Given that my post about why you are not obligated to blog about Current Events (whatever they are at any given time) is going around again, I'd like to say the same thing from a slightly different angle and state what you ARE obligated to do.
You are still not obligated to blog about ANY specific subject, no matter how serious, no matter how urgent, no matter how grave. You never will be. The impact of social media on real world atrocities has the potential to be great, but it is cumulative. No one is going to die in a ditch somewhere, barely uttering the tragic final words, "if only...if only...tumblr users wormhentaiafficionado and mothmanbutthole...posted about how sad they are...then maybe things would be different..." - nor are policymakers going to change their minds because some tweet has 749,845 cumulative likes and retweets instead of 750,000. Make no mistake, if you have the energy to be sharing these kinds of things, it can be good to do! We live in a society, it's always good to help where you can, even if all you can do is show public support for people who are hurting - but if you can't do that, for any reason, you're not obligated to. Period. End of.
What are you obligated to do?
1. Give people the benefit of the doubt. Social media accounts are not most people's entire lives. Just because someone isn't blogging about whatever tragedy is occurring does not mean they don't care. Sometimes it does mean that, sure, and that sucks - but not only are you not going to change that by yelling at them, sometimes it means they care too much. Sometimes it means they're closer to it than you assumed and need a moment to think about something else, anything else. Sometimes it means it's not safe for them to be blogging about it, be it due to abusive family potentially finding out, being at risk of getting fired and quite possibly dying of poverty sooner rather than later, or even taking very illegal direct action that they do not want to be linked to on record in even the vaguest possible way. Sometimes it means dealing with it is their day job and they're on the internet after a long and exhausting day of trying to make things better. You don't know. You'll never know unless they decide to tell you. No one owes you that explanation. You are obligated to make peace with that fact.
2. Slow the fuck down.
Listen. When bad things happen, from natural disasters, to manmade horrors beyond our comprehension, it's only normal to get scared and desperate to do something, anything about it. That heightened emotional state is very vulnerable, and because of that, there will always be people out there looking to take advantage of the chaos for ulterior motives - and no matter how good your intentions, and in fact no matter how right you are in your values and at the core of your strategy, you will never be immune to garbage-in-garbage-out. Misinformation can be deadly, even in the hands of someone who means well. You need to pause long enough to sort out the garbage. You need to learn to fight the impulse to trust every single post that tells you that your share/comment/etc. is URGENT and WILL mean the difference between life and death for someone, somewhere. Do your fact checks. Scan for dogwhistles before you end up passing around a post that implies [insert group that is marginalized in most of the English-speaking world but has hegemonic power in some other part of the world and is committing some atrocity there] is coming after you next if you stay silent. Vet charity and advice links before you accidentally send scared, desperate, and vulnerable people to a scammer - or worse, hand them over to a honeypot operation or give them a recipe for poisonous "medicine".
Or, to put it another way, you are obligated to make an attempt to stay informed enough to avoid making things materially worse. You are not obligated to doomblog. In fact, doomblogging can be antithetical to your obligation to not make things worse. Choosing neutrality in times of great tragedy and injustice is bad, yes, but you should immediately be wary of anyone who says that simply not blogging about a subject - let alone not sharing a specific post - is inherently "choosing neutrality".
So remember: breathe. Be careful out there. Mourn for the people that whatever atrocity has this or my other post circulating has taken from us or will take from us, and do your best to be kind to the people who are still alive - and remember that kindness includes using social media responsibly.
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What is Accident and Trauma?
What is Accidents & Trauma can arise from numerous factors, including:
a) Human Error: Mistakes made by individuals, such as distracted driving, negligence, or lack of safety precautions, can lead to accidents.
b) Environmental Factors: Poor road conditions, hazardous work environments, or inadequate safety measures contribute to accidents.
c) Natural Disasters: Events like earthquakes, hurricanes, or floods can result in accidents and traumatic experiences.
It is essential to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to reduce the risk of accidents. What is Accident and Trauma?
2. Understanding Trauma
Trauma can occur after experiencing or witnessing a distressing event, such as a severe accident, physical or sexual assault, natural disasters, or the loss of a loved one. It affects individuals differently, and the severity of trauma can vary from mild to severe. Some common types of trauma include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), acute stress disorder (ASD), or adjustment disorders.
3. Physical and Psychological Effects
Accidents and trauma can have both physical and psychological effects on individuals. Physical effects may include injuries, pain, disability, or chronic health conditions. Psychological effects can manifest as anxiety, depression, flashbacks, nightmares, irritability, or difficulty concentrating. It's important to recognize and address these effects to promote healing and recovery.
4. Coping Strategies for Accidents and Trauma
a) Seeking Support: Reach out to friends, family, or support groups to share your experience and emotions. Sharing can help alleviate the burden and provide a sense of connection and understanding.
b) Self-Care: Engage in activities that promote relaxation and well-being, such as exercise, meditation, or pursuing hobbies. Take care of your physical health by maintaining a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and avoiding unhealthy coping mechanisms like substance abuse.
c) Professional Help: Consider seeking professional help from therapists, counselors, or psychologists who specialize in trauma. They can provide valuable guidance, therapy techniques, and coping strategies tailored to your specific needs.
d) Building Resilience: Focus on developing resilience by practicing positive thinking, setting realistic goals, and learning healthy coping mechanisms. This can strengthen your ability to handle future challenges.
5. Seeking Professional Help
If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of accidents or trauma, professional assistance can make a significant difference. Trained experts can offer personalized guidance, support, and evidence-based interventions to aid in the recovery process. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength and resilience.
6. Conclusion
Accidents and trauma can have a profound impact on individuals' lives, affecting
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Why Women’s Wellness: Understanding High Cholesterol and Heart Disease in Women
At Access Health Care Physicians, LLC, we prioritize women's wellness and recognize the unique health challenges they may face. In this article, we delve into the critical topic of high cholesterol and heart disease in women, shedding light on the importance of understanding these conditions to promote better heart health.
Introduction:
Heart disease is a leading cause of mortality among women worldwide. While it has long been associated with men, women also face significant risks related to heart health, particularly concerning high cholesterol levels. Understanding the connection between high cholesterol and heart disease is vital for empowering women to make informed decisions about their health.
The Impact of High Cholesterol on Heart Health:
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that our bodies need to build healthy cells. However, when cholesterol levels become elevated, it can lead to the accumulation of fatty deposits in the arteries, restricting blood flow to the heart. This condition, known as atherosclerosis, significantly increases the risk of heart disease and related complications.
Unique Risk Factors for Women:
Women may experience specific risk factors for high cholesterol and heart disease that differ from those of men. Some of these risk factors include:
Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations throughout a woman's life, such as during pregnancy, menopause, and the use of hormonal birth control, can impact cholesterol levels and heart health.
Smoking: Smoking is a prominent risk factor for heart disease in women. Female smokers face a higher risk of heart attacks and other cardiovascular issues.
Diabetes: Women with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing heart disease compared to men with diabetes.
Sedentary Lifestyle: Physical inactivity can lead to weight gain and unfavorable changes in cholesterol levels, contributing to heart disease risk.
Stress and Depression: Chronic stress and depression have been linked to higher cholesterol levels and an increased risk of heart disease in women.
Recognizing Symptoms in Women:
Women may experience different heart attack symptoms than men. While chest pain is a common symptom for both genders, women may also present with other signs, including:
Pain or discomfort in the neck, jaw, or upper back
Shortness of breath
Nausea or vomiting
Lightheadedness or fainting
Pain or discomfort in one or both arms
It is essential for women to be aware of these symptoms and seek immediate medical attention if they experience any of them.
Preventive Measures for Women's Heart Health:
Preventing heart disease begins with proactive lifestyle choices and regular health checkups. Here are some preventive measures that women can take to improve heart health:
Healthy Diet: Adopt a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Limit the intake of saturated and trans fats, as they can contribute to elevated cholesterol levels.
Regular Exercise: Engage in regular physical activity, such as walking, jogging, swimming, or cycling, for at least 150 minutes per week.
Manage Stress: Practice stress-reduction techniques, such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises, to promote emotional well-being.
Quit Smoking: If you smoke, seek support to quit smoking and improve your heart health significantly.
Regular Checkups: Schedule regular visits with healthcare providers for preventive screenings and cholesterol level assessments.
Conclusion:
Promoting women's wellness involves understanding the specific risks and challenges they may face concerning heart health. High cholesterol is a significant contributor to heart disease in women, but with early detection and lifestyle modifications, it can be effectively managed and even prevented.
At Access Health Care Physicians, LLC, we are committed to providing comprehensive care to women, empowering them to take charge of their health. Our team of healthcare providers offers personalized guidance and support to enhance heart health and overall well-being.
Educate yourself about heart disease and high cholesterol, make informed choices, and take proactive steps towards a healthier heart and a happier life.
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People say paramedics are too dramatic about the things they go to, that it's 'just part of the job' and 'you signed up for this' but in the past 6 months on an ambulance I have:
Been exposed to chlorine gas
Been threatened with knives at least once a week
Been in an ambulance crash
Been chased by a guy with a broken bottle
Half collapsed in a patient's house because I was exhausted and dehydrated
Been called racial slurs (I'm white)
Seen mangled bodies
Broken ribs trying to squeeze a heart back into life
Had someone tell me they were going to split my face in two
Am I the drama? I don't think I'm the drama
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