#Institute of Ray Therapy

[thinkingimages]

A group of children hold hands around a radiating glow of ultraviolet light at the [Institute of Ray Therapy, Camden], undated (c. 1930).

As cited in Soaking Up the Rays: Light Therapy and Visual Culture in Britain, c. 1890–1940.

[weirdworldofwinnie]

A Safe Way Out

Jonathan Breech x Female Reader (NSFW 18+ only)

Summary: You're a very shy patient at the psychiatric hospital and the newest inpatient part of the therapy group has to be the cutest man you've ever seen, and he takes an interest in you, but he's not quite as innocent as he looks.

Word Count: ~3,384

Warnings: Smut (unprotected sex), loss of virginity/innocent reader, cum squirting, oral (fem receiving), mental illness, past trauma, talk of depression and suicide, some angst, language

Disclaimer: This just fantasy/fiction, I do not own anything from the 2001 Irish film On the Edge starring Cillian Murphy.

Breech, Jonathan.

He was surely the prettiest person you'd ever witnessed admitted to this institution that he could make both men and even women jealous, even though his pajamas were ill-fittingly too short and he had a cocky attitude that didn't go unnoticed by the staff and other patients, but he wasn't a total asshole... at least you hoped.

At the couple of group therapy sessions he attended he was rebellious, giving the always tired (but very patient) Dr. Figure grief through ample sarcasm that made you stifle smirks, but as usual you never spoke much, being selectively mute unless you were forced to answer a question from Dr. Figure. They didn't give any drugs to dope up; the doctor didn't think you nor the small group you were part of needed them, but sometimes you wished they would so you didn't have to participate in these stupid sessions that went in half-spun circles and could just conk out in your room or outside.

You had been submitted here by your estranged parents after a series of concerning events that you had tried to mentally block out, including attempting to take your own life because of bullying and abuse; you were not able to ever acclimate fully to society because of it, which led you to being stuck in this place, mentally spinning wheels while growing more and more wary of the outside world everyday. Jonathan was the opposite; he had a spark of defiance and a fire you didn't have enough oxygen for to nourish for yourself. He clearly didn't think he really belonged here and in a way, you sort of admired him even if he was a bit strange and potentially dangerous... He was certainly an exciting refresher in such a dull, day-to-day drudgery.

One day after walking out of yet another mildly frustrating therapy session, he stepped in front of you in the hall as you were making your way back to your room alone, a curious light in his stunningly blue excuses for eyeballs.

"Hey, you mind if I join ya in your room?" he asked suddenly and you froze, uncertain of how to react. You only ever minimally interacted one-on-one with people you trusted... Fellow patient Nick kept saying Jonathan wasn't to be trusted, but Nick was also kind of a paranoid weirdo that always was listening to his headphones, so what did he know?

Jonathan seemed to sense your hesitation and he grinned, trying to put you at ease or maybe he was just messing with you. Either way, you had to hide your intrigue in case he was pulling your leg.

"Don't look spooked out, I'm just so fucking bored at this place and you're pretty cute, but you never really talk... I just wanna get to know ya better," he explained sincerely, but you still felt wary.

"Can I see your room at least?" he asked innocently and you finally gave him a shy nod, causing him to smile in broad relief that reminded you of the last rays of sunlight splashing upon the cliffs.

He walked along beside you, swinging his arms back and forth a bit as if he was winding himself up, all the way to your room and past an orderly who gave him a suspicious glance, but you gave the man a thumbs up to let him know it was fine. Security here was surprisingly not as strict as one would imagine for a psychiatric hospital and the younger patients tended to sneak out once a week to the city with minimal repercussions. They always came back anyway.

You reached your designated room and opened the door slowly, and Jonathan strolled in after you, sighing loudly.

"Oh, would'ja look at that - they gave you the fanciest room they've got," he commented sarcastically as you sat down on the small bed, tucking your knees up to your chest and he stood, surveying you and scene for a second and then joining to sit, copying your posture. He fiddled with his slippers for a minute and then turned to you curiously.

"So lemme get this right: You only talk when or if you have ta?"

"Yeah," you mumbled and he nodded sagely.

"That's an interesting way to deal with people. Don't blame ya, lot of wanks out there not worth being spoken to. What's your name - I mean, I know it from the meeting, but can you say it?" he asked, however unlike any doctor, it wasn't clinical or judgmental. He truly seemed interested and so you whispered your first name aloud to the floor.

"It's a nice name. How old are you?" You could hear the smile in his deep voice.

"T-Twenty two," you responded with a slight stutter, too fluttery to be able to meet his gaze.

"Fuck, that's older than me... I'm nineteen, but you know already know that. You ever been anywhere outside of Dublin?"

You looked away, not answering. If you ever had, you'd been too small to remember.

"How long you've been here?" he asked curiously and you splayed your hand, palm up towards him.

"Five weeks or five years?"

"Years," you whispered and he was silent for a few minutes, picking at the hem of his baby blue pajama pants.

"So much for the road to recovery, eh?" he scoffed and you just shrugged.

He put his legs down, feet flat on the floor and crossing his arms tight to his chest, wearing that oversized silly orange patterned sweater of his. He sniffed and bit his lip, glancing up at the bare ceiling as if he would find the answers to existence there.

"Something happened to you, I know. Shit, something happened to us all here. It's okay if you don't wanna or can't talk 'bout it. But I can't figure out if you have the same thoughts me and the others have? You know, what the doc locks us up for... suicidal? Like there's no fucking point to this blip of existence? And they think we're nuts, but we just seein' the truth."

You slowly pulled up your sleeve, exposing the faint scars etched into your left wrist, remnants of cutting attempts to escape life before you had been dumped off in this place indefinitely. You had never tried it since and were now an adult and could seek the means to leave if you truly wanted to, but there was nothing out there in the world for you.

"See this pinky finger?" Jonathan asked suddenly, poking up his baby finger and you nodded, interested.

"I was just trying to get rid of what was left of me old Da and the damn car didn't do the job right. Could've broken neck but all I broke was me baby finger. Least you've got the scars there to prove survivin'." He sighed heavily, almost disappointed, and you spoke the first sentence you had in days, your voice hushed from disuse.

"Why do ya wanna die?"

He blinked, giving you a meaningful glance and his full lips stretched into a tight ironic smile.

"I don't want to die; I don't want to be alive. I'm just a fucking living ghost, we all are... Doesn't that realization scare the wits outta ya?"

He looked away at the wall, blinking as the drippy tears escaped and his mouth quivered in quiet anguish, his dewy face scrunching up. You reached over and touched his cheek, catching a tear rolling down his smooth pallid skin and wiping it off tenderly. He sniffled, embarrassed, and gently took your wrist and whispered emphatically.

"I like you, Y/N. You don't freak out or talk down to me or bitch about your own problems. You're unique, but I'm thinking ya too cute to be truly crazy."

"Cute?" you repeated and he grinned at hearing your high breathy voice.

"Don't be so afraid to talk, you got a pretty voice. Bet nobody be calling ya cute in a long time, right?"

You shrugged sheepishly and he tilted your chin up with his fingers, tracing the outline of your face fondly and you blushed, not used to being touched by anyone like that. It was... comforting, a feeling you had been very numb to for some time. His pinkish lips parted and he tilted his head slightly, mouth gaping in anticipation for a kiss but you froze, unsure and not wanting to take the lead.

"I want a kiss," he murmured and the way he said it made you draw closer, trusting the process. He closed his eyes and blindly groped your lips, sucking, and then his tongue dove in with a surprising force, swirling around your mouth and he gripped the sides of your head in a vice, cutting off any resistance... Not that you were repulsed in any way once the initial shock wore off.

He broke away after several seconds, gasping and licking his lips hungrily.

"Mm, didja like that?"

Your cheeks became pink and he glanced over your head at the windowpanes being pattered with a steady rain and it was growing dimmer outside, evening approaching with a cloaking storm, and it reflected in the dull colors of the room that was becoming muted of natural light.

"Can I show you something?" he asked huskily, shifting on the bed restlessly.

You ducked your chin in affirmative, heart fluttering in uncertainty as he reached to yank his sweater and pajama shirt over his head, leaving him with a bare chest. You stared, fascinated in his anatomy; it had been so long since you'd seen anyone without some clothing on. He grinned, pointing awkwardly to your own chest.

"So, uh, now this... this'll be the part where you remove your garment," he instructed and cautiously, you unbuttoned your pj's and you never wore a bra, so soon he was facing your naked breasts with your nipples hardening from the airy exposure.

"Really cute," he breathed, gently putting a finger to your right nipple and pressing lightly, stroking around the center and then drawing a line to the other breast, doing the same to that one and you shivered, feeling a strange pull in your stomach that was borderline butterflies. He leaned back, bouncing up slightly on the bed and kicking his slippers off to the floor.

"But hold on, there's more to see," he said with a verging mischievous excitement. You'd never seen him look so genuinely joyful and as he tugged down his pj bottoms, you blinked, faced with a protruding bugle in his white underwear.

After a beat, he removed his boxers, springing forth a stiff appendage that you'd never in the flesh on a man, well, in its erect state at least.

"Want to touch it? It doesn't bite," Jonathan joked with a lazy grin and you cautiously extended a hand and put your fingers on the glistening tip. It was definitely moist and firmly solid, and he shuddered through a breath of arousal.

"Wet," you observed and he laughed, scooting closer so his penis was resting in your hands.

"I like it when you touch me there, don't stop," he begged and you felt him up, amused at his reaction.

He twitched in your palms as you ran careful fingers up his fleshy length and to his balls, lightly petting the coarse dark hair nesting around them, and he shivered pleasurably, resisting the urge to already ejaculate.

"Feelin' good?" you asked fondly, seeing his mouth agape and eyes nearly rolling back.

"Too fuckin' good, need to stop before I cum too quick. Wanna enjoy this... Lemme have at that pussy of yours now instead of using me dick, m'kay?"

You could tell it wasn't a question, but you weren't sure what he meant entirely. You eased off his genitalia, cock dripping slightly, and sat back, waiting for him to elaborate.

"Here," Jonathan murmured and his hands went to your waist, teasing down the waistband of your pj's and pushing the pants down your legs, letting you wiggle out and kick them to the floor, along with your slippers. He stared for a full ten seconds at your womanhood, biting his lip and swirling his tongue around his mouth, before he bent down and spread your legs apart. You tried to ask him what was going to happen, but he dove in already, tongue flicking at your delicate folds with attempted precision. You gasped audibly at the new sensation and he clamped hands down on your thighs, clinging on as he maneuvered his thick tongue faster and you grabbed at a fistful of his hair, shaking from the unfamiliarity and equal anticipation as your body seemed to take control of natural instincts and budding arousal grew stronger.

He just wanted to warm you up though, and he withdrew his tongue soon, lips glistening with a tiny smear of discharge. Your bare chest rose and fell in rhythm as he surveyed the fresh terrain, just aching for more. You very well might be a complete virgin and that prospect tantalized him yet also privately frightened him of messing up. Of course he'd been with girls before, but they weren't this sheltered and sweet. He may corrupt you and alter the course of this extremely new friendship, which in his mind was always meant to become more of a relationship; the moment he saw you he knew he needed to get in your pants.

"Eh, give it a go," Jonathan told himself forcibly and his finger jerked onto your entrance, worming in needily and making you squeak in surprise. He shushed you, zipping his lips with his free hand, giving you a clear message that it wasn't wise to make unusual noises. Even though it wasn't like there was cameras in the rooms, one couldn't be too careful. If Dr. Figure found out his newest unstable patient, the same one that pledged not to kill himself before New Year's Eve, was somewhat taking advantage of a virgin he just met in her own room, the doc would be most displeased.

Nevertheless, whimpers escaped from your throat as he pressed further to your clit and moved another finger to join the first, uncomfortably stretching into your walls. Despite the stinging pain, you felt an decent amount of wetness pooling from your vagina, almost like peeing, and clenched reflexively, hitting his knuckles.

"Oh, I'm thinking it's ready," he whispered impatiently, wriggling his digits away with a squelch and wiping your light drizzle of cum on his cock.

Before you could react, he adjusted position and slid on top of you, pressing his body down onto your bare one and rubbing his full cock in-between your thighs.

You gasped when he began to shove in rather roughly, squirming into your tight unbroken hole and you looked up at his face, watching his hair askew slightly and you noticed a scar above his eyebrow you hadn't noticed before. You wrapped your arms around his neck, afraid to get pinned underneath him, and tried to buck and roll with the motion, but it was getting painful.

"Hurts," you whimpered into his ear as he thrusted further.

"Not gonna hurt in a minute, baby," he whispered, too in heat to stop and consider much else and he clapped a hand over your mouth to stifle any more alarming noises.

"C-Can't go-go all the way in," he panted, his skin slapping yours and rocking the whole small bed.

Sure enough, the pain became more bearable though the more he worked you and pleasure eventually overturned it altogether, the bursting bloom of an orgasm that was very likely the best feeling that had ever happened to you. You sank your mouth on his shoulder to stifle a cry, careful to not bite too deeply, and then mewled into his neck, panting heavily along with him and digging your fingers into his brown scrubby sideburns and floppy hair.

"Mm, fuc-fucking good, ya likin' it, eh?" Jonathan choked out in a whisper and you couldn't respond, too taken by this incredible euphoria and the way his cock flexed inside close at your cervix. You weren't sure how long he could stay in without it becoming too uncomfortable, but he lifted up slightly, grunting softly at his own arousal and effort.

He pulled out just in time, finishing outside by squirting hot ropes of milky cum all over your vagina, stomach, and legs. The bedsheets took a few splatters as well and he heaved in relief as you laid there, utterly stunned at his sexual performance. You had squirted a little bit too and it had intermixed with his juices that you couldn't tell which was from whom. It was so intimate and gross and a big part of you absolutely loved it, having never been in such a situation before... It was exciting and playful.

He swiped two fingers through the fluids and spread it on your thighs further, encouraging you to feel it as well and you giggled at him taking your own fingers and guiding them up to his face, dotting his chin with cum.

Jonathan then sat back on his haunches and admired you, catching his breath and listening to the steady patter of rain. You rolled over onto your side and your eyes widened at a couple spots of blood on the sheets and he looked down in causal observance.

"Ah, that'd be normal, don't worry," he assured with a chuckle.

"Though, uh, maybe we'd better try to hide it case they come collect the sheets tomorrow," he realized on second thought.

"I say I been bleeding, on my cycle," you offered as an explanation.

"Yeah, that'd be good cover," he agreed and climbed off, picking up his clothing and shimmying back into the pajamas and sweater.

"Look, I'll get us some towels or somethin' from the bathroom," he said, walking quietly to the door and opening it with a peering glance out, but the coast was clear. Most patients should be in their rooms by now anyhow.

You relaxed in a post-orgasmic trance while he was gone, listening to the dripping weather outside and wondering how you'd be able to be normal around him tomorrow.

The door squeaked open softly a couple minutes later and Jonathan came back inside with a bundle of torn sheets of toilet paper clutched in his hand.

"Couldn't get towels, so I took some shit paper that'll have ta do instead," he announced with dry amusement and he used it to wipe you clean of the wet mess and you thanked him quietly, grateful to be dry again for it had become rather cold and tingly on your skin. You automatically flinched a fraction when he wiped at your folds, as you were raw and sore, but he was fairly gentle. When he finished, Jonathan moved in very close as if for a kiss, but only whispered near to your ear, tickling your earlobe with his warm breath.

"Don't tell anyone about what we did... just a little secret, m'kay? Though I guess you wouldn't be blabbin' to anyone else anyway," he chuckled darkly, but it wasn't mean.

"Maybe we can see each other again?" he proposed as he balled up the soiled toilet paper and retreated back towards the door.

"Okay, Jonathan," you whispered in reply and he flushed at the sound of his name on your lips.

"I think you'll be my new therapy, better than anything that wanker of a Freud psychiatrist can offer." He paused, shuffling his feet and then glanced up daringly, determination in his blue orbs.

"We'll find a way out soon, a safe way out, me and you and Rachel and Toby... and I'll show you how to have a good time at the pub, eh? Like the sound of that?"

You only smiled as he turned to exit, but then abruptly paused and bit his lip as he looked back at you with a yearning, like what the two of you had just done still wasn't enough.

"Abair do phaidreacha agus codhladh sámh," he spoke in Gaelic and you translated back softly with a meaningful smile.

"Say your prayers and sleep well."

With a dip of his head and smug, yet almost childlike smile, Jonathan ducked out the door and was gone for the night.

[shining-star-system]

I’m gonna be honest, sometimes I really despise it when people push for therapy or constantly tell me that I need therapy.

For one, I know I do. I’m fully aware that therapy will more and likely help me more.

But that’s where the issues I have come in.

I cannot speak about my own troubles because to me I:

Don’t have enough proof it existed

Live in a state that I’m too afraid to even mention having psychotic symptoms let alone a cdd

In this same state, too afraid that I’d be told it’s “just me being a woman” and sent directly to a mental institution rather than actually getting helped

“Shining, therapy isn’t that bad!”

For you, maybe. But I get so scrambled and scared of therapists. I am afraid of doctors for my own reasons that I won’t say because I know that it is triggering.

The only therapist that I know of that is extremely sweet, kind, patient, and close to me I refuse to go to because he looks like my abuser. Is he different? Yes. But there’s enough look alike that he looks like him, and I cannot deal with that.

If I can have two teachers look like my abuser, one of the multiple, and feel like everything he says is law and shit and then have people making rumors that I’m having an affair with one or both of them? I’d rather the therapist also not get hit with the fucking “you’re too close to this person who sees you as both comfort and something to fear so fuck your job” ray.

I cannot help what my brain says when I see people that look exactly like my abuser, it’s not something I have come to terms with yet and I’m working on everything piece by piece because that’s all I can do.

I also don’t have the financial income for therapy. I’d rather have the self help and the finances of having a happy family and happy cats, my mental health is fine and I’ve been dealing with it for ages in a way that helps me.

If I can Sherlock myself and find what’s causing the issues, even if I cause myself a migraine, hyperfixate on those issues to figure them out, and can actually get everything done. I’ll stick with it. Otherwise, I’ll take my time.

If it is something that I dont deem serious enough, I can do it on my own.

My hip pain? I want to the ER for.

The depression and anxiety that I have been able to manage on my own because of a neglectful father who also happens to be a leading cause of why I feel therapy isn’t an option? I can manage it on my own still. There’s things that help me better than what a therapist can.

Does this mean I won’t be able to help everything? Absolutely.

Does this mean I might not be able to deprogram or figure out my cues? Yea, but that’s something I can live with if it means me associated now to my partner being the Best Being on the planet.

I will gladly take a cue telling me to throw myself at my wife’s feet and do anything she tells me with a look of desperation if it means that I’m with her. No matter what. Why? Because she doesn’t hurt me and that’s what matters to me.

I can slowly work on the cues and ground myself. I’ve started doing that. Sometimes it’s too much for me and that’s okay. I’ll go relax. I’ll do my own thing even if I’m having issues that are severe.

But it’s just… stop telling people that they need therapy when they’re more and likely already knowing that they do, but they have reasons not to.

It’s not something everyone can get and not everyone is able to get things that can help. The majority of therapists here need insurance, something I might not have in a few years because I’m riding out my time of the plan I have with my father so I can make sure my wife and I are stable.

“Well why don’t you work?”

I’m taking care of kids and cats and doing something I enjoy. Do I struggle with house keeping? Yes. But it’s better than having to deal with panic attacks because I’m not perfect in what I do first try. I have only ever worked one job, I get anxious a lot and struggle to get up to go. This could change with a night shift job, but I’m still taking care of kids on days when the rest of the family is working because they can’t afford a babysitter so I’m the free one.

“Why are you working for free?!”

Because I’m valuable and I get a roof over my head with meals and people that care. A free babysitter? People would take that with stride at times. I have a place to live and that’s all that matters to me right now. I have a place to live with my cats and my lover and that’s all that matters. The money doesn’t matter to me when that money is going to the house.

I have no biological ties to the people here, but they are my family and they treat me as such.

But regardless.

Stop trying to force people to get something that they can’t do or just don’t want to do.

And if you’re gonna comment or reblog saying shit, I will block you. I do not want therapy for my own reasons and situations so do not force me regardless of the benefits of getting it.

Therapy will not work for me. Self help does. I can go at my own pace and not have any expectations except for the ones I put on me.

[salisburyautisticcarerealestate]

Salisbury Autism Care: A Safe Haven of Assistance for People on the Autistic Spectrum 

The modern world has witnessed a notable increase in the knowledge and comprehension of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Nevertheless, despite these advancements, people on the autism spectrum continue to have difficulties going about their everyday lives. This is where groups like Salisbury Autistic Care come in, offering people with ASD priceless assistance and creating inclusive communities.

Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder 

Prior to discussing Salisbury Autistic Care's position, it is important to comprehend what ASD is. Difficulties with communication, social interaction, and repetitive behaviors typify the developmental illness known as autism spectrum disorder. Since every person with ASD has a different set of strengths and problems, it is essential to approach care and support from a personalized perspective. 

Salisbury Autism Care Offers Holistic Support 

Salisbury Autistic Care: A Haven of Support for Individuals on the Autism Spectrum They understand the value of providing people on the autistic spectrum with comprehensive care. Their strategy prioritizes fostering each person's total well-being rather than just attending to their immediate needs. The facility provides an extensive array of services that are customized to satisfy the various requirements of its clientele, ranging from educational programs to therapy sessions and vocational training. 

Boosting Self-Sufficiency

Their fundamental tenet is enabling people with ASD to live autonomous, satisfying lives. Through tailored support plans and skill-enhancement programs, they furnish their clients with the necessary resources to adeptly handle diverse facets of everyday existence. At every stage of the process, from acquiring work prospects to learning vital life skills, the facility is committed to promoting independence. 

Building Inclusive Communities

Apart from offering immediate assistance to people with ASD, Salisbury Autistic Care is essential to fostering inclusive societies. Salisbury Autistic Care: Creating Inclusive Communities for Individuals on the Autism Spectrum encourages awareness and acceptance of autism; they collaborate closely with businesses, community organizations, and educational institutions. Through increasing awareness and offering training, they contribute to creating circumstances where people with ASD can flourish without encountering prejudice or stigma.

Teaching the Community 

Fostering empathy and understanding for people with ASD requires education. Salisbury Autistic Care regularly participates in community outreach initiatives, educating the public about autism spectrum disease through workshops and seminars. They help to create a more inclusive society where people with ASD are recognized for their unique qualities by dispelling myths and giving correct information. 

Teaching the Community 

Fostering empathy and understanding for people with ASD requires education. They regularly participate in community outreach initiatives, educating the public about autism spectrum disease through workshops and seminars. By dispelling myths and giving correct information, they help create a more inclusive society where people with ASD are recognized for their unique qualities.

In summary 

For those who are autistic and their families, Salisbury Autistic Care is more than just a service provider—it's a ray of hope and support. By using a holistic approach, they create inclusive communities where everyone is appreciated and embraced, enabling people with ASD to realize their full potential. Salisbury Autistic Care is improving the lives of thousands of autistic people and their families by carrying out their purpose of advocacy, education, and support.

[donnerpartyofone]

I'm so disoriented today I barely know what to do with myself. I managed to get myself up and put together enough to get some exercise and keep an appointment this morning, but the whole time it was happening I barely had any idea of what was going on. You'd think I'd have done some sort of heavy drug last night, but no such luck. I just caught myself pacing back and forth across the same 10' of floor for so long, now I'm making myself sit down and try to reconstruct what happened yesterday.

I woke up at 8:30 and, mistakenly thinking that mass was at 9 instead of 9:30, I managed to get dressed and ride a mile to Star of the Sea in 25 minutes. Pretty soon Louise joined me, the sweet old lady who gave me a Catherine Labouré medal and taught me to say the rosary. I didn't have any beads with me, and she lent me hers so we could say one together. I've come to really enjoy it, and not only because I'm intensely orally fixated and I enjoy talking and chanting and singing; when repeated over and over, some things lose meaning, while other things gain it. You say these words over and over and as your mind tries to escape boredom, you start to really think about the phrasing, what was originally meant by it, how it changes if you emphasize one thing over the other. "Mother of God" is an absolutely wild thing to say, a description of the creation of the creator, it's like a riddle that bends time, like in the Sun Ra song that says "It's after the end of the world, don't you know that yet?" The amazing monsignor gave a homily about how outsiders and people on the margins--people who do not have religious training or conservative social indoctrination--are more likely to apprehend spiritual messages with thoughtfulness and imagination than people who really consider themselves religious (and who may therefore take their own religion for granted, or think there's nothing they don't know about it), and I felt like he must have been speaking directly to me. That guy can make you feel like that.

But it was right before he began the service that I noticed I had an email from someone who I was sure was dead. An old friend of mine who had gotten a raw deal in life and who was always on the brink of oblivion, I gave him money or food whenever I could but we both knew he couldn't be my ward forever, when I stopped hearing from him I thought there was no possible way that he had physically survived another winter in the city. I felt guilty, I had nightmares, but what could I do? I sometimes thought about calling hospitals, but it didn't make any sense, I wasn't even sure if he would have ID if someone found him. But apparently his estranged brother took him in and turned him around and he's doing a lot better; an impossible outcome. I couldn't believe it.

After mass I dropped off some clothing with the drycleaner for repairs (I wish I knew how to do anything), and raced home to have a televisit with my doctor about all my weird problems. Renewed a script, discontinued a script, scheduled x-rays, got a physical therapy referral. Chose not to say, "That medication you put me on has permanently ruined my skin and now I'm chronically dependent on 3 other medications with less-bad side effects and I'm staring down the barrel of indefinitely regular $$$$ laser treatments so I can handle my increasingly public job, I know you didn't realize this would happen but it did, so now you have to hear about how angry I am." We hung up and I drew my ex-boss his annual (late) Halloween card, a tradition I instituted a couple years ago, and it should arrive at his assisted living facility in Utah in time for his birthday. Then I tried to vote, and apparently even though I changed my registration when we moved and I received a confirmation of this change in the mail, they still didn't have the change in the system and they told me to go to my old polling place instead. I swear to god the past like several times I have voted, which is the simplest process in the world as long as you can fill in a circle with a pen, I have found myself standing in the middle of a circle of people all telling me some complicated thing I did wrong while everyone else in the room stares at us. I don't know why I'm so bad at absolutely every single thing, or what planet I'm actually suited to live on, but I can reliably find a way to make even the most basic adult functions into a spectacular embarrassment.

So I ran home to host this month's online horror lecture for the little academic org I'm part of, which was kind of intense. It became clear pretty quickly that the speaker just didn't have that much material and was done with her presentation little more than half way through her time slot, so I had to keep her talking for another hour to honor what people had paid for. It was pretty fun and everyone seemed engaged and even inspired at times, but it was also a lot of work that I wasn't expecting to have to do, and I had my cantankerous boss chatting me the entire time with anxious-making criticisms and suggestions while I was just trying as hard as I could to think on my feet and give everyone what they were owed.

I was pretty frazzled after that and decided I'd have a drink after I went to vote. I had to do that almost all the way back in our old neighborhood, so I decided to pop into the brewery by our last place. I couldn't help eavesdropping on this guy with a horror-related shirt I didn't quite recognize. We connected briefly about the underrated Karloff-Lugosi movie THE BLACK CAT, and also about Emo Philips, and finally I thought to give him a business card with my horror org info because he seemed like the target audience for what we do. He looked at the card with this stunned expression and said, "Are you Claire Donner...party of one???" Like yeah, but...what was going on? What should I say? And he revealed that he was an old customer from the comic shop I worked at for years, where my boss was the guy I had just made the card for earlier in the day. He remembered everything about me; he immediately told several really funny stories about me, and he recalled all the books I made him read and how good they were. However it may sound there was nothing untoward about any of this and we would up talking for an hour or two about all kinds of things (including our spouses, so mercifully there was no ambiguity there). What a great guy. I'm hoping that we'll spot each other again, the whole episode was very amusing and surprising.

I got home too late to help my husband with dinner like I promised, but I had been in touch and he encouraged me to stay out and have fun. Thankfully I have been cooking more than I ever have in my life lately (most recently roasted cauliflower soup with a merguez crumble, that was decent) so I didn't have to feel too useless, all things considered. He made an astounding scratch mac and cheese and we watched 30 Coins and went to bed.

Often if I have too much social exposure, I really need to like sit alone in the dark for a couple of days and get back to myself. I have boundary issues and I easily feel contaminated, even if my experiences have been positive. I don't really have time to do that today, technically--I have to do a live interview on Friday with this author about his new book on HP Lovecraft's time in NYC and how it affected his creative development, and I have a lot of supplementary reading to catch up on--but for the moment I just can't even think about anything. I'm using a thesaurus to try to remember the most basic words and I feel like I've completely lost my center of gravity. Time to watch some trashy movies and rest up so I have enough powers of concentration to make the balsamic & feta veggie roast that I was supposed to make last night, to go with the fish my husband is frying up for our dinner.

[handeaux]

An Eccentric Scottish X-Ray Quack Cooked Up Cincinnati’s Very First Vegetarian Restaurant

There is hardly a restaurant today that does not offer some sort of vegetarian option. Although for many years vegetarians were considered weird cranks at best and suspicious radicals at worst, Cincinnati jumped into vegetarianism fairly early. Cincinnati’s first totally vegetarian restaurant opened in 1906, and thereby hangs a tale.

The proprietor, one Donald D. McDougall, definitely spent his long life listening to the beat of a different drum. McDougall was born in Canada in 1860 and made his way to the Battle Creek, Michigan, sanitarium managed by John Harvey Kellogg – he of Kellogg’s corn flakes fame. Kellogg’s sanitarium operated on principles derived from the teachings of the Seventh Day Adventist church, emphasizing wholesale reform of the diet toward low-fat, low-protein vegetarian foods heavy on whole grains, fiber and nuts. Kellogg also prescribed frequent enemas.

Based on his stay at Battle Creek, McDougall announced, despite a total absence of actual medical training, that he was now a physician. He practiced for a couple of years in Connersville, Indiana, where no one seems to have asked to see his diploma. By 1887, McDougall was in Cincinnati, where he established the city’s first Seventh Day Adventist church while earning his living as a carpenter and sometime masseur.

Despite prior claims that he was a doctor, McDougall actually enrolled in medical school in Cincinnati. In doing so, he matriculated at the most notorious institution of outrageous quackery in the United States – the American Free Church and Health College, known as Hygeia - founded by a deliriously strange conman named John Bunyan Campbell. With not a single day of education in any of the medical sciences, Campbell announced his discovery of “vitapathic” principles that could cure any disease, usually involving electricity and colored lights. Otto Juettner, a bona-fide physician and pioneering historian of Cincinnati medicine, was appalled at Campbell's hokum. In an article in the Lancet medical journal, published in 1896, Juettner wrote:

"[Campbell] is the corporeal realization of vitapathic wisdom and the oracle of health. He is the inventor, perpetuator and perpetrator of a most daring and gigantic bunko game, played under the guise of science, in the name of religion and with the sanction of the great State of Ohio."

After just three months of study at Campbell’s quack factory, McDougall hung out his shingle as a legitimate doctor, specializing in electric baths, massages and, curiously, X-rays. Not only did McDougall practice medicine, he taught it as well. Campbell’s vitapathic college operated as a sort of pyramid scheme, in which alumni got recruited to teach the next incoming class. McDougall was now Professor of Masso-Therapy and Electro-Therapy.

For someone who lectured against the dangers of food and diet, McDougall spent the rest of his medical career promoting X-rays by exposing hundreds of people to radiation without any shielding or protection. In 1896, for an event staged to raise funds for Campbell’s vitapathic hospital, McDougall X-rayed anything and anyone. According to the Cincinnati Commercial Tribune [16 December 1896]:

“Dr. D.D. McDougall . . . demonstrated the power of the rays by allowing every one present to examine the bones of their arms or by placing any small objects inside of a book of several hundred pages.”

McDougall set up his medical office in the Cincinnati Athletic Club where his skills as a masseur were no doubt welcome. His wife, the former Emma Smith, joined him so they could advertise massage therapy for both women and men. In 1906, the McDougalls opened Cincinnati’s first vegetarian restaurant next-door to the athletic Club at 121 Shillito Place in partnership with another Adventist, Scott McPherson of Norwood. McDougall told the Cincinnati Post [1 December 1906]:

“Americans are such great meat-eaters that they are selfish and disagreeable, especially among the rich and they have little thought of raising children. When we become vegetarians, we will have nobler purposes. There will be less of the brute in us and consequently fewer criminal acts.”

McDougall claimed that the word, “vegetarian,” does not derive from vegetables but instead from the Latin “homo vegetus,” which he claimed translates as a strong, robust and thoroughly heathy man. Most Latin dictionaries disagree.

In addition to serving vegetarian meals optimized to provide set amounts of proteins, carbohydrates, fats and calories, the Vegetarian Restaurant also sold pre-packaged foods created in the laboratories of the Battle Creek sanitarium. Among the retail stock were lardless graham and oatmeal crackers, granola, zweibach, porkless baked beans, nut butter, bromose, malted nuts, toasted corn flakes and something called Peptol, billed as “the flesh builder.”

McDougall claimed that 500 former patients of his who had converted to the Battle Creek Sanitarium diet could not find nutritious vegetarian food in Cincinnati. Despite the built-in clientele, it does not appear that the Vegetarian Restaurant and Health Food Store survived much more than a year. McDougall moved his home and his “physio-therapy” practice to Clifton.

It would be more than 20 years until Cincinnati’s second vegetarian restaurant opened. In 1929, Harry Berman recruited Harry Morgan, another Battle Creek graduate, to run the kitchen at a short-lived meatless diner at 6 East Ninth Street.

As for Dr. McDougall, in addition to his pioneering efforts on behalf of vegetarianism and Seventh Day Adventism, he was also among the founders and early officers of the Caledonian Society, an association for Cincinnatians of Scots descent.

Ironically, for someone who operated unshielded X-ray equipment for more than three decades, it was an X-ray that killed Donald McDougall. He fell at his home in 1934 and went to the hospital for an X-ray of his injured shoulder. While being examined, he suffered a fatal heart attack at age 75. He is buried in Connersville, Indiana.

[jerrylewis-thekid]

From today and for a week, the 33rd edition of the Telethon Marathon will be held in Italy on all Rai networks (the Italian state television network).

This is the site of "Telethon Italia Foundation" https://www.telethon.it/

This is the related Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Telethon.Italia

I copy an article dating back to 2004 which talks about Jerry in Italy:

Jerry Lewis and Susanna Agnelli under the sign of Telethon Private conversation this morning on the occasion of the great actor's visit to Rome, who will shoot some commercials in the United States in favor of the Telethon Foundation.

He with his usual verve, dressed in a tracksuit, she is very elegant and friendly: Jerry Lewis, father of the most famous television marathon in the world, and Susanna Agnelli, promoter of the Italian Telethon, met today in Rome as a sign of their common commitment for Telethon. A meeting between characters with many affinities and with the same goal which, at different times, has seen them take the field themselves to contribute to the fight against genetic diseases, starting initially from muscular dystrophy to arrive, as in the case of our country, to those rarer and unknown to the public until a few years ago. The private conversation, held at the Grand Hotel St. Regis in the capital, was also an opportunity for Mrs. Agnelli and Jerry Lewis to discuss the long history of Telethon, its successes with both the public and scientific results, the prospects for further growth and on the differences that characterize the television marathon invented by the great American actor in the various countries. In Europe, after France, the Italian Telethon is the second most efficient in raising funds and is highly appreciated by the international scientific community for the quality and quantity of the discoveries obtained with its funding for research on genetic diseases of hereditary origin.

Jerry Lewis reiterated his appreciation for the important results, well known to him, obtained by the Telethon Foundation in its 14 years of life. As confirmation of his trust, the popular American comedian declared that he wanted to record some commercials in his television studios in favor of the 2004 Italian Telethon. Mrs. Agnelli thanked him and stated: "I limited myself to emulating a model of great efficiency, adapting it to the Italian spirit". Jerry Lewis wanted to conclude by defining the Italians "The most lovable people in Europe". The Telethon (Television Marathon) was born in the United States in 1966, on the initiative of Jerry Lewis, with the aim of raising funds to start research on musical dystrophy, a rather widespread disease with causes that were almost unknown at the time. The success of the broadcast, both in financial terms and in terms of audience, then prompted the French Association against Dystrophies (AFM) to repeat the experience in France starting in 1987 and with equal success. In 1990 the AFM granted the availability of the Telethon brand for Italy to a Promoting Committee, chaired by Susanna Agnelli, born under the aegis of the Italian Union for the Fight against Muscular Dystrophy (UILDM).

The first solidarity marathon of Italian television, conducted on the RAI networks, also met with great public approval. In February 1991, the first call for tenders was issued to finance research projects on muscular dystrophies. Since 1992, the Telethon Promoting Committee, with a change to its statute, has opened the doors to research on all genetic diseases of hereditary origin. The Telethon Foundation was born in 1995, as an entity dedicated exclusively to the management of Telethon's research initiatives, to which as much as 80% of the funds raised are destined. Four Telethon research institutes have been created: the TIGEM, Institute which deals with genetics and medicine, the HSR-TIGET which operates in the field of gene therapy, the Tecnothon, a laboratory for the creation of prototypes of aids for the disabled, and the Istituto Telethon Dulbecco, born to offer job opportunities, also favoring their return from abroad, to young researchers of excellence. Since 6 May 1998, in compliance with law 460/97 on the tax regime of non-profit organizations (non-profit organizations of social utility), the Telethon Promoting Committee has changed its statute, changing the company name to "Comitato Telethon Fondazione Onlus". Since 1999, the Telethon Foundation ONLUS Committee has been awarded the High Patronage of the President of the Republic. @jerrylevitch @starryyide @prolen @pleiades974 @kingdc2017

@jerrylewischildstar @mytr3asurebox @potc4life @lovejl12 @make-a-little-mischief @una-mente-en-paz-con-todo @lillybetts

[vermiculated]

Strange Adventures (2020)

A primer:

Strange Adventures (2020) is a comic book about an adventure story, drawn by Evan Shaner, and a political thriller, drawn by Mitch Gerads. In the end, the stories become one another and the hero dies. The premise of all of these stories is Adam Strange, with his jet pack and ray gun, is trying to win a war against the Pykkts, who have attacked the planet he lives on some of the time, called Rann. The original Adam Strange comics are treated as backstory to this war, and Strange Adventures is partly meant to emphasize how brutal and lonely war really is, even in a planetary romance setting: Adam’s been fighting pointless wars for decades, but this is the saddest of them all. 

source: why-i-love-comics

The several parallel stories that make up this comic are meant, at least partly, to give two underwritten characters some depth: Adam’s squeeze, Alanna of Rann and Mister Terrific, Michael Holt. Alanna is a scientist who meets Adam when he is transported to Rann by the zeta beams, which run on an irregular but predictable schedule, serving the same purpose as the sword between Tristan and Isolde. In most Adam Strange comics, Alanna is lovely and smart: the general arc is that Rann has been put in danger, Adam shows up, Alanna provides the necessary exposition, and she plays lovely assistant to Adam’s science hero. There’s some later complications to this, including the addition and subtraction of Adam and Alanna’s daughter, Aleea, and their appearance in other superhero stories, usually to indicate that all of space is looking in on this conflict. 

source: why-i-love-comics

Michael Holt is a genius decathlete polymath who, after the death of his wife Paula, took up the mantle of Mister Terrific, vacant after the initiator of the title died, and started working with the JSA. His “superpower” is being naturally good at everything and usually in stories, his role is to provide background information on whatever threat the heroes are facing, and explains whatever science is being used to fight the bad guys. He works with the T-spheres, robots who further his pedagogical theme/approach, and allow him to test his knowledge at random.

source: why-i-love-comics

Michael and Alanna have chemistry, they visit the Walker Art Institute’s sculpture garden together and talk about their problems:

source: why-i-love-comics

The twist to Strange Adventures is that Adam, to save Rann, bargains away Earth. He does this by promising to the Pykkt that he will sabotage the Justice League’s efforts to defend Earth, which is the next planet that the Pykkt intend to invade. The Pykkt guarantee this bargain by holding Aleea hostage. In order to keep this deal and its condition secret, Adam lies and says that the Pykkt killed Aleea. He and Alanna come to Earth in the wake of this deal and publish an autobiography of Adam’s time at war, and try to raise the alarm about the invasion. Adam, out of hallucinatory guilt, shoots a guy who he interprets to be a Pykkt scout: he goes to Batman and asks to be investigated, and Batman sets Mister Terrific the task of figuring out what happened. Mister Terrific goes to Rann and figures out that the Pykkt made a deal with Adam, and that Aleea is still alive. When the Pykkt do invade, Adam allows them to break the cordon and bomb Phoenix, Arizona. The war goes poorly, and Michael tells Alanna what really happened to Aleea. Alanna confronts Adam, they fight, and Adam is killed. Mister Terrific takes custody of Aleea when Alanna returns to Rann to face a renewed Pykkt attack. 

you may say, these themes seem very familiar to me as a person who enjoys nine panel therapy comics. THOMAS. This is substantially darker than Mister Miracle (2017) or The Omega Men, as the nature of the story itself is deconstructed, and the hero is pushed to make a deal that is antithetical to continued heroics, so what is he; whereas Mister Miracle answers that question by saying, he’s a good person who doesn’t care about the story in the end, Strange Adventures says when a hero’s no longer heroic he is dead. 

shorter: I would have made this amazing transformative work my summary.

This is how I win: after the fixit, Adam’s back on Earth in time for 2022’s vampire-fighting arc and the promised dinner party at the Frees’. 

[anayajain]

Know About The Department Of Orthopedics │ Surgeries And Related Information

You must have heard about various departments of medical science. In this section, we will focus on one of its important segments, i.e., orthopedics. Millions of people necessitate help from this department for a lot of reasons. For example, if there is a problem related to joints, muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, or soft tissues, you will have to consider visiting the health professionals of orthopedics. For a lot of people, the condition isn't too much serious and settles with the help of self-care measures. Sometimes, a person may need a few medicines or injections to get relief. But, when there is trouble that doesn't get fine with conventional methods, orthopedic surgery may become a necessity.

More About Orthopedics

The components mentioned in the upper section are counted under the musculoskeletal system. Orthopedics is a medical specialty that is dedicated to the diagnosis, prevention, care, and treatment of problems related to the musculoskeletal system. Like, if you're suffering from pain in the knees, neck, back, hips, or shoulder, there will be a need to visit an orthopedic doctor or an orthopedist. In the same way, if there is an injury related to the muscles or a sprain in some part of the body, such experts can help.

There are lots of cases where a person experiences badly due to problems in the musculoskeletal system. The bones, ligaments, muscles, joints, or tendons are such parts of the body that can put a person in serious trouble once suffering from a problem. That's why, there is a great importance of this branch and fortunately, you can explore a wide range of medical institutions that are offering tremendous services to the patients and supporting them to get fine.

Visiting An Orthopedic Doctor/Surgeon

Generally, if a person suffers from a health issue, he waits for some time with the thought that it may settle automatically. Although it happens in many cases, when it doesn't happen, the second option that appears in mind is to apply home-based remedies. That seems to be fine in some cases but remember, you need to be attentive when it comes to a problem in the musculoskeletal system. If the condition is getting worse with time, don't wait for too much to visit an orthopedic surgeon or an orthopedist.

At the time of visit, he may ask some questions about the condition or review the medical history. If required, he may perform a physical examination to find out more about what's troubling the patient. In advanced cases, there can be a recommendation for some tests like X-rays, MRI, or CT scan. They can tell more briefly about the problem or deliver information if some other issues are troubling the patient. After understanding the case, he may guide for the treatment option. This includes medicines, injections, physical therapies, or some other forms of exercise.

A lot of people find relief from these methods, while some people require an advanced form of treatment. For example, orthopedic surgery treatment can become essential when non-surgical options aren't providing relief in any manner and a person is suffering badly from pain and discomfort.

In the below paragraph, we're listing some renowned surgeries of the orthopedic branch.

Commonly Performed Orthopedic Surgeries

1. Arthroscopy

This is a form of minimally invasive surgery that involves small cuts and can be performed in a shorter period. It calls for a small cut by which a narrow tube goes inside the body. There is an attachment of a camera that sends the information to the surgeon and he gets able to find out the problem. Arthroscopy is mainly performed for joint-related problems.

2. Joint Replacement Surgery

This is one of the popular forms of orthopedic surgery treatment where a damaged part of the joint is removed and replaced with an artificial joint. The orthopedic surgeon usually prefers it for knees, shoulder, and hips.

3. Spinal Surgeries

You must have heard about several problems in the spine. For that, a wide range of spinal surgeries is available. With their help, a person can get rid of pain and other kinds of discomfort due to several musculoskeletal issues.

4. Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeries

The department of pediatrics is dedicated to children from newborns to teenage. If a child is suffering from any issue with the musculoskeletal system, parents must consult the problem with a pediatric orthopedic surgeon. Several orthopedic surgery treatment options are available in this branch.

5. Fracture Repair Surgery

If a bone is severely broken, it may necessitate an advanced form of treatment. In such cases, a fracture repair surgery may become an option where a bone is kept in its place with the help of rods, plates, screws, and pins.

6. ACL Reconstruction Surgery

ACL is a prime ligament of the knees that can tear due to several reasons. When it is completely torn, it can't heal automatically. Therefore, reconstruction surgery is used in which the torn ligament is removed and replaced with a graft from another part of the body.

[chennaitop10]

The Comprehensive Guide to a Modern Dental Hospital

Introduction

Dental health is an integral part of overall well-being, yet it is often overlooked until problems arise. A dental hospital is a specialized institution dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of dental and oral diseases. Unlike regular dental clinics, dental hospitals are equipped to handle complex cases and provide a wide range of specialized services. This article delves into the various facets of a modern dental hospital, highlighting its structure, services, technologies, and the pivotal role it plays in public health.

Structure and Departments of a Dental Hospital

A modern dental hospital is a multifaceted institution that encompasses various departments, each specializing in different aspects of dental care. Here’s a detailed look at the core departments typically found in such a facility. Top 10 dental hospitals in Chennai known for their exceptional dental care and advanced treatments.

General Dentistry

Preventive Care: Routine check-ups, cleanings, fluoride treatments, and patient education on oral hygiene.

Restorative Treatments: Fillings, crowns, bridges, and treatment of cavities and tooth decay.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Surgical Procedures: Extractions, including wisdom teeth, corrective jaw surgery, and treatment of facial trauma.

Reconstructive Surgery: Procedures to correct congenital defects such as cleft lip and palate, and reconstructive surgery following injury or disease.

Orthodontics

Braces and Aligners: Treatment of misaligned teeth and jaws using braces, clear aligners, and other orthodontic appliances.

Retainers and Space Maintainers: Devices to maintain alignment and space in the dental arch.

Periodontics

Gum Disease Treatment: Management of periodontal disease, including scaling, root planing, and surgical interventions.

Implant Dentistry: Placement and maintenance of dental implants.

Endodontics

Root Canal Therapy: Treatment of diseases and injuries of the dental pulp and root tissues.

Apicoectomy: Surgical removal of the tip of the tooth root.

Pediatric Dentistry

Child-Specific Care: Specialized treatments and preventive care for children and adolescents.

Behavior Management: Techniques to manage the behavior of young patients during dental procedures.

Prosthodontics

Prosthetic Devices: Design and fitting of dentures, bridges, and dental prostheses.

Cosmetic Dentistry: Aesthetic enhancements like veneers, crowns, and teeth whitening.

Advanced Technologies in Dental Hospitals

Modern dental hospitals are equipped with cutting-edge technologies that enhance the accuracy, efficiency, and comfort of dental treatments. Some of these include:

Digital Imaging and Radiography

X-rays and CT Scans: Digital imaging provides detailed views of the teeth and jawbone, aiding in precise diagnosis and treatment planning.

Intraoral Cameras: High-resolution cameras that provide real-time images of the mouth, helping in patient education and accurate diagnosis.

CAD/CAM Technology

Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing: Used for the precise fabrication of dental restorations like crowns, bridges, and veneers, often completed in a single visit.

Laser Dentistry

Soft and Hard Tissue Lasers: Minimally invasive treatments for gum disease, cavity preparation, and soft tissue surgeries, reducing pain and recovery time.

3D Printing

Custom Appliances: Production of custom dental appliances such as aligners, retainers, and surgical guides with high precision and speed.

Sedation Dentistry

Sedation Techniques: Use of nitrous oxide, oral sedatives, and IV sedation to ensure patient comfort during complex or lengthy procedures.

Role in Public Health

Dental hospitals play a crucial role in promoting public health through various initiatives:

Community Outreach and Education

Awareness Programs: Organizing community programs to educate the public on oral hygiene, preventive care, and the importance of regular dental check-ups.

School Visits: Dental health programs in schools to teach children about proper dental care practices.

Research and Training

Clinical Research: Conducting research to develop new treatments and improve existing ones, contributing to the advancement of dental science.

Professional Training: Offering residency programs and continuing education for dental professionals to stay updated with the latest advancements in the field.

Specialized Clinics

Special Needs Dentistry: Providing tailored dental care for patients with special needs, ensuring they receive appropriate and compassionate treatment.

Geriatric Dentistry: Focusing on the dental needs of the elderly, addressing issues like dry mouth, tooth wear, and gum disease common in older adults.

Patient Experience and Care

A patient-centric approach is vital for the success of a dental hospital. This involves:

Comprehensive Consultations

Detailed evaluations to understand patient needs, expectations, and medical history, leading to personalized treatment plans.

Multidisciplinary Approach

Collaboration among various specialists to provide holistic care, ensuring all aspects of the patient's dental health are addressed.

Comfort and Convenience

Modern facilities equipped with amenities to ensure patient comfort, such as comfortable waiting areas, entertainment options, and pain management techniques. Discover the best dental clinics in Chennai renowned for their excellence in oral care and patient satisfaction.

Future of Dental Hospitals

The future of dental hospitals looks promising with ongoing advancements and trends such as:

       Tele-Dentistry

Remote Consultations: Using telecommunication technologies to provide remote consultations, follow-ups, and patient education.

Increased Access: Improving access to dental care for patients in remote or underserved areas.

       Personalized Dentistry

Genetic Profiling: Using genetic information to tailor preventive and therapeutic strategies to individual patients.

Customized Treatments: Developing personalized treatment plans based on a patient's unique dental and medical history.

       Integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Predictive Analytics: Using AI to predict dental health trends and outcomes, improving preventive care and treatment planning.

Automation: Implementing AI-driven tools for diagnostics, treatment recommendations, and administrative tasks.

Conclusion

A modern dental hospital is a beacon of advanced dental care, offering a wide range of specialized services and utilizing state-of-the-art technologies. It plays a vital role in improving public health through education, research, and community outreach. By focusing on comprehensive care, patient comfort, and continuous professional development, dental hospitals ensure that patients receive the highest quality of care for their oral health needs.

[rohankumar1276]

Revolutionizing Cancer Treatment: BR Healthcare Leading the Way

In the fight against cancer, access to advanced healthcare services is paramount. BR Healthcare, nestled in the heart of Rohini Sector 17, Delhi, is a beacon of hope for those battling this relentless disease. With its cutting-edge technology and compassionate care, BR Healthcare stands at the forefront of cancer treatment, offering a ray of hope to patients and their families.

Cancer is a complex and multifaceted disease that requires personalized care tailored to each individual. At BR Healthcare, a team of dedicated oncologists, surgeons, and specialists work tirelessly to devise comprehensive treatment plans that address the unique needs of every patient. From diagnosis to recovery, patients at BR Healthcare receive holistic care that encompasses medical, emotional, and psychological support.

One of the hallmarks of BR Healthcare's cancer treatment is its emphasis on innovation. Leveraging the latest advancements in medical science and technology, BR Healthcare offers a range of state-of-the-art treatment modalities, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies. These cutting-edge treatments are designed to target cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissue, thereby maximizing effectiveness and minimizing side effects.

Moreover, BR Healthcare is committed to ensuring that patients have access to the most advanced diagnostic tools available. From advanced imaging techniques to molecular testing, BR Healthcare utilizes a comprehensive array of diagnostic modalities to accurately identify the type, stage, and molecular profile of each patient's cancer. This precision enables oncologists to tailor treatment plans that are optimized for each individual, leading to better outcomes and improved quality of life.

Beyond its technological prowess, what truly sets BR Healthcare apart is its compassionate approach to patient care. The journey of cancer treatment can be daunting, filled with uncertainty and fear. At BR Healthcare, patients are not just numbers on a medical chart; they are individuals with unique stories, dreams, and aspirations. The compassionate staff at BR Healthcare understands the emotional and psychological toll that cancer can take, and they are committed to providing patients with the support and encouragement they need to navigate their journey with courage and resilience.

In addition to its exemplary patient care, BR Healthcare is also dedicated to advancing the field of cancer research. Through partnerships with leading academic institutions and participation in clinical trials, BR Healthcare is at the forefront of groundbreaking research aimed at uncovering new treatments and therapies for cancer. By pushing the boundaries of scientific knowledge, BR Healthcare is helping to shape the future of cancer treatment and improve outcomes for patients around the world.

In conclusion, BR Healthcare is more than just a healthcare provider; it is a beacon of hope for those affected by cancer. With its commitment to innovation, compassion, and excellence, BR Healthcare is revolutionizing the way cancer is treated, one patient at a time. If you or a loved one is facing cancer, BR Healthcare stands ready to provide the comprehensive care and support you need to overcome this formidable foe.

[primathontechnology]

Integrating AI into Medical Research and Diagnostics

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing numerous sectors, and its integration into medical research and diagnostics is proving to be transformative. The adoption of AI-driven healthcare solutions is enhancing the accuracy, efficiency, and personalization of medical services, paving the way for a new era in healthcare. This article delves into the impact of AI in medical research and diagnostics, highlighting the role of AI consulting services in this evolution.

The Role of AI in Medical Research

AI is a powerful tool in medical research, enabling scientists to process and analyze vast datasets more efficiently than ever before. Traditionally, medical research has been a time-consuming process, often limited by the capabilities of human researchers. However, with AI-driven healthcare solutions, researchers can now analyze large volumes of data at unprecedented speeds, uncovering patterns and insights that were previously impossible to detect.

Key Applications of AI in Medical Research

Drug Discovery and Development: AI algorithms can predict how different drugs will interact with various biological targets, significantly accelerating the drug discovery process. This capability reduces the time and cost associated with bringing new medications to market.

Genomic Research: AI for personalized medicine leverages machine learning to analyze genetic data, helping researchers understand the genetic underpinnings of diseases. This knowledge is crucial for developing targeted therapies tailored to individual patients’ genetic profiles.

Clinical Trials: AI can optimize clinical trial designs, identify suitable candidates for trials, and monitor patient responses in real-time. This not only improves the efficiency of trials but also enhances patient safety and outcomes.

AI in Diagnostics

AI-driven diagnostics are transforming how diseases are detected and managed. Advanced AI algorithms can analyze medical images, lab results, and patient records to provide accurate and early diagnoses, often surpassing the capabilities of human doctors.

Enhancing Diagnostic Accuracy

AI in healthcare consulting is pivotal in developing diagnostic tools that can interpret complex medical data with high precision. For instance:

Medical Imaging: AI algorithms can detect anomalies in medical images, such as X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans, with remarkable accuracy. This helps radiologists identify diseases like cancer at an early stage, improving treatment outcomes.

Pathology: AI systems can analyze tissue samples to detect cellular abnormalities. This aids pathologists in diagnosing conditions such as cancer more accurately and efficiently.

Electronic Health Records (EHRs): AI can sift through vast amounts of patient data in EHRs to identify patterns that may indicate the early onset of diseases. This proactive approach allows for earlier intervention and better management of chronic conditions.

The Importance of AI Consulting Services

The integration of AI into healthcare is not without its challenges. Hospitals, research institutions, and healthcare providers often require specialized expertise to implement and utilize AI effectively. This is where AI consulting services play a crucial role.

Benefits of AI Consulting Services

Expert Guidance: AI consultants offer expert advice on the best AI technologies and methodologies to adopt, ensuring that healthcare organizations maximize the benefits of AI.

Customized Solutions: AI in healthcare consulting provides tailored solutions that meet the specific needs of different medical institutions, whether it’s for research, diagnostics, or patient care.

Implementation Support: Implementing AI systems requires significant technical knowledge and experience. AI consulting services help organizations navigate the complexities of integration, from selecting the right tools to training staff.

Regulatory Compliance: The healthcare industry is highly regulated, and compliance is critical. AI consultants ensure that AI solutions adhere to all relevant regulations and standards, mitigating legal and ethical risks.

Future Prospects

The future of AI in medical research and diagnostics looks promising, with continuous advancements expected to further revolutionize healthcare. AI-driven personalized medicine will become increasingly prevalent, offering treatments tailored to individual genetic profiles and improving patient outcomes. Moreover, ongoing developments in AI technologies will enhance the capabilities of diagnostic tools, making them more accurate and accessible.

Conclusion

Integrating AI into medical research and diagnostics is a game-changer for the healthcare industry. With the support of AI consulting services, healthcare providers can harness the full potential of AI, leading to more efficient research, early and accurate diagnoses, and ultimately, better patient care. As we continue to explore the possibilities of AI in healthcare, the prospects for a healthier future are brighter than ever.

[prismmediawire]

American Shared Hospital Services Announces First Quarter 2024 Earnings Conference Call

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, May 7, 2024—American Shared Hospital Services (NYSE American: AMS) (the "Company"), a leading provider of turnkey technology solutions for stereotactic radiosurgery and advanced radiation therapy equipment and services, today announced that the Company will hold a conference call to discuss its first quarter 2024 financial results on Tuesday, May 14th at 4:30 pm ET / 1:30 pm PT. The first quarter 2024 financial results press release will be issued at the market close on Tuesday, May 14th.

Teleconference and Webcast Information

To participate, domestic callers may dial 1-844-413-3972 and international callers may dial 1-412-317-5776 at least 10 minutes prior to the start of the call and ask to join the American Shared Hospital Services call.

A simultaneous webcast of the call may be accessed through the Company's website, www.ashs.com, or at www.streetevents.com for institutional investors.

A replay of the call will be available at 1-877-344-7529 or 1-412-317-0088, access code 5318203, through May 21, 2024. The call will also be available for replay on the Company’s website at www.ashs.com.

About American Shared Hospital Services (NYSE American: AMS)

American Shared Hospital Services (ASHS) is a leading provider of creative financial and turnkey solutions to cancer treatment centers, hospitals, and large cancer networks worldwide. The company works closely with all major global Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) that provide leading edge clinical treatment systems and software to treat cancer using Radiation Therapy and Radiosurgery. The company is vendor agnostic and provides financial support for a wide range of products including MR Guided Radiation Therapy Linacs, Advanced Digital Linear Accelerators, Proton Beam Therapy Systems, Brachytherapy systems and suites, and through the Company’s subsidiary, GK Financing LLC., the Leksell Gamma Knife product and services. For more information, please visit www.ashs.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release may be deemed to contain certain forward-looking statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations and future plans of American Shared Hospital Services (including statements regarding the expected continued growth of the Company and the expansion of the Company’s Gamma Knife, proton therapy and MR/LINAC business, which involve risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, the risks of economic and market conditions, the risks of variability of financial results between quarters, the risks of the Gamma Knife and proton therapy businesses, the risks of changes to CMS reimbursement rates or reimbursement methodology, the risks of the timing, financing, and operations of the Company’s Gamma Knife, proton therapy, and MR/LINAC businesses, the risk of expanding within or into new markets, the risk that the integration or continued operation of acquired businesses could adversely affect financial results and the risk that current and future acquisitions may negatively affect the Company’s financial position. Further information on potential factors that could affect the financial condition, results of operations and future plans of American Shared Hospital Services is included in the filings of the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, and the definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders that was held on June 20, 2023.

Contacts: American Shared Hospital Services Ray Stachowiak Executive Chairman and CEO rstachowiak@ashs.com

Investor Relations

PCG Advisory

Jeff Ramson/Kirin Smith

jramson@pcgadvisory.com

ksmith@pcgadvisory.com

Source: American Shared Hospital Services

[mrabcl]

breast cancer screenings for women 40 and older

Women are now advised to get a mammogram every other year starting at age 40 and until age 74, according to new recommendations from the US Preventive Services Task Force.

The USPSTF, a volunteer panel of independent medical experts whose recommendations help guide doctors’ decisions and influence insurance plans, previously recommended that biennial mammograms start by age 50 and the decision for women to screen in their 40s “should be an individual one.”

These new recommendations, published Tuesday in the medical journal JAMA, replace the task force’s 2016 recommendations. Some groups, such as the American Cancer Society, have already recommended for women to start mammograms in their 40s

.

The updated USPSTF recommendations apply to everyone assigned female at birth, including cisgender women, transgender men and nonbinary people at average risk of breast cancer, as well as those with a family history of breast cancer or dense breasts.

The updated recommendations do not apply to people with a personal history of breast cancer, a genetic marker or syndrome that may put them at a high risk of breast cancer, such as the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, or those with a history of high-dose radiation therapy to the chest or a history of a high-risk breast lesions. These patients should either stay on the plan outlined by their physician or talk to their doctor about what’s best for them.

“We make this new updated recommendation because the latest science clearly shows that starting at age 40 and obtaining a mammogram every other year until age 74 can further reduce deaths in breast cancer,” said USPSTF Chair Dr. Wanda Nicholson, a senior associate dean and professor at George Washington University’s Milken Institute School of Public Health.

The benefit of screening for breast cancer is that it can help diagnose cases early, before the cancer has spread, which reduces the risk of dying from the disease.

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women in the United States, after skin cancer, and it’s the second-leading cause of cancer death, after lung cancer.

“We can save even more lives — up to nearly 20% more lives — with this updated strategy,” Nicholson said about the new recommendations.

Why not screen every year?

About 1 in 8 women will develop invasive breast cancer in their lifetime, according to the American Cancer Society, and mammography — taking an X-ray of the breast — remains the best tool to screen for and detect the disease.

The USPSTF has received some criticism for recommending to screen every other year, and not annually.

“Using USPSTF terminology, annual screening is just as ‘efficient’ as biennial screening but produces greater overall reductions in late-stage disease and deaths due to breast cancer, and greater gains in years of life saved,” Dr. Wendie Berg, of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, wrote in an editorial published Tuesday in the journal JAMA Oncology. She added that “it is surprising” the USPSTF recommends biennial rather than annual screening.

“The updated USPSTF recommendations are an important step forward, but they stop short. Annual mammography is as efficient as biennial mammography but with greater overall gains in years of life saved,” Berg wrote. “Annual screening is particularly important for premenopausal women, especially women in racial and ethnic minority groups.”

Along with recommending biennial screening, there are other concerns around how the USPSTF makes blanket recommendations for people at average risk as well as those with a family history of breast cancer or dense breasts, said Molly Guthrie, vice president of policy and advocacy at the breast cancer foundation Susan G. Komen.

About half of women older than 40 in the United States have dense breast tissue, according to the US Food and Drug Administration, which last year updated mammography regulations to require that all US screening facilities notify patients about the density of their breasts with their mammography results.

“We were really surprised to see how they broke out their intended audiences and it doesn’t reflect what is standard today as far as identifying those people that are at high risk of breast cancer,” Guthrie said. “I fear that that’s going just to further muddy the water on what people are supposed to do.”

Some experts say that people with a direct family history of breast cancer or with dense breasts should have different screening recommendations, as both factors have been associated with an increased risk of developing breast cancer. That’s why, Guthrie said, it’s best for women to have conversations with their doctors about their own personal medical and family history and what might be best for them individually.

[churchillli87]

Orthopedics: The Specialized Proper care of Orthopedic Surgeons

Orthopedics is really a specialized branch involving medicine that centers on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of musculoskeletal problems. Orthopedic surgeons, also known as orthopedists, are highly trained medical professionals who are skilled in the proper care of the bones, articulations, muscles, ligaments, attache, and nerves within the body. They play an essential role in assisting patients maintain maximum musculoskeletal health in addition to mobility throughout their own lives. Orthopedic cosmetic surgeons undergo extensive coaching to become specialists in their discipline. After completing medical institution, they need to complete some sort of residency put in memory foam surgery, which usually lasts five yrs. Some orthopedic doctors choose to go after additional fellowship trained in a specific place of orthopedics, like as sports medication, joint replacement, or perhaps spine surgery. This specific advanced training permits orthopedic surgeons to produce expertise in their particular chosen subspecialty and even provide specialized health care to their sufferers.

One of the particular primary reasons sufferers seek orthopedic care is for mutual pain. Conditions like as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and sports accidental injuries might cause significant discomfort and disability inside the joints. Orthopedic surgeons are competent in diagnosing in addition to treating these circumstances using a selection of approaches, including medication managing, physical therapy, injections, and surgery if possible. Joint replacement surgical procedures, such as cool and knee substitutes, are typical procedures carried out by orthopedic surgeons to aid alleviate soreness and improve mutual function in individuals with severe arthritis. Besides joint pain, orthopedic surgeons take care of a wide range of musculoskeletal problems, including fractures, sprains, strains, tendonitis, schleimbeutelentzündung, carpal tunnel symptoms, and spinal disorders. They use advanced classification techniques, such while X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans, to be able to accurately diagnose these types of conditions and build individualized treatment plans for their people. Orthopedic surgeons job closely with various other healthcare professionals, many of these as physical experienced therapist, occupational therapists, and primary care doctors, to provide comprehensive look after their sufferers. Orthopedic care will be essential for keeping musculoskeletal into the flexibility throughout life. Simply by seeking treatment by an orthopedic specialist, patients can boost their quality of existence and prevent long term complications from musculoskeletal conditions. Orthopedic doctors are dedicated in order to providing compassionate attention and effective treatment options to help patients get back in order to their activities and restore function within their joints and muscles. Orthopedic surgeons also play a huge role in education in addition to research. Many orthopedists are involved throughout teaching medical college students, residents, and fellows about musculoskeletal disorders and surgical techniques. They also engage in research studies to advance area involving orthopedics and enhance patient outcomes. Simply by staying actively engaged in education and research, orthopedic physicians can continue to be able to enhance their expertise and skills to raised serve their people. Overall, orthopedics is really a critical specialty of which addresses a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions and helps patients maintain optimum function and range of motion. Orthopedic surgeons will be dedicated professionals that are dedicated to providing high-quality care and innovative treatments to improve the lives of their people. If https://twoj-ortopeda.pl/ needs surgery for the complex fracture or even physical therapy for any sports injury, memory foam specialists are outfitted to deliver personal care that stimulates healing and brings back function in typically the musculoskeletal system.

[poddar123]

Best Futuristic Careers after Graduating with Biology

Biology is a vast branch focusing on minute details and thus their proper study is essential for studying evolution of life, find cure of diseases and in understanding the life cycle of living creatures including plants and animals.  

As a general perception, Biology students get disappointed if they are not able to become a doctor. Here we would like to throw light on some other good career options in Biology after completing their graduation. 

Healthcare Services

There will always be a requirement for qualified paramedics in the healthcare industry. If one has inclination towards healthcare services then he/she can do Paramedical courses, which are career-oriented courses comprising training for services that assist doctors in making better diagnoses. Pathology, Physiotherapy, First Aid, X-ray, Radiography and other services are good career options. Nursing Staff, Physiotherapists, Radiologists and MRI Technicians are few careers, which are earning best in the paramedical area. 

Alternative Treatment Therapies

Due to increasing side effects and high costs of Allopathic treatment, nowadays people are preferring various alternative therapies for treating some diseases. Homeopathy, Acupuncture, Naturopathy, Herbal Medicine, Ayurveda, Yoga, and many others. The demand of such treatments are increasing day by day. 

Environmentalist 

Environmental Science is mainly a rapidly emerging branch of Science Biology where students can explore different means to protect the environment at risk with the reliable utility of resources. Hence, individuals can apply for the roles of Environmental Biologists, Environmental Scientists, Environmental Journalists and many more after B.Sc. These roles are prominent in textile industries, fertilizer plants, dying industries, etc. in India and abroad. 

Botanist

Botanist is a good career option for candidates who have an interest in plant life. They can be absorbed in research, plant analysis and protection of various species of plants. They can be well placed in various fields like Agriculture, Research Institutes, Pharmaceuticals Industry, Educational Institutes, etc. Some Botanists choose to teach future generations of scientists in secondary and post-secondary classrooms. Horticulturalist, Conservation Scientist and Plant Videographers are well paid. 

Biology Teacher

If you want to become a Biology teacher of in a Government School, you have to do B. Ed. course from any recognized institution like Poddar Group of Institutions, and further apply for teaching posts against the advertisement by the government and qualify the written examination and Interview. The package offered to Government teachers, especially in Rajasthan are highly rewarding and have attractive perks and draws many Biology graduates in this field. However, many top class private school teachers are also offered high packages.

Poddar Management and Training Institute offers B.Ed. (Biology) and the best feature of B. Sc. (Biology) course.  Besides, at Poddar International College, many major and minor, Faculty/Student Research Projects are being conducted, which are funded by Department of Science and Technology (DST) and University Grants Commission (UGC).

So students what more can you think of after Graduating in Biology? 

Disclaimer

 The author assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of this article. The information contained in this article is provided on an ‘as is’ basis with no guarantees of accuracy or relevance. Any similarity with any other published article may just be a coincidence.