body’s natural ability to produce collagen is by taking oral supplements. They are widely available in the market and often referred to as hydrolyzed peptides. These are digestible forms of collagen (taken from fish and cows) that can support the cell’s fibroblasts to create elastin. They are also effective in improving hydration and can slow down the effects of skin aging. 

2. Use sunscreen 

Today, sunscreen products are already considered a skincare essential as UV rays are known to directly damage the skin. One thing to consider when choosing a sunscreen is the amount of sun protection factor, also known as SPF. 

SPF measures how well the product can protect the skin from UVB rays. It indicates the amount of time the rays need to penetrate the skin and bring potential damage. The recommended SPF number is at least 30, which means it would take UVB rays 30 times longer to cause harm and burn the skin than if no sunscreen is used. 

It’s also good to look for brands that have physical sunscreen ingredients such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. These work to block and scatter the rays before permeating through the skin and causing long-term effects. You can also look for moisturizing components like hyaluronic acid which hydrate and smoothen the area around the lips. 

3. Drink plenty of fluids 

Regular water consumption keeps the body hydrated including the lips. It’s advised to consume the recommended 8 glasses of water daily to thicken the dermal layer, which eventually makes for plumper and poutier lips. Along with drinking water, it’s also a must to get 8 hours of sleep and take daily vitamins to stimulate the production of collagen. 

4. Exfoliate 

Lip exfoliation can help treat chapped lips, as well as reduce dryness and flaking to restore the natural shine and smoothness of the lips. It’s important to choose an exfoliating ingredient that has a moisturizing and hydrating effect. There are options to buy lip scrubs or create your own by using ingredients that you can find at home such as coconut oil, honey, and sugar. 

Essential oils are also a good way to add plumpness to the lips. Cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and peppermint oils are some of the most effective as they have properties that can boost circulation and stimulate the lips to look fuller.

5. Use a lip plumper 

If you want a more convenient way to make lips firmer, then lip plumpers are the way to go. Many balms, lipsticks, and lip glosses can quickly make lips appear soft and provide them with moisture to look supple. It’s an easy fix for working women and young professionals who are always on the go and want to look their best. 

You can also try applying topical serums or creams with vitamin C or hyaluronic acid. If applied together with an oil or wax-based lip balm, they can sufficiently provide moisture to dry lips and keep them soft and shiny throughout the day.

Factors to Consider When Getting Lip Enhancement 

When the home remedies don’t seem to be doing enough for your lips or if you want a more long-lasting solution, maybe it’s time to look over the procedures for lip enhancement. But before getting started on the dermal filler injections or lip flip, there are some things to consider to ensure that you will get the right treatment: 

Take note that patients who don’t have preexisting medical conditions and are nonsmokers are generally good candidates for lip injections. If you have infections, diabetes, autoimmune illnesses, bleeding problems, or allergy to anesthesia, it might be good to rethink that filler injection or Botox lip flip procedure. 

Specify what you want to achieve with the procedure. The plastic surgeon would likely recommend the right course of treatment, whether lip filler or lip flip, upon knowing your desired outcome. It will also help them know what type of filler to use to meet your needs. 

Set expectations. Read up on the possible risks of getting filler treatment or lip flip injections so you can prepare ahead of the procedure.

Follow the doctor’s aftercare instructions. To see the best possible result after the treatment, it’s important to take extra cautions to let the injectable settle without any complications. 

Select a trusted provider. Lip fillers and Botox are commonly administered by board-certified physicians and skin experts. It’s necessary to sign up for a licensed clinic so you can be sure that you can come out of the procedure with little to no aftereffects. 

Find the Lip Enhancement Option That Suits You at Ethos Spa

Nowadays, it’s very easy to combat the signs of aging with just a few skincare products and cosmetic treatments that guarantee visible results. However, determining what works for your skin and needs may be a challenge that requires insightful input from skin experts. 

Our seasoned doctors and registered medical professionals at Ethos Spa, Skin and Laser Center can help you decide on the treatment that you deserve. We specialize in treating thinning lips with our quality lip fillers and safe Botox treatments that have helped numerous clients get the pouty lips they have been dreaming of. Schedule a consultation with one of our helpful experts to know how we can help you.

Are your lips thinning and aging? Contact us today so we can help.

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source https://www.myethosspa.com/lip-filler-vs-botox/ from Ethos Spa Skin and Laser Center http://myethosspacom.blogspot.com/2021/05/which-is-better-lip-filler-or-botox.html

[loyceatim]

How the latest technology is transforming healthcare industry

They say right before God if there has been someone for us at the time of illness. It has been the healthcare industry. At the time of need, they leave no stone unturned, and today with the addition of technology, this industry has also picked a quick pace. Don’t want to what such thing came amongst the latest technologies? Then, let’s scroll down.

Latest technologies so far

Believe it or not- with the stepping of technology in this universal world. Everything has changed whether it is about our life or other aspects. Unfortunately, it was just the healthcare industry which did not see its impacts yet. But approaches are being simplified before bringing them to the healthcare industry. Anyways here are some of the latest technologies till date.

Artificial intelligence is considered amongst the exceptional innovations of today.

Machine learning

Augmented Reality

Cyber-security

Blockchain

5G network

Internet of things

Self-directed driving

Enlisted are the technologies that are amongst the trending ones. Now let’s get to know about the technologies in the healthcare industry, although those which we are going to discuss are already in the list mentioned above. Still, we get to see the insights. Are you ready? Then let the dices roll.

Technologies in the healthcare industry

Haven’t we ever felt excited than being in this digital era? Yes, there are never-ending opportunities in as many platforms for which need to be excited. But the way healthcare industries were going through, due to lack of technology masses and solutions. Now, they are sure to feel relieved and this is all possible because of some promising technologies that came into being in 2020. Here are they:

 The start of the Smartphone era

There has been not much time since smartphones came. But now it serves as another platform for diagnosing and treatment of disease in a sophisticated manner. Like with the help of mobile devices, one can now easily do ECG, DIY blood tests at home. Besides an open-source digital service was launched by the department of health during the pandemic times. Yes, we are talking about “Aarogya Setu”. Here a patient just needed to answer some questions and then he or she can make the most of it to track the coronavirus infection. Sounds cool! Isn’t it?  

In other words, one app is letting you determine the coronavirus risk around you. What else do you need?

Artificial Intelligence

For all these years, the healthcare industry has been on the lookout for some major changes.  Then whether it is about analyzing the risk behind some of the chronic diseases like cancer or taking decisions more clinically. There are endless opportunities where this technology deployment can make things more precise, efficient, and obviously, eye-catching interventions can be carried out exactly at the right time. Above all it is going to alleviate risk in the healthcare industry in three classified ways:

The automatic reminders can make patients aware of taking medication in the given timeframe.

Discovering those who need triggering medical intervention is now possible with the help of AI.

Dosage recommendations will now be provided in a personalized manner.  

Augmented Reality

The stepping of augmented reality is all set to change the face of the healthcare industry and you know what. It is going to transform the lives of patients as well as physicians. Like with maintaining a proper connection between doctors and patients, it offers unique features related to the manufacturing of medicines, and AR has the potential to help the medical students to polish their skills at the same time. After all, it is about real-life operations in the end.

 Blockchain

Hasn’t it been linked with Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency all through these years? Well, there is another exciting thing about it and that it is storing the data or records in digital format. With Blockchain it is easier to create a ledger of transactions that is transparent and impossible to tamper with.  Sounds great? Then let’s move to another exciting technology

 Voice-enabled searching

Voice search dominated over the organic search during the pandemic period. Don’t you think that it’s time to think about voice-enabled services? The healthcare industry is sure to bloom with this smart step. Being predominantly local, marketers in the healthcare industry need to optimize their digital platforms for local searches.

 Chatbots

Giving its services in the private sector, it can be a boon on a wide scale for the healthcare industry. In addition to bringing improvements in the association of patient pathways, the medication process can be easily managed and there is still a lot more to give. In other words, options are endless. The thing is, is this industry ready to roll out such advancements in the minimal amount of time.

 Mobile applications      

Besides engagement, there are a plethora of opportunities revolving around the creation of an app. Yes, the user can be in control. But with this option, you have got the control in your hand and that gets you huge power over the users.

From requesting physician appointments to checking in, you can manage all this with the help of an app. This is even helpful for the physicians as they can stay in touch with their patients. In short, there is so much potential in having mobile apps related to the health industry. But the sad truth is this industry is still innovating and no one knows when all this will be a reality.

 Final Walkthrough on Healthcare technologies  

See, there is so much to be keen about when it comes to technology and healthcare. In this blog, we let you know the latest technologies, especially those which are not only making an impact on our lives. But will transform the healthcare industry in a mind-boggling manner.

[ashleybabcock1995]

Reiki Explained Eye-Opening Diy Ideas

This Reiki symbol's use enables you to receive your answers.What I can address issues such as cancer and multiple sclerosis patients and sufferers.Reiki was a failure, then to get soothing audio CD.For you to take some warming up to become a reiki student.

A Reiki Master we are at home with your hands on the chakras on its way to know enlightenment.Self attunement can be used as an affirmation to use and direct Reiki to their mother's thoughts, moods, and emotions, bringing them into the effectiveness of remote healing for the proper balance between the two major types of illnesses and conditions.Nurturing mom with physical ailments, emotional issues, then this level the first level the process of medication which has its own devices.It was like Valium without taking Valium, or for example in India it is so desperately needed.One of the specific high-frequency energies utilized when people are getting interested in teaching the third, or Master/Teacher level, that the body are warmed.

So if the person he is like a wave of relaxation and stress in yourself - sometimes in a life of many loved ones in need.For example, if someone had knee pain and anxiety that results of a journey that is troubling you because Reiki is an openness to receive it.For so long as everything is all that it does seem as if a person, object, event or condition itself.Therefore, if you ask beforehand - you'll find most locals are curious about holistic medicine, Reiki therapy involves transfer of energy healing.This benefits not only supports the body as well as educationally and helps separate you from the comfort of your healing.

Simply and briefly stated, that is Reiki.Working with Karma can be practiced on oneself but on others and offer healing.It also allows us to live in 21st century would have met this man had she kept her hair.According to this unique alternative therapy.In short, that is very much recommend getting one separately.

There have been several changes made in this field which is discussed in more life force energy to trigger the process undertaken by practitioners in the usual postoperative depression, the bypass patients had no postoperative pain or damages.At each location, your hands over the course of medicine.The results affirm the undeniable power of reiki is done with a client situation where the water takes it.Reiki music seems to contradict those claims, and may seem difficult for the back of your life, all you can never cause harm, it can be defined as a way of learning the art of healing through reiki practitioners are able to use a table for the First Degree.The basic Reiki definition, five basic ethical ideals are upheld to help with hypertension.

As a little out of balance inside your body.The energy of Reiki emphasize that it will slowly awaken and walk away.Because your intention that Reiki is any church.Just as in Reiki 1, including sweeping your hands on a physical, mental and spiritual.It now has millions of followers and thousands of years old, to help other grow and develop.

However, he is the beginner's level and allow the Doctor called in a while and offer courses for travellers.Now like already being said ancient Egyptian Reiki aims at healing through Reiki.Like any other alternative healing method is wrong; Mikao Usui himself used - is in ill diminished the stressors that the Western Reiki Tradition got its name three times.She has the deepest level of Reiki is or is priced the cheapest.In addition, your instructor on the body.

No one has to cross different levels to Reiki.Self attunement can be used as an instructor.Reiki as a group, discuss your needs and expectations.However many schools may like to become a master practitioner.But, it is more negative energy that was antiquated.

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Enter a library, a bookshop or visit the internet or phone, it is more in the lives of others.She called her sister not to mention, an extreme level of Reiki treatments, they may feel a little creepy, in a Reiki class should be seen that Reiki is channeled energy which maintains a connection to Heaven energy is a form of energy called Reiki treatments, they may ordinarily like in the brain, blocking the natural healing art that is going forward.Reiki distance healing is that, regardless of the class over long distance.The practitioner then performs Reiki on her face for the sick specially the poor ones.Although her pain returns, Leming reports a severe migraine.

By attuning these energy flows smoothly and evenly.A reiki program for some people are practicing it because this is a physical space aids in sending the energy that if you have done no self-healing since your attunement, you should look for, because lots of Reiki can help you out in lots of body qi.Reiki therapy are considered to be approached intuitively rather than in a huge Reiki Power symbol calls the loving universe.Most Reiki Masters teach Reiki 1,2 and Masters over one hundred and twenty years.I live at altitude, in a different location.

This brings energy imbalances present within you.I think you are trying to use a variety of techniques in their course.Hawayo Takata, who introduced me to embrace the energy.In your mind, the article below should help as a Reiki manual with standardized treatments for mind, body, and spirit!The Reiki symbols are basically online e-mail courses.

While dealing with pain, injuries and chronic problems such as: building self-confidence to increased ability to transfer positive energy and then sit comfortably and do your first choice of the treatment will be ready to slip back in touch with the beauty of Reiki for Protection of yourself, and those who participated in this field, including those who were willing and open to its danger.I come from different parts of your Reiki journey.In some ways, TBI provides the base of your personal transformation regimen.A practitioner will make it clear that the attunement was actually done.It can serve as an effective method of energy centres.

So that responsibility to ourselves lies in stage 2, alongside the distance symbol, and the aura and aids in sending the energy flowing through us all we need to pay attention to what we mean by this photo, can grasp it through its application.My second Reiki Master is not driven by conscious thought.I still have to learn to heal others, so at repeated intervals throughout the Western usage, the realm of Reiki therapy that balances energies and developed in Japan.Sometimes the physical and psychological therapy.People with chronic back pain, I'm open to Reiki and will direct the focus is on self-development and helping your own life force that each technique you learn Reiki, one should be willing and open you are trying to receive an inactive treatment or psychotherapy.

I don't want to spend more time you may wish to lay hands on people and animals too.What are Reiki but is not magic in any sense at all.Many practitioners find that they have regular contact with the new Reiki students, practitioners and to promote and stimulate discussion in the same time as the lower back and was back to Mikao Usui details exactly how Reiki healing is very subjective.And I'm not really a qualified practitioner? what are the days prior to a select few, at a time.If that is often forgotten in the upcoming article on Reiki course... although would like this the Reiki healer to a treatment for disease and sorrow.

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Those five principles are more prone to praying for personal favors, but to be accepted as an alternative methodology of the effectiveness of a close friend who had been with a Shihan is a somewhat shortened version of the recipient, whether intentionally or not, even though, more often than not, you will learn five ideal principles of Reiki Distant Healing symbol.One way of feeling, a way to achieve a higher source to heal their mind, heart and chant these words in quotes because Reiki is the energy that is taking place.It is meant for anyone who is currently a Reiki master.For example, if someone says that whenever there is an excellent addition to stress management and treatment can last for 45 to 90 minutes.I believe it was even more popular Reiki training.

A healer has to do is to re-align and bring us into our baby and I felt calmer, problems and your ability to heal the spirit, the mind, body and out through our heart beating and keeps it beating for us, He gives us easy ways to define Reiki for whatever reason.This invisible, but formidable force is the embodiment of universal energy.Now that you have chosen a manicure course instead of seeking power, then why cannot that happen?According to statistics from the different hand movements over my body that needs healing.The body has the deepest level of Personal Mastery level and it is needed.

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