weirdodorko

[clinfinite]

Clinical Development Solutions

In the rapidly evolving field of healthcare, clinical development plays a crucial role in bringing novel treatments and therapies to patients worldwide. Clinical Development Solutions (CDS) is at the forefront of this exciting journey, pioneering innovative approaches to accelerate the development and approval of life-saving drugs and medical devices. With a dedicated team of experts and cutting-edge technologies, CDS is committed to transforming the landscape of clinical research and improving patient outcomes.

At CDS, we understand the challenges and complexities of clinical development. Our comprehensive suite of solutions is designed to address these challenges head-on, providing tailored strategies and support throughout the entire drug development lifecycle. From early-phase clinical trials to post-marketing studies, we offer a wide range of services that enable pharmaceutical and biotech companies to navigate the regulatory landscape efficiently and effectively.

One of the key strengths of CDS lies in our expertise in clinical trial design and optimization. We work closely with our clients to design robust and scientifically rigorous trials that generate high-quality data while minimizing risks. By leveraging our extensive knowledge and experience, we can identify the most appropriate patient populations, endpoints, and study designs to maximize the chances of success. Our statistical and data management teams ensure that the collected data is accurate, reliable, and compliant with regulatory requirements.

In addition to trial design, CDS also excels in patient recruitment and retention strategies. We understand the importance of enrolling a diverse and representative patient population to ensure the generalizability of study results. Through our innovative patient-centric approaches, such as digital recruitment platforms and targeted engagement campaigns, we connect with potential study participants and enhance their overall trial experience. By fostering strong relationships with patients and investigators, we improve retention rates and reduce dropout rates, ultimately leading to faster and more reliable study results.

CDS is at the forefront of adopting emerging technologies to drive efficiency and innovation in clinical development. We harness the power of big data analytics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to uncover valuable insights from complex datasets. These advanced analytics enable us to identify trends, predict outcomes, and optimize trial protocols, thus accelerating the development timeline and reducing costs. Our investment in digital health technologies and wearable devices further enhances data collection and remote monitoring capabilities, enabling more flexible and patient-friendly trial designs.

In the realm of regulatory affairs, CDS provides comprehensive support to ensure compliance with global regulations and standards. Our regulatory experts have in-depth knowledge of regional requirements, including those of the FDA, EMA, and other regulatory authorities worldwide. From preparing regulatory submissions to managing post-marketing safety surveillance, we guide our clients through every step of the regulatory process, ensuring timely approvals and post-approval compliance.

CDS is also committed to fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing within the clinical research community. We organize scientific symposia, webinars, and training programs to facilitate the exchange of ideas and best practices. By promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and staying up to date with the latest industry advancements, we continuously enhance our capabilities and stay at the forefront of clinical development.

In conclusion, Clinical Development Solutions is a leading provider of innovative solutions in clinical development. Through our expertise, technology-driven approaches, and commitment to patient-centricity, we strive to transform the drug development landscape and improve patient outcomes. By partnering with CDS, pharmaceutical and biotech companies can navigate the complexities of clinical research with confidence, bringing new therapies to patients faster and more efficiently. Together, let us shape the future of healthcare through innovation and collaboration.

[nupalcdc]

Looking for a dedicated speech therapy specialist? Our expert team helps children and adults improve communication skills through personalized, effective therapy sessions. Unlock clearer, more confident communication today!

Book your appointment today! https://tinyurl.com/3fcwumbf

🤙Call us at +91 9910388103

[growchildrenclinic]

Must-Know Tips for Mommies-to-Be: Preparing for Your Baby's Arrival

Motherhood is an exciting journey, which can also be overwhelming. As you prepare for your new little bundle of joy, some simple steps can prepare you to have a relatively smooth transition into motherhood. Here are two valuable tips for all mommies-to-be:

1. Positive Mindset

Pregnancy is the time of constant changes, and it can easily fill one's head with an abundance of responsibilities that await. The practice of the positive mindset really makes all the difference to the entire experience. You see, motherhood has lots of happiness, and reminding oneself that it is all right to feel a mix of emotions will help you feel more centered and better-looking. Taking time to relax or practice mindfulness, or even a daily affirmation, can help to calm down your mind and thoughts, which will make both of you better. The main idea is to embrace every moment while remembering that you are strong and capable. Good thoughts can decrease the stress that comes upon you and your baby.

2. Know the pediatrician you want for your baby

Choosing the best pediatrician is one of the most important decisions that you make for your baby. Therefore, in a way, knowing and identifying the pediatrician you'd want to take your baby to before birth helps. Look for a doctor who is accessible, reputed, good and fits your parenting style. Schedule an appointment to discuss questions you may have about their care of newborns and emergency protocol while asking any questions you may have. You can feel more confident as a new mom knowing your baby is being cared for well.

These easy-to-implement tips can make the way to motherhood smooth and set you on your way to a rewarding and joyful experience.

[drashwinikarale]

Boosting Your Child's Immunity: Tips for a Healthy Start

A child’s immunity plays a crucial role in their overall well-being, enabling them to fend off infections and grow healthy and strong. As a parent, ensuring your child has a robust immune system can set the foundation for lifelong health. At Dr Ashwini Karale's Kids Clinic, a trusted children's clinic in Baner, we aim to help parents understand the key factors contributing to boosting immunity, starting from early childhood. Here are some vital tips that can help strengthen your child’s immune system for a healthy start in life.

Breastfeeding for Natural Immunity

Breast milk is often referred to as the "first vaccine" because it contains antibodies that protect infants from infections. Colostrum, the initial milk produced by the mother, is packed with immunoglobulins that help build a newborn's immune system. Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life is highly recommended by pediatricians, including Dr. Ashwini Karale, to provide a strong foundation for your baby’s health.

Balanced Nutrition for Immune Support

Nutrition plays a pivotal role in boosting immunity. A diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants helps your child's body develop a defense system that can fight off infections. Focus on providing a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Vitamin C-rich foods like oranges, strawberries, and broccoli, along with zinc-rich foods like nuts and seeds, are known to boost immune function.

If you're unsure about whether your child is receiving adequate nutrition, consider scheduling a child development assessment in Baner with Dr. Karale. Her clinic provides comprehensive health check-ups to ensure your child’s nutritional and developmental needs are being met.

Regular Physical Activity

Physical activity is vital for building a strong immune system. Exercise helps promote healthy circulation, allowing immune cells to move freely through the body and perform their protective functions. Encourage your children to engage in at least one hour of active play every day, whether it’s outdoor sports, cycling, or simply running around the park.

At Dr. Ashwini Karale's Children Clinic in Baner, we often advise parents on the importance of balancing screen time with physical play to ensure children develop not just physically, but mentally and emotionally too.

Adequate Sleep

Sleep is a powerful ally when it comes to boosting immunity. During sleep, the body produces cytokines—proteins that help fight infections and inflammation. A lack of sleep can impair the production of these vital proteins, making your child more susceptible to illnesses. Ensuring your child gets the recommended amount of sleep (10-14 hours, depending on their age) will keep their immune system in top shape.

If you notice behavioral issues or problems with concentration due to poor sleep, a visit to Dr. Karale’s clinic can help identify any underlying health concerns and guide you on improving your child’s sleep patterns.

Vaccinations: A Critical Tool

Vaccinations are one of the most effective ways to strengthen your child’s immune system. Vaccines work by preparing the immune system to recognize and fight specific pathogens, reducing the risk of potentially serious infections. At Dr. Ashwini Karale's Kids Clinic, we follow a comprehensive immunization schedule that ensures your child is protected against common diseases.

Parents can discuss their child’s vaccination needs and understand the importance of timely immunizations during a child development assessment.

Minimizing Stress and Encouraging Emotional Well-being

Children are sensitive to stress, and emotional well-being is often overlooked when considering physical health. Chronic stress can weaken the immune system, making children more vulnerable to illnesses. Encouraging open communication, providing a stable and loving environment, and teaching children relaxation techniques can go a long way in reducing stress levels.

Dr. Karale’s clinic also focuses on holistic approaches to child health, offering guidance on both physical and emotional development to ensure a well-rounded approach to your child’s care.

Conclusion

Boosting your child's immunity is essential for giving them a healthy start in life. By focusing on breastfeeding, proper nutrition, regular exercise, sufficient sleep, timely vaccinations, and emotional well-being, you can equip your child with the tools they need to grow strong and healthy. For personalized guidance, you can visit Dr. Ashwini Karale's Children Clinic in Baner, where comprehensive services like child development assessments in Baner are available to ensure your child’s developmental milestones are met, and their health is on track.

Give your child the best start with expert care and support. Schedule a visit today!

[spreejobs]

Speech Language Therapist Job Vacancies in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Speech Language Therapist Job Vacancies in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Speech Language Therapist Job Vacancies in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates JOB DESCRIPTION To be professionally and legally responsible and accountable for all aspects of own work and to ensure a high standard of clinical care for patients under one’s care and support other team members to do likewise. To maintain and update professional knowledge and skills to screen, assess and treat…

[woundcareunited]

Best Wound Care specialist in united states | WoundCare United

Collaborating with Wound Care United allows physicians to enhance their wound care capabilities,Wound Clinic Management, Wound Care Program Development provide optimal treatment to patients, and achieve improved healthcare outcomes. Whether you are looking to start a new outpatient Wound Treatment Program or transition management of your existing program, we can help you design a cost-effective, evidence-based, and quality-driven Wound Treatment Program!

[bestfemaledoctorinbhubaneswar]

Best Female Doctor in Bhubaneswar - Laser Hair Removal Doctor by ashuskincare.com

Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that originate in the uterus (womb). It is not known exactly why women develop uterine fibroids. Most women with uterine fibroids have no symptoms. However, fibroids can cause a number of symptoms depending on their size, location within the uterus, and how close they are to adjacent pelvic organs. These are most commonly abnormal bleeding, pain and pressure. We understand that women across different age groups have different health complications. At Ashuskincare, a lot of emphasis is laid on providing top notch gynaecological treatment.

The Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology across all units aim to provide the most comprehensive women’s healthcare services.

Highly trained technicians, latest technology & equipment, and some of the best gynecologists' in Bhubaneswar ensure that complex clinical situations are dealt with ease and expertise. Our obstetrics department promises the best pregnancy care – starting from pre-conception to the post-natal period.

Ashuskincare

is one of the most advanced centers for obstetrics and genecology in Eastern India, Providing the full spectrum of women’s healthcare services, making it the best maternity hospital in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

Visit More - https://www.ashuskincare.com/

Contact Info

ASHU SKIN CARE , Plot No-202, Near IDBI Bank, Biju Pattnaik College Rd, Jayadev Vihar, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 082700 55000 ashuskincare@gmail.com +91 90900 94000 +91 8270055000

[noirandchocolate]

RICE Alzheimer's Research Institute

Terry died on 12 March 2015, having given his PCA a run for its money.  Open about his diagnosis, he has helped to unlock the secrecy and stigma that often surrounds dementia.  His legion of fans is undoubtedly grateful that despite the inevitable progression of the PCA he was able to fight his ‘embuggerance’ and continue to produce a number of both well-received and well-reviewed books.  Terry was also a great example to me in emphasizing how important it is that, in caring for people with any type of dementia, we always look for what people with a condition like PCA can still do, rather than what they can’t: by maximizing what is possible, a person can still live well with dementia for a significant time.

–Professor Roy Jones, Director of RICE (taken from “Terry Pratchett: His World”)

I wanted to post something for the Glorious 25th about the Research Institute for the Care of Older People (RICE) in Bath, where Sir Terry Pratchett received treatment for Post-Cortical Atrophy, the type of Alzheimer’s disease that eventually took his life. From the organization’s website:

RICE established one of the first memory clinic services in the UK in 1987 – a service which has since been widely replicated and is now considered standard and best practice by the NHS. In fact, RICE now runs the NHS Memory Clinic in Bath and North East Somerset on behalf of the local clinical commissioning group and local authority through a sub-contract with HCRG Care Group. To date, we’ve assessed, diagnosed, treated and advised 12,000 people with memory problems and their families in our memory clinic. 

Most of RICE’s clinical services and research activities take place in our own purpose built, specialist centre located on the Royal United Hospital site. The building of the RICE Centre was possible as a result of generous donations from major donors, trusts and foundations, and members of the public. RICE moved into the ground and first floor of the centre in 2008. Following the success of the DementiaPlus Appeal and further generous donations from major donors, trusts and foundations and members of the public, RICE converted the attic floor in 2019 to create more office space. This has given us access to much needed additional rooms and offices which will enable us to grow and run more services and activities. We’ve worked hard to ensure that the areas of the centre visited by our patients meets their needs and we regularly receive feedback on how much our patients enjoy their visit to our centre.

RICE not only provides clinical services to patients, but also conducts research into aging and dementia, including performing clinical trials for new drug treatments for memory-related diseases and developing other “techniques for diagnosing, managing, treating and understanding dementia and memory changes in older adults.”

Lady Lyn Pratchett is the patron of the organization, and the website includes a page about how people can donate funds or volunteer at the clinic and participate in fundraising events.

SO, if you’d like to help fund Alzheimer’s research on this Glorious 25th of May–or at any time–in honor of the Man in the Hat, take a look!

[alismak]

LSKLİNİK - PLATİN

Istanbul is one of the largest and most popular cities in Turkey and has a very important position in terms of medical tourism. Especially in recent years, hair transplantation, implants, eye laser surgeries and plastic surgery operations performed in Istanbul have become very popular. Many people who want to have these procedures done prefer Istanbul to receive quality service and to visit the city and have a fun holiday. In this blog post, we will give detailed information about hair transplantation, implants, eye laser surgeries and plastic surgery operations performed in Istanbul.

Hair Transplant Istanbul

Istanbul, which is one of the first cities that come to mind when Hair transplant istanbul is mentioned, is also a very important center in terms of hair transplantation. Istanbul, which provides services with clinics with high standards and experienced doctors for hair transplantation operations, is preferred by many people. Especially expert organizations such as LS Clinic perform hair transplantation operations successfully with their state-of-the-art equipment and professional team.

Hair transplantation has become very common with the advancement of technology and the development of surgical techniques. Thanks to modern methods, it has become possible to obtain natural and permanent results. Hair transplantation clinics in Istanbul offer aesthetic and natural-looking hair to their patients thanks to these advanced techniques.

In addition to hair transplantation operations in Istanbul, quality services are also offered in areas such as eye laser surgery, implant and plastic surgery. In this way, it is possible for patients to find solutions to their different aesthetic needs from a single center.

Implant Istanbul

When it comes to implant istanbul, the first thing that comes to mind is dental treatments. With the developing technology and the advancement of the medical world, implant applications have become quite common. Istanbul serves as a city that has proven itself in this field. At LS Clinic, high quality implant applications are performed under the supervision of specialist physicians.

Implants are also very important in terms of dental aesthetics in the Istanbul region. Professional service is offered in a sterile environment for those who want to have a more aesthetic appearance with smile design. Defects in your teeth can be fixed permanently with implant applications.

Additionally, you can get detailed information about dental implants and get support from specialist physicians by making an appointment at https://lsklinik.com/. Having a healthy and aesthetic smile is now much easier and more accessible.

Eye Laser Surgery Istanbul

Laser eye surgeries have become very popular in recent years with the development of technology. In a big city like Istanbul, there are many options for those who want to have eye laser surgery. However, if you want to receive quality and reliable service, it is important to choose a specialist center like LS Clinic.

Eye laser surgery istanbul is an operation performed to correct eye defects, and LS Clinic has extensive experience in this field with its expert staff. LS Clinic, one of the best eye laser surgery centers in Istanbul, prioritizes your eye health with its innovative technologies and expert physicians.

If you want to get rid of your eye defects and have a clearer vision, you can benefit from LS Clinic's eye laser surgery Istanbul services. LS Clinic, which cares about your eye health in a quality and reliable way, offers you the best service with its modern techniques and expert staff. For more information and appointments, you can visit the LS Clinic website.

Plastic Surgery Istanbul

LS Clinic serves as a clinic specialized in plastic surgery in Istanbul. It offers the highest quality service to its patients with its expert staff and state-of-the-art equipment in plastic surgeries.

Plastic surgery istanbul is a great option to improve your appearance and feel better. LS Clinic offers various plastic surgery procedures such as breast aesthetics, rhinoplasty, liposuction and face lift.

If you want to leave your plastic surgeries in reliable hands, you can choose LS Clinic. It provides the best results to its patients by using the latest technology. You can visit the LS Clinic website for detailed information.

[clinfinite]

Bio-Specimen and Bio-Repository Solutions: Advancing Healthcare Research In the realm of healthcare and biomedical research, the collection, storage, and management of biological specimens are paramount. These specimens, often referred to as bio-specimens, include various biological materials such as tissues, blood, urine, and genetic samples. Bio-specimens hold the key to unraveling the mysteries of diseases, understanding genetic predispositions, and advancing medical treatments. To facilitate these endeavors, bio-repository solutions have emerged as vital components of the healthcare ecosystem. What are Bio-Specimen and Bio-Repository Solutions? Bio-specimen solutions encompass the entire process of collecting, preserving, and cataloging biological materials from humans, animals, or even plants. These materials serve as the foundation for research, diagnostics, and therapeutic development. Bio-repository solutions, on the other hand, are the infrastructure and systems designed to store, track, and distribute these bio-specimens efficiently. They form a bridge between researchers and the valuable resources required for their work. The Importance of Bio-Specimens and Bio-Repositories Medical Research Advancements: Bio-specimens are invaluable for understanding the underlying mechanisms of diseases and discovering potential treatments. Researchers can analyze these specimens to identify biomarkers, study genetic mutations, and explore the effects of various factors on human health. Bio-repository solutions ensure that these specimens remain readily available for future research endeavors.

[nupalcdc]

Unlock your child's full potential with personalized care at our Early Intervention Clinic. Expert therapists provide tailored programs for developmental challenges, ensuring the best start for your little one's growth and well-being.

Book your appointment today! https://nupalcdc.com/

🤙Call us at +91 9910388103

[star-anise]

are we talking about broke therapists yet?

I've been out of things for a couple of years now, which is why I'm willing to talk about it, and maybe the pandemic has helped things a little, but holy shit the counselling and psychotherapy field is not equipped to help its practitioners in the gig economy.

Of all my interests and talents, I pursued a degree in psychology because being a therapist is supposed to be a safe, stable, well-paid job. Every therapist I met who was registered before 2008 worked and lived under that assumption. And oh boy are all the fee structures--registration, supervision, continuing education, conferences--set up for that scenario.

After getting my Master's, I struggled like hell to get a job. It was especially bad because to get my license, I needed a supervisor to take me on. To take me on, most supervisors wanted me to already have a caseload and client base. To get a caseload and client base, I needed a job.

Friends: Every single job I heard back on wanted me to have my license before I could even land an interview.

Professors and career advisors and professional development specialists all advised me very earnestly to just keep cold-calling people on the supervision list, and it began to feel a lot like my parents' friends telling me to hit the bricks and hand out resumes. That's what worked for them, right?

I finally got a supervisor who agreed to take me on, and I'd be able to use her clinic for advertising and workspace, and we were doing the paperwork to send in with my registration, when she called me up and said, "Is this job going to be your only source of income? If you're trying to depend on getting clients and building your practice for your basic needs, this is not going to work out. This has to be something you're doing on top of a basic salary. Okay, so you're not working anywhere else right now? I'm sorry, I can't move forward with this."

Even once I landed a supervisor and a job building my own private practice, I struggled. I have ADHD and am not great at self-promotion, so trying to do all my own advertising, scheduling, bookkeeping, billing, and records management (on top of counselling) was an enormous strain. One my bosses, supervisors, and other senior professionals watched with a slightly critical eye, but consoled me about because in their early days, their clinics had had business managers, receptionists, filing clerks, and accountants, and getting used to doing everything online yourself was a bit of a learning curve, wasn't it?

I counted my pennies very carefully, because I had to pay my supervisor roughly $180 for their services every 6 hours of in-person counselling I did. This meant that to break even I had to charge my clients an average of about $30 (plus room rental and service fees) an hour--and my clients, being people with complex trauma, were frequently poor, disabled, unemployed, and had no health benefits, so even $10 or $20 a session was a lot for them.

Maybe it would have been easier if I could have taken some of those nice comfortable organization positions where they find clients and funding for you and you work 40 hours a week and get benefits and a pension, but I had to be disabled into the bargain, so working 40 hours a week just isn't possible for me. I start passing out from stress and exhaustion. Older colleagues gave me serious-faced advice about approaching my employer and asking them for some flexibility and accommodation in my schedule, and I tried to explain across the gap between us that employers simply did not hire me if I made the slightest noise about the workload. They weren't going to invest in me as a person; they were hiring 40 units of work a week, and if I wouldn't do it there were a dozen applicants after me who would.

At one point I broke down enough to email my licensing body because the Annual General Meeting/Professional Development Conference was coming up, and I wanted to attend, but I could not produce $500 to do it with. Was there some kind of way I could attend anyway? I felt ashamed to have to ask, and then absolutely mortified when the response came from the organization president, who needed to personally sign off on me being too poor to attend the single most important event in my profession's calendar year.

I honestly felt so ashamed all the time at how I was apparently failing to be a successful therapist, failing to be rich and successful, and every time I mentioned it around mentors and bosses, I could feel myself shrinking from a person to a problem to be solved. My closest therapist-friends and I have reflected on how much more difficult, poorly-paid and underworked, our various career starts have been than we were ever warned about. About the classmates and coworkers who couldn't get disability exceptions when they fell behind in their registration requirements, or burned out and left the field, or dropped their registrations and took up as life coaches, or moved their whole family somewhere exceptionally remote or rural because it was the only good job available, or worked for some godforsaken app skirting the bounds of malpractice like BetterHelp.

I like those conversations, because I feel less like an absolute fuck-up in them. There's less "Hey Lis, you were so talented in grad school, I really admired you, what are you doing now?" "Oh, I, uh... am professionally disabled, so I get government benefits, and I... sell embroidery patterns on Etsy now."

My own therapist kept asking if and when I felt like going back to being a counsellor, and I finally told him: I don't, actually. I don't want to go back and do it like I was doing it before. It was a profession I loved to the depths of my soul, and it profoundly did not love me back. I can't even imagine what would have to change, in me or it, to make it have a space in it that could fit me.

All of which I was way too scared to admit to at the time, because the more I let people know I was struggling, the more they hinted that maybe I just wasn't in a place in my life where this was a job I could do, and I needed to take a little break and wait to come back until money and disability just weren't issues for me anymore.

Eventually my cups of doubt and exhaustion did overflow, and I quit. I'm here now, living a much different life. And at the very least, all my years of helping people in bad life situations set me up perfectly for my own. I already knew what form to fill out for financial assistance, which student clinics to access for mental health support, and which government agency would, if pressed, cough out pharmacy coverage for the genuinely destitute. It gave me that much.

I hope this is just me being in extraordinary circumstances, sitting at the intersections of a few different shitty life situations that most people skip right past. Because it's on one level comforting, but another deeply infuriating, if I'm not, and I've just missed it or we've just all been too afraid to admit it to each other.

[certifiedsexed]

You know what genital condition hurts worse than anything else I've ever experienced, and I'd never encountered at all before I developed one?

A Bartholin abscess. I feel like it's important for people to know about them; they're painful, debilitating, misunderstood, and often dismissed by non-specialist doctors as 'going away by themselves'. The gynecologist I saw with my most recent one said she treats 20+ of them a week, but nobody talks about them. There certainly weren't any clinic posters talking about them. Plenty about STIs and pap smears, but no Bartholin awareness.

I would encourage anyone who's factory plumbing came with a vagina, or who cares about someone with that plumbing, to put Safesearch or the search engine equivalent on (because the images that pop up are the worst case scenario, and also NSFW if you're at school/in the office) and look into Bartholin cysts and the abscesses that come from them. The wiki page is a good starting point.

If you notice a lump near the opening of your vagina, get medical help. Don't wait and see if it goes away. My first one I was so depressed that I just pretended it wasn't there, and it went from the size of a grain of rice to the size of a peach in under a week. Imagine something the size of a peach under the skin of your inner labia.

These abscesses do eventually rupture and drain, which stops them hurting somewhat though they still have to heal, but until then the sheer size and painfulness impedes walking, sitting, using the toilet, cleaning after using the toilet, and just about everything else. The pain I had was extraordinary and entirely debilitating, I can't understate that. It's an area with a lot of nerve endings and very good blood flow, you know?

The second one I had I started treatment with Flucloxacillin on day two and it didn't get anywhere near as big or as painful. It still hurt a little, got to about the size of a grape, and still popped after about ten days, but I was able to continue working and mostly get along as normal.

I've been told that once you've had one they're likely to come back unless you get medical intervention so it really is key to not ignore them.

Sorry to be hijacking, I know this isn't entirely about sex ed as such, but like... I went to a school in a liberal area with fairly comprehensive sex ed which included frank and open discussions around health and diseases, and I've been around on the internet for a decade since as well, and had never heard of these until I developed one. I'm still recovering from the most recent episode, and really do not want anyone else to sprout one of these and have no idea what's happening or be dismissed by a doctor and not have the knowledge to advocate for themselves.

I don't think this is hijacking at all. I think this' great information to share, thank you! [This is an article about Bartholin cysts/abscesses, for anyone interested.]

[thempregsimmer]

Matyáš will be one of the first patients of the newly opened paternity hospital in Katowice.

However, he is the first foreigner to be under the hospital’s care.

From his beautiful apartment with panoramic windows in Ostrava, Matyáš will soon hop on a train for his first visit at 26 weeks pregnant.

His pregnancy has been discovered at 14 weeks by his Czech GP. He recommended Matyáš to find a prenatal specialist, the choice became obvious as he discovered the newly opened hospital just a short train ride away in neighbouring Poland.

Matyáš is developing all according to the doctor’s predictions. He has put on minimal weight so far during the pregnancy, and is determined not to get stretch marks throughout the whole 10 months (well, almost, as his due date is set to be at 39 weeks).

He managed to prepare his skin for the baby’s rapid growth in the next weeks with some cosmetic procedures. He also keeps his belly skin very well nourished, the scene you see right now repeats itself three times a day!

Matyáš is 25 years old and freshly graduated university with a masters degree in psychology. He wishes to open his own practice focused on couples therapy for queer people.

This virtuous plan came to his head soon after a major fight with his now fiancé, Jakub. When they met each other, their perspective on same sex relationships was totally different - they both were clubbers, heavy drinkers and hookups were their daily bread. They saw each other as toys, a way to satisfy each other’s desires.

Matyáš then realised that deep inside, he always wanted to start a family. However, the archetype of a gay man we were fed by the media did not include happy relationships based on love and trust - we were not taught to believe in a happy ever after.

When he discovered he was pregnant, this was a massive shock – both for him, and Jakub, who is the father of his son. They had a massive fight, resulting in Jakub disappearing for two weeks after the news, and Matyáš had a really hard time navigating the potential scenario of single fatherhood.

However, Jakub knew when the first ultrasound appointment will take place, and waited for Matyáš outside the clinic. Turns out Jakub wanted the same thing. He wanted a family. He wanted to live the dream they weren’t supposed to dream. Years of heartbreak and hearing about the way he was “supposed to” live took their toll, and he bottled his dreams deep inside. Matyáš has awaken the true Jakub – caring, emotionally vulnerable guy who wants to be a provider for his growing family.

[swampgallows]

Now we know how COVID attacks your heart

Even patients with mild COVID symptoms could face a higher risk of developing heart disease and stroke

By Sanjay Mishra Nov 07, 2023 04:08 PM 5 min. read

Scientists have noticed that COVID-19 can trigger serious cardiovascular problems, especially among older people who have a buildup of fatty material in their blood vessels. But now a new study has revealed why and shown that SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, directly infects the arteries of the heart.

The study also found that the virus can survive and grow inside the cells that form plaque—the buildup of fat-filled cells that narrow and stiffen the arteries leading to atherosclerosis. If the plaque breaks, it can block blood flow and cause a heart attack or a stroke. The SARS-CoV-2 infection makes the situation worse by inflaming the plaque and increasing the chance that it breaks free.

This can explain long-term cardiovascular effects seen in some, if not all, COVID-19 patients.

SARS-CoV-2 virus has already been found to infect many organs outside the respiratory system. But until now it hadn't been shown to attack the arteries.

"No one was really looking if there was a direct effect of the virus on the arterial wall," says Chiara Giannarelli, a cardiologist at NYU Langone Health, in New York, who led the study. Giannarelli noted that her team detected viral RNA—the genetic material in the virus—in the coronary arteries. “You would not expect to see [this] several months after recovering from COVID.”

Mounting evidence now shows that SARS-CoV-2 is not only a respiratory virus, but it can also affect the heart and many other organ systems, says Ziyad Al-Aly, a clinical epidemiologist at Washington University in St. Louis. Al-Aly's research has shown that the risk of developing heart and cardiovascular diseases, including heart failure, stroke, irregular heart rhythms, cardiac arrest, and blood clots increases two to five times within a year of COVID-19, even when the person wasn't hospitalized.

"This important study links, for the first time, directly the SARS-CoV-2 virus with atherosclerotic plaque inflammation," says Charalambos Antoniades, chair of cardiovascular medicine at the University of Oxford, United Kingdom.

Virus triggers the inflammation in plaque

A recent study of more than 800,000 people led by Fabio Angeli, a cardiologist at University of Insubria in Varese, Italy, has shown that COVID-19 patients develop high blood pressure twice as often as others. More worrying is that the risk of cardiac diseases can also rise for patients who suffered only mild COVID symptoms.

"I saw a patient who now has a defibrillator, and she didn't even have a severe [COVID] illness," says Bernard Gersh, a cardiologist at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.

Wondering whether the cardiovascular damage during COVID was due to the virus directly attacking the blood vessels, the NYU team analyzed autopsied tissue from the coronary arteries and plaque of older people who had died from COVID-19. They found the virus was present in the arteries regardless of whether the fatty plaques were big or small.

"The original finding in this study is that the virus was convincingly found in the plaque in the coronary artery," says Juan Carlos Kaski, a cardiovascular specialist at St George's, University of London, who was not involved in the study.

The NYU team found that in the arteries, the virus predominantly colonized the white blood cells called macrophages. Macrophages are immune cells that are mobilized to fight off an infection, but these same cells also absorb excess fats—including cholesterol from blood. When microphages load too much fat, they change into foam cells, which can increase plaque formation.

To confirm that the virus was indeed infecting and growing in the cells of the blood vessels, scientists obtained arterial and plaque cells—including macrophages and foam cells—from healthy volunteers. Then they grew these cells in the lab in petri dishes and infected them with SARS-CoV-2.

Giannarelli found that although virus infected macrophages at a higher rate than other arterial cells, it did not replicate in them to form new infectious particles. But when the macrophages had become loaded with cholesterol and transformed into foam cells, the virus could grow, replicate, and survive longer.

"We found that the virus tended to persist longer in foam cells," says Giannarelli. That suggests that foam cells might act as a reservoir of SARS-CoV-2. Since more fatty buildup would mean a greater number of foam cells, plaque can increase the persistence of the virus or the severity of COVID-19.

Scientists found that when macrophages and foam cells were infected with SARS-CoV-2 they released a surge of small proteins known as cytokines, which signal the immune system to mount a response against a bacterial or viral infection. In arteries, however, cytokines boost inflammation and formation of even more plaque.

"We saw that there was a degree of inflammation [caused] by the virus that could aggravate atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events," says Giannarelli.

These findings also confirm previous reports that measuring inflammation in the blood vessel wall can diagnose the extent of long-term cardiovascular complications after COVID-19, says Antoniades.

"What this study has found is that plaque rupture can be accelerated and magnified by the presence of the virus," says Kaski.

Understanding heart diseases after COVID

While this new research clearly shows that SARS-CoV-2 can infect, grow, and persist in the macrophages of plaques and arterial cells, more studies are needed to fully understand the many ways COVID-19 can alter cardiac health.

"The NYU study identifies one potential mechanism, especially the viral reservoir, to explain the possible effects" says Gersh. "But It's not going to be the only mechanism."

This study only analyzed 27 samples from eight elderly deceased patients, all of whom already had coronary artery disease and were infected with the original strains of virus. So, the results of this study do not necessarily apply to younger people without coronary artery disease; or to new variants of the virus, which cause somewhat milder disease, says Angeli.

"We do not know if this will happen in people who have been vaccinated," says Kaski. "There are lots of unknowns."

It is also not clear whether and to what extent the high inflammatory reaction observed in the arteries of patients within six months after the infection, as shown in the new study, will last long-enough to trigger new plaque formation. "New studies are needed to show the time-course of the resolution of vascular inflammation after the infection," says Antoniades.

COVID patients should watch for any new incidence of shortness of breath with exertion, chest discomfort, usually with exertion, palpitations, loss of consciousness; and talk to their physician about possible heart disease.

[sysmedsaresexist]

I do not mean to sound stupid, but I read your post "dissociation is not solely trauma-based", and I was wondering if you knew of any sources or books about it? I think I don't fully understand what dissociation is. For exemple, no matter how I look at it, I don't understand how meditation could be considered like anything close to dissociation, simply because it's also used as a grounding technique.

I'm combining two asks here, because I'm going to cover both in one go :) you don't sound stupid.

You've got to start with the understanding that dissociation is a continuum from normal (aka nonpathological) to "abnormal" (I hate that word, but aka pathological). I finally dropped the wild existence of Dr Jamie Marich, clinical trauma specialist and a pro endo, CDD system, who wrote Dissociation Made Simple. Let me quote because the book is actually good.

Yes, dissociation is so hard to understand that she wrote an entire book about the concept.

"The English word dissociation comes from the Latin root dissociātiō, meaning “to sever” or “to separate.” At this point when lecturing, I usually ask my students: What are we severing or separating from when we dissociate? You may take a moment, before reading on, to ask this question of yourself. Try not to think on it too rationally. Listen to your gut-level response...

For the purposes of this opening chapter, let’s focus on the form of separation that every human being can likely relate to —severing or separating from the present moment—especially when the present moment becomes unpleasant, overwhelming, or otherwise painful."

Dissociation is a disconnect from something-- this can be memories, thoughts, emotions, or, in worst cases, reality. The present moment.

Not all meditation is dissociative, but most is. For example, emptiness meditation is about disconnecting from everything in the moment. You are literally fine-tuning your dissociative techniques. This is also true when you're using grounding meditation to disconnect from overwhelming emotions or thoughts to get back into the moment.

There are a variety of tasks that we either develop naturally or learn as a way to achieve some degree of separation (e.g., enough to stay somewhat present but still get some relief, or going further into totally cutting oneself off from in-the-moment presence). Dissociation of this nature is not all or nothing—it generally happens in degrees and can depend upon how much distress you feel in any given context. We can do this by daydreaming, drifting off, zoning out, zoning inward, disengaging eye contact with people, losing focus (especially when driving), or getting a little floaty in many other life circumstances. Some people frame this “floatiness” as similar to hypnotic trance and others feel it is quite distinct. We may even take deliberate steps to enhance the experience of separation. How often have you escaped into a book or a movie, into your phone or computer, or into some activity, because it makes the harshness of dealing with the present moment and the emotions it can elicit somewhat more bearable?

Let me be very clear, if you said yes to this question, this answer does not mean that there is anything wrong with you! All of these can be quite ordinary forms of dissociation that every human being is capable of experiencing.

A really, really good way to understand this concept is actually through maladaptive daydreaming (MADD), a highly addictive form of dissociation.

Indeed for many of us, substances or other behaviors that cause major surges of dopamine (e.g., spending, computer games, sexually acting out) can become the accelerant of dissociation...

Whenever we become accustomed to dissociating, especially as children growing up in complex trauma, our brain becomes bonded or some would even say addicted to that state of escape. Once chemical or other reinforcing behaviors are introduced to us, they can accelerate that already familiar experience and we become further bonded to that behavior.

Daydreaming itself is dissociative. Point blank. It is both the most normal kind of dissociation, and yet the most common maladaptive dissociation.

Daydreaming and journeying into my head’s imaginative scenarios is another series of behaviors that can have both adaptive and maladaptive qualities. As a kid, they kept me safe. As an adult, they are the source of so much of my creative power��yet if I engage them too long, too hard, or too much, I run the risk of getting lost and not being able to attend to what helping professionals might call my activities of daily living (e.g., eating properly, sleeping, taking good care of myself, getting to work, attending to loved ones appropriately and with good boundaries).

Let's cut away from the book really quickly to look at Eli Somer, the guy who came up with MADD.

Maladaptive daydreaming is a dissociative disorder: Supporting evidence and theory.

The only real thing I want to quote is:

Although trauma may be one causal factor, we indicate several other etiological pathways to the development of MD. We discuss associations with related concepts and suggest directions for future research.

And

MD is strongly related to dissociation and seems to rely on an innate tendency for absorptive and imaginative fantasy. Through its rewarding properties, this form of immersive daydreaming becomes abnormal. MD may thus be viewed as a disordered form of dissociative absorption.

While Somer talks about how it can be a behavioral addiction in that paper, I find this is a more succinct description.

Maladaptive Daydreaming: Epidemiological Data on a Newly Identified Syndrome

Maladaptive Daydreaming (MD) is a proposed mental disorder characterized by excessive, compulsive immersion in vivid and complex fantastical daydreamed plots, generating intense emotional involvement, often accompanied by stereotypical movements. This addictive absorption in daydreaming becomes maladaptive as it consumes many hours a day, generates shame or guilt, hinders achievement of short- and long-term goals or tasks, and overall causes clinically significant distress and/or interferes with functioning in social or occupational realms. Maladaptive Daydreamers (MDers) report a strong urge to daydream whenever they can and annoyance whenever they cannot, and, repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back, or stop daydreaming, like other behavioral addictions.

And that's the best way to look at DID and other maladaptive, pathological forms of dissociation. It's a behavioral addiction, an escape that we not only crave, but can no longer live without. Just like you can get addicted to working out and gambling, you can become addicted to severing ties with reality through pleasurable (and in some cases, necessary) forms of escape.

I don't know if this is going to make sense, but I've found looking at dissociation like an upside-down iceberg helps me.

At the top, the widest part, is everyone on the planet, and the basic, general concept of dissociation. Severing from the present moment, be it through your phone, book, daydreaming, meditation, zoning out.

As you go down, and it gets narrower, it becomes more important to put names to specific types and forms of dissociation, and fewer people struggle with these forms. In the middle is a confusing mix of seemingly normal and pathological dissociation. You have mediumship, authors with living characters, OCD (yup), ADHD (shocking, I know), MADD, DPDR, (C)PTSD, people on the edge of forming behavioral addictions.

At the bottom, the smallest point, only pathological dissociation, with a much smaller population experiencing it. DID, OSDD, severe and chronic DPDR, DA.

For people that struggle with dissociation... they fell down a hole and travelled all the way to the bottom of the iceberg. What was once a general, normal, human experience became a very specific problem. Over the years, as they travelled deeper, they used and developed a complex mix of various normal dissociative reactions until it eventually became a named, pathological experience.

I sincerely hope that this helps explain and answers both questions ):

Here's another really interesting paper (from none other than, DUNDUNDUN, Colin Ross).

Maladaptive Daydreaming, Dissociation, and the Dissociative Disorders