#When to seek medical help for breathlessness

[irondad-defensesquad]

EDIT: now on AO3!

WARNING: anxiety attack.

DO NOT SHIP PETER AND TONY. P/ROSHIP DNI.

--

“Mr. Stark,” Peter says, breathless. “Mr. Stark, I don’t- I don’t feel so good—”

“What’s wrong? Are you feeling sick?”

“I don’t know, it just- hurts!”

“Where?”

“I don’t know! It hurts so much!!”

“Shit, hold on, hold on,” Tony helps the boy walk until they reach Med Bay. “Lie down for a bit, alright?”

Peter is heaving, eyes full of tears. Tony does not remember seeing him in so much pain and distress before. It doesn’t seem like Peter has been hiding an injury from patrol, either, he looks genuinely terrified.

“What’s the status, FRI?”

“Peter is experiencing a severe anxiety attack.”

Tony strives to push aside the familiarity of the words. “So… It’s muscle pain?”

“Affirmative. On the back right.”

“A-Am I dying?” Peter asks. “I-I don’t wanna die—”

“You’re not dying, kid—”

“Please, make it stop. Make it stop, Mr. Stark.”

Tony gulps, hoping not to break right now. “I won’t let anything happen to you, okay? I’ll fix this. I promise I will.”

He thinks of what to do next. Since this must be emotional, Tony decides not to give him medication for now. He’ll do something else to calm Peter down.

So, Tony grabs a chair to sit next to the kid, takes a few breaths before anything.

“Alright, kid, give me your hand.”

“O-Okay? What are you…”

Tony carefully holds the boy’s pale, trembling and sweaty hand.

“Do you feel my hand?” The man asks.

“Y-Yeah?”

“Focus on it, then.”

“Y-You… You’re tense, Mr. Stark. I-Is it because of-?”

“Don’t worry, kiddo. I’m gonna be fine. So are you, I promise. Let’s do this together, okay? We’re a team.”

“Okay,” Peter swallows.

Shyly, he squeezes Tony’s hand (perhaps mindful of his super strength). Tony is rubbing Peter’s with his thumb.

“Try to focus on me, kid. I’m right here. You’re safe,” the hero reassures him, repeating it a few times like a mantra.

“… Your hand is warm…”

“Yeah?”

“It’s nice…”

“Yeah, okay. Focus on that, then.”

Pause.

“Mr. Stark?”

“Hm?”

“How are you so soft?”

Tony snorts. “Am I?”

“Yeah… You’re always looking out for me… When you don’t have to…”

“Well, you’re a good kid. Everyone here loves you.”

“Really?” Peter sounds doubtful and it breaks Tony’s heart. “Y-You’re not just… saying that to be nice, right?”

“Why would I lie about that?”

“… I dunno.”

Tony’s smile drops a little, but he doesn’t let go of Peter’s hand.

The kid is contemplative, no longer holding on so tightly.

“Is this helping?” Tony wonders.

“Mm-hmm.”

“Does it still hurt?”

“I… I don’t think so.”

“Good. Great.”

Peter frowns. “F.R.I.D.A.Y. said it was… an anxiety attack, then?”

“Yes.”

“Weird, I never felt this kind of pain before…”

“But you have had anxiety attacks before?”

“Yeah, but... I got them handled, Mr. Stark.”

Tony sighs, not wanting to argue with the boy. He’s not angry, not at all. He’s just heartbroken to learn this.

“… I’m sorry I scared you, Mr. Stark.”

“What? No, you don’t have to apologize.”

“I freaked you out when this wasn’t even that big of a deal—”

“No, don’t say that. You were scared, rightfully so. Anxiety attacks are scary. It’s always encouraging to seek help when you feel like this. Besides, they’re not something we can control.”

Peter still looks guilty, but at the same time he looks for reassurance.

“Mr. Stark?”

“Yeah, kid?”

“Can I have a hug?”

“Of course.”

Peter sits on his own, all too ready for that hug. Tony too. The latter rocks the former side to side slightly, rubbing his back.

“You don’t have to be ashamed or afraid to come to me, okay?” Tony tells him.

“Okay, Mr. Stark.”

“You’re my kid, I care about you. A lot.” I love you. I love you.

“… Me too, Mr. Stark.”

Tony smiles, squeezing him a bit before letting go.

“Let’s get you to the couch. I’ll also get you some water.”

“Y-Yeah, that sounds good.”

Peter, likely drained from the episode, lays his head against Tony as they leave Med Bay, pretty much snuggling against him.

The man won’t say it, since it pains him to see Peter in such state… but darn, is he adorable.

[munsonsmixtapes]

My hurt/comfort request:

Reader and eddie somehow survived the upside down together, despite spending time in the hospital afterward for a good few weeks. Now it's well after all that hell, but reader isn't doing well mentally. They keep pushing Eddie away, indulge in drinking far too much, and rely on pills to feel numb. But the PTSD is strong, and nightmares won't go away. Sleep is a luxury now.

One night reader risks calling Eddie while drinking, only to hang up after a few words feeling like it was a mistake. Eddie doesn't take it lightly and comes over to find reader on the floor with a bottle of alcohol, crying and shaking from their last nightmare. Comfort ensues.

Feel free to change anything if you write this!! I know it's a pretty heavy prompt but I rarely see people explore the PTSD side of things with these characters. We forget how much hell the show actually portrayed. (Apologies for the long request lol)

Thanks so much for the request, lovely! This is exactly what I was looking for!

cw: mention of PTSD, reader’s deteriorating mental heath, and abuse of both alcohol and medication, hurt/comfort

You didn’t know how you did it, but after being dragged through hell and back, you had barely escaped death in the Upside Down. Both you and your boyfriend Eddie had been experienced the most unimaginable injuries, seeking immediate help at the hospital even though you knew that they wouldn’t believe how you had gotten hurt so badly.

Both of you had spent weeks there, racking up outrages bills as you were nursed back to health. Eddie had been worse than you, though, having to be on life support, but you were definitely suffering more mentally. Even though you had escaped the Upside Down physically, you hadn’t been able to in your mind.

All of the horrific, traumatic images replayed in your head on a torturous loop that you hadn’t been able to shake. It was as if you had never left even after months of being back in the real world. You couldn’t think of anything else. Especially when it was time to go to bed. Even falling asleep next to Eddie didn’t help. You still somehow always woke up screaming.

Eddie did his best, but it was so hard to watch you fall apart right before him. The person that he loved the most was in absolute shambles and you wouldn’t let him help you. You just insisted that you were fine and told him to leave it alone whenever he suggested alternatives to your unhealthy coping mechanisms.

Instead of seeking therapy like you probably should have, you resorted to the pills you had been prescribed for your anxiety and alcohol to numb your pain. If you weren’t drinking, you were popping pills after pill, and when you were really desperate, you’d combine them, even though it said very clearly on the bottle not to mix them with alcohol.

Over time, you favored your new obsessions over your own boyfriend. You found yourself pushing him away, not wanting to hear his judgement, even though you knew very well that he’d never judge you. He just cared for you in a way no one else did and it made him sick to sit by and watch you self-sabotage.

You sat on the floor of your bathroom, surrounded by empty beer bottles, your phone right in front of you, practically begging you to call your boyfriend who you hadn’t spoken to in weeks. And it wasn’t because you didn’t want to. It was because you couldn’t. You had convinced yourself that he had been upset with you and you just didn’t want to hear it.

But you did want to hear his voice. It was one of the only things that brought you instant comfort, never failing to make all your worries fade away. You knew he would have picked up if you called so you didn’t know why you were so nervous.

You picked up the phone and used the rotary to dial his number, surprised you could do it with how drunk you were. It rang once before your picked up, Eddie’s lovely voice ringing through the phone.

“Y/n?” He asked, breathless, like he had been holding it for too long.

“Eddie,” you cried, feeling tears welling up in your eyes, desperately wishing he would hold you in his arms. You knew he would if you just asked. Why couldn’t you ask?

“Y/n, oh my god. It’s so good to hear your voice, honey. What’s wrong?”

“The nightmares-” you cut yourself off, terrified to tell him what they were really about. You felt like talking about them would make them even worse.

“What about them? Have they gotten worse?” Eddie could always somehow read your mind. Maybe that was why you worked so well together. If you were even together anymore. You wouldn’t have been surprised if he would have broken up with you because of you pushing him away. You thought you deserved it.

You didn’t know why, but you pulled the phone away from your ear and put it back on top of the rotary, scooting away from it once it rang again. You knew it was Eddie and you didn’t want to talk to him anymore. Calling him was a mistake.

You curled up and buried your face into your knees, letting out soft sobs as the nightmares flashed in your head. They were always the same. Always a reminder of the trauma you had gone through. You in Vecna’s clutches, so close to death until you found yourself in Eddie’s arms, him cradling your almost lifeless bodies in his hands, letting out wail and wail as he begged for you to come back.

You cracked open another beer and shotgunned it, before laying on the cold, hard tile, left alone with nothing but your thoughts. Nothing could fix it, nothing could save you. You were just hopeless.

The bathroom door bursted open and you sat up, startled by the sudden noise. There, in the doorway was your boyfriend Eddie, a duffle bag in his hand. He let it fall to the floor and headed toward you before dropping to the tile and pulling you into his lap.

You wrapped your arms around him and buried your face into his neck, sobbing into it while he ran his hands up and down your back as a way to comfort you. He was always so good at it.

“I’m sorry I hung up on you,” you told him when you had run out of tears. He just shook his head and brought his hands up to your face, stroking your cheeks with the pads of his thumbs.

“You have nothing to apologize for. You’ve been going through things that people couldn’t even imagine.” Eddie knew how much you were struggling and it broke his heart that you were blaming yourself for doing what you needed to do to heal.

“But I pushed you away.” Your eyebrows furrowed and you suddenly felt silly for thinking that Eddie would have been mad at you. He couldn’t have been mad at you if he tried.

“You needed your space. I’ll always wait for you, you know that.” You did know that. He had told you those exact words time and time again, especially in the past few months, when you had been going through your darkest times.

“I-I thought you were going to break up with me.” Tears started welling up in your eyes again and Eddie was quick to wipe away the ones that fell.

“Why would I do that? I love you. Nothing could make me want to leave you. You know that, right?” Sometimes he was concerned by how much he loved you. That he would defend you even when he knew you were wrong. He was always just so desperate to be on your side.

“I do now,” you nodded then looked around at all of the empty bottles that surrounded you. You couldn’t believe that you had consumed all of that alcohol in such a short amount of time. Maybe it was time to quit and get some help. You owed that to yourself after all you had gone through. “I-I think I want to go to therapy. I’m sick of feeling this way, so empty and hollow.”

“Honey,” he pulled you into a hug before pressing a soft kiss to your forehead. “I’m so proud of you.”

“You are?”

“Always,” he nodded. “Not everyone can see that they need to make changes in their life and you did. Even if it took you a minute to get there.”

“You’ll help me?” You asked, twirling a strand of his hair around your pointer finger.

“Don’t I always,” he chuckled. “Now c’mon. Let’s get you some water and then head to bed. I feel like you could really use some sleep.”

Eddie helped you up from the floor and carried you to the kitchen to get some much needed water. You looked up at him as he took you down the stairs, wondering how you had gotten so lucky as to have someone like him that was so caring and willing to help you even when you had treated him like absolute shit. You never thought that you had deserved him, but maybe after getting some help, you’d be able to work on that and realize that you really did deserve to have him in your life.

[crazyunsexycool]

My little love

Chapter 19

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x enhanced!reader

Word count: 3.6k

Warnings: badly written smut right at the beginning (idk why I kept writing it but whatever), fluff, a little bit of angst, Lottie has a vision, talks of a medical procedure (nothing graphic, like it’s really vague), some good fucking news, and Steve!

A/N: here is another chapter of our favorite family! Hope you enjoy. Next chapter we celebrate Charlotte’s birthday and you’ll get to see why Steebie was bad! 😉

Series Masterlist

Cold metal runs up and down your bare back, under your shirt. Slow and deliberate movements to get a reaction out of you. You shiver as your eyes flutter open. A sigh leaves your lips as you look at Bucky. His hair is disheveled, eyes reflect contentment and a sweet lopsided smile rests on his lips.

“Good morning.” He murmurs.

“It’s morning already?”

The room was still dark; the only light came from the lamp at his bedside table. It felt like you had just gone to sleep a few minutes ago. After three weeks of treatments for Henry the aftermath could be draining for everyone. He would cling on to either you or Bucky and you’d barely see each other at all. The only moments you had together was either in the morning or right before bed if you were lucky.

“Barely,” he said. “Don’t be upset that I woke you up. I just missed you.”

“I’ve miss you too.”

Bucky leans down to kiss you. There’s no urgency, it's slow and loving. Like his touch that moves without hesitation. It’s controlled and determined, slow and sensual. Bucky pushes his thigh between your legs. The silent invitation is clear and you seek relief for the need that quickly builds low in your belly for him. While you roll your hips against him, his hands and lips wander. A high pitched whine leaves your lips when Bucky places his attention on your breasts.

“You can’t be too loud, sugar.” He says before he’s kissing you again.

Without breaking the kiss Bucky pulls you on top of him.You brace yourself against his bare chest. When you pull back in order to catch your breath the desire you find in his eyes is intoxicating. Your shirt is tossed to the side to reveal that you’re only wearing panties.

“Don’t do it.” You say just as Bucky rips your underwear to shreds. “Really?”

“I need to feel you, sugar. I’ll buy you more, or better yet don’t wear them to bed, you look so pretty like this anyway.”

You shake your head but smile as you lean forward to kiss him again while he shifts beneath you and pushes down his boxers. With one arm around your waist to keep you in place he takes his hardened length in the other and lines himself up with your entrance.

“You’re wet already and I’ve barely even touched you.” He says as he slowly pushes in.

You drop your head to rest on his shoulder as his name spills from your lips. It’s a plea to go faster but he ignores you. Both of you moan when he’s finally buried to the hilt. Once his grip around your waist isn’t as firm you roll your hips once. But you needed more so you push yourself up so that you can look at him. His pupils are full blown and his lips are slightly parted. With your hands on his chest for leverage you lift your hips and bring them down again. This time it’s your turn to go slow in order to feel all of him. You do it again and again until he groans in frustration.

“Sugar,” he says as he sits up. Now you’re chest to chest, sharing the same air. “Stop teasing me.”

“Or what?”

He smirks and flips you over while still connected. Without giving you much time to adjust Bucky starts at a slow hard pace. You can only wrap your arms around his shoulders and pepper kisses along his jaw. A hushed curse escapes him as he feels you clench around him.

“You feel so good, sugar. Look at you taking me so well.” He murmurs before his lips are on yours.

You’re breathless as you beg for more. He watches you intently as you throw your head back and he can’t help but do as you ask. Bucky picks up the pace but he keeps thrusting hard and deep. He hits your g spot every single time.

“S-so good, baby. I’m gonna-“ you stutter the closer you get to the edge. All you need is a push to dive into unbridled bliss. You feel his left hand snake its way down and begin to circle your clit giving you that final push. Bucky claims your lips as you come undone.

It takes you a moment to come down from your high. Bucky’s changed his pace, It’s languid and soft. He murmurs praises in your ear while you finally run your hand up and down his back.

“I love you.” You whisper sweetly. It spurs him on to reach his end. Bucky lifts his head to look at you, his tongue pokes out slightly, running over his bottom lip. “I love you… you’re so good to me.” You murmur, he hissed when he felt you clench around him again. “Cum for me baby.”

After a few more sloppy but deep thrusts he spills his seed inside you. The feeling triggers another smaller orgasm. You both stay there for a moment. Neither of you move except for you playing with his hair. He kisses your chest and neck repeatedly.

“I love you, sugar.” His voice is muffled against your skin. Bucky moves slowly as he pulls out.

He places one more kiss on your lips before getting up and going to the bathroom. While you wait for him to come back you look down at the lightning style scars that sit over your ribs. It’s still there, outlined in black. You struggle a little bit to catch your breath. It isn’t until you feel the warm cloth between your legs that you realize Bucky walked back in.

“Did I hurt you?”

“No, I’m good. Just a little hard to catch my breath. But I’ll be fine.” You reassure him.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes I’m sure. Now get back to bed.”

“Yes ma’am.” Bucky says as he lays down and pulls you closer. “I love you.”

“I love you more.”

“Impossible, sugar.” He murmurs as he listens to your breathing even out.

“Mama look.” Lottie points towards the balcony door. Storm clouds have taken over the sky. Soon the rumble of thunder is heard. “Is boom?” She asks as she walks closer toward the doors to try and get a better look.

“No, I don't think that’s Thor. It’s just a storm so we won’t be able to go outside for a while.”

“No baby Steebie?”

“Not for now. But maybe there won’t be any rain in the afternoon and we can go see the goats then.”

“Kay.” She says before turning back and sitting down to play with the toys she had.

You sit at the desk in the corner of the room and prop up your tablet and call Bruce. Every day since arriving in Wakanda you would call Bruce to monitor the symptoms and the spread of the scars.

“Hey Y/N, how’re you doing?” Bruce said as he moved around his lab.

“I’m good, how are you and the team?”

“Good. We miss you all. I didn’t realize how much life the kids brought to the compound until they were gone again.”

“Hi Buce.” Lottie popped up beside you, waving and smiling at Bruce. You pick her up and sit her on your lap.

“Hi Charlotte, are you having fun in Wakanda?”

“Yeah, habe goats to pay wit. Ayo an koye is fwiend.” She informs him, making him chuckle. “Pay wit mama and dada and bubba.”

“That sounds like lots of fun.”

“Yeah, is fun.”

“She’s been very busy since we got here.” You add.

“I can see that. How is the treatment going?”

“Henry has made lots of progress. It helps that Shuri already had a plan to go off after having worked with Bucky. We think we are very close to the end of it.”

“Good, and how are you feeling? Any changes since yesterday?”

“No,” you set Lottie down and she runs back to her toys. “The scars are the same size and color. There’s been no symptoms either.”

“Hm, well we’re close to finding a cure for it. We also think we know who created it and why.”

“And?”

“With the intel we’ve received these last three weeks we believe hydra is behind it. They’ve used the same toxin in two other assassinations.”

“Great, so hydra is targeting me directly. I’m pretty sure I know why too.”

“From the communications Tony has picked up they seem pretty pissed that you caught one of their high level scientists and killed another. Not to mention that you were the one to walk out of both hydra facilities with the kids. It puts a pretty big target on your back. But on the bright side we are close to finding these people. The team has been working nonstop to find them before you leave Wakanda.”

“I appreciate that and I know Bucky will too.” You smile.

“Well I’ll let you go but please call me if anything changes.”

“I will, bye Bruce.” You say as Lottie runs up to you again.

“Bye Buce.”

“Bye Charlotte.”

You ran into Shuri’s lab with Charlotte in your arms. There wasn’t any time to waste as you tried to get your sweet Angel to breathe again. None of her visions had been this bad in a while. Shuri’s assistants pushed you away from the table as they worked around Lottie. Her lips were blue from lack of oxygen and she just lay there with open eyes staring at nothing. It felt like your heart was being ripped from your chest the longer you watched. Bucky’s arm was around your waist suddenly, you didn’t even know he’d walked in but having him by your side helped.

“C’mere.” Bucky murmured as he pulled you into a hug. With your hands on his chest you could feel his heart beating wildly as he watched helplessly. “She’ll be ok, she always is. Our girl is a fighter.”

Your knees buckled when you heard her cry, finally after minutes of this nightmare. If Bucky hadn’t been holding you, you would’ve been on the ground. You rush to the exam table where Lottie was crying and trying to fight her way off it.

“MAMA!” Charlotte screamed for you. Her once blue lips and pale face were now crimson as she looked for you in the sea of people surrounding her. “MAMA!”

“I’m here baby. My sweet Angel, come here.”

You wrap her in your loving embrace while she clings to you. Out of the corner of your eye you see Shuri and Bucky talking before he looks at you with a grim expression.

“Owies mama. Bad man.”

“Who gets owies?”

She takes a stuttered breath as she tries to calm herself down. “Mama has owies. Mama seeps, no wake up.” Lottie looks up at you through wet lashes as she continues to cry.

“It’s ok, mama’s not going anywhere. How about we take a bubble bath?”

“Mama stay?”

“Yes, mama is going to stay for a long time.” You kiss her forehead as you’re walking out of the lab.

****

“Here you are.” Bucky says as he peeks into the bathroom. You were drying Lottie off after her bath. She had calmed down and it was obvious she was sleepy but she was fighting it off in order to stay with you.

“Hey, is everything ok?”

“Shuri found something during that vision. Turns out that Lottie shouldn’t be holding her breath or freezing up like that any time it happens.”

“Ok then why does it happen?”

“Mama uppies.” Lottie says. You can see her trying to lift her arms but she’s wrapped up in her towel and can’t move them.

“Shuri found some kind of implant that sends signals throughout her body that causes muscle spasms and it extends into her not being able to breathe. It seems like Lottie’s brain produces a certain signal that activates the implant so that she reacts the way we see her react. It needs to be removed.”

“Once that’s out she should be fine then?”

“Shuri thinks so.” Bucky extends his arms in order to take Charlotte from you but she turned her head and hid her face in the crook of your neck. “Is she ok?”

“Her vision involved me. She said I had owies.”

Bucky tensed at the information.

“Where’s Henry?” You change the subject because you didn’t want to talk about the other part of her vision. Instead you sit Lottie down on the bed in order to help her get dressed.

“He’s with Ayo, he wanted to stay with her for a bit since she helped me break the hold hydra had.”

“Mm, ok. Alright sweet Angel you’re all dressed. Do you want to find bubba and go see the goats?”

“No. Stay wit mama.”

“Well we can go to find bubba together.”

“No. Stay mama.” She insists and pulls you onto the bed.

“Doll, you don’t have to be scared. I’m gonna protect mama and you and your brother. Let’s go find Henry ok?”

“No! Mama stay.” Lottie glares at her father as she stands between you and him.

“It’s ok, Charlotte. You and I will stay here while daddy goes and gets bubba. We can watch a movie all together.”

Bucky looks at you confused at his daughter’s behavior. He shakes his head but leaves to find Henry.

“Charlotte, are you scared?”

“Don’t want mama habe owies.” Lottie says while looking up at you. She pats the space beside her on the bed and you sit down, allowing her to crawl onto your lap. “Lobe mama.”

“I love you too, my sweet Angel. Everything will be alright.”

You sit with her for a while just cuddling.

***

“Mama.” Henry burst through the door with a huge smile on his face. “Mama I did it. I did it.”

“What did you do?”

“The words don’t work on me anymore.”

“Henry,” you whisper while setting Lottie once the bed and pulling Henry into a hug. “Oh baby, I’m so happy. They can’t hurt you anymore.”

Henry cries in your arms and you can’t help but cry with him. Bucky walks in and sits with Lottie.

“Bubba kay?”

“Yeah doll, bubba is ok. Those are happy tears.”

“Mama kay? No habe owies?” Her concern for you was truly endearing.

“No owies for mama. C’mere doll.”

Charlotte stands on the bed and wraps her arms around Bucky’s neck from the side. He kisses her cheek as he watches you and Henry smile at each other.

For the rest of the afternoon you celebrate by watching some movies in bed with the kids. Sharing cuddles and listening to Henry and Charlotte have their own little happy conversation.

As soon as the kids had fallen asleep you went to meet with Shuri. She explained that hydra had implanted a small device at the base of Lottie’s skull that could read when she was having a vision. Since she was so young and couldn’t vocalize that she was in fact having a vision, hydra decided they needed a visual queue, hence the way she would stiffen. Shuri assured you the procedure was easy enough and Charlotte should recover quickly with minimal to no side effects. Together you come up with a plan to get Charlotte to the lab with minimal fighting or fear on her part.

You’d need back up so you made a call.

“Good morning sweet Angel.” You murmured softly as Lottie’s eyes began to open softly. She let out a little groan and turned so that she could keep sleeping. “Come on Charlotte, wake up.”

“Am seeping mama.”

“I have a surprise for you.”

That piqued her interest even if she was still half asleep.

“Suwpwise?”

“Yeah, look who came to see us.”

“There’s my best girl.” Steve walked up to the bed.

Bucky was sitting back recording the interaction. It was a well known fact that Charlotte was not a morning person. The scowl on her face was proof.

“What’s that face for?”

“Bad Steebie.” She glares at him.

“Bad? I just got here.” He looked confused that his best girl wanted nothing to do with him.

“Oh no!” You started laughing. “She had a vision with you when we first got here. She was really upset with you. I can’t believe I forgot about that.”

“Sweetheart, it’s just me. Your uncle Steebie, come here sweet girl.”

Charlotte looks at Steve and then behind him as if she’s waiting for someone else to show up. When she’s satisfied that no one else is there she moves from your arms to Steve’s. Lottie wraps her arms tightly around his neck as Steve stands and rubs her back.

“There’s my best girl. I missed you sweetheart.”

“Missed Steebie. Lobe Steebie.”

“I love you too.” Steve is grinning like a fool as he hugs Lottie. It has been a few weeks since they have seen each other so no one is surprised at the reunion.

“Mama?”

“Good morning sweet boy, look who came to see you.”

Henry sits up while rubbing away the sleep from his eyes. His face lights up when he sees Steve. Pushing himself up Henry runs on the bed and jumps into Steve’s free arm.

“Hey little man, how are you?”

“I’m good, I missed you.”

“I missed you too, bub.”

“Guess what?” Henry says as he pulls back to look Steve in the eyes.

“What?”

“The bad men can’t tell me what to do anymore.”

Steve’s eyes widen and then he smiles. “Really? The programming is gone?”

“Yeah, yesterday was his last session.” Bucky answers. The three adults in the room were overcome with emotions.

“That’s amazing bub. We’re going to have to celebrate with everyone when we get back home. But I am very happy that you’re safe now.”

“Can we go home now?” Henry asks.

“We have one more thing we have to do and then we can go home.”

“Pay wit baby Steebie?” Lottie asks, she’s more alert now and excited at the possibility.

“Baby Steebie?”

“Oh yeah, she named a goat after you.” Bucky informs his best friend with a laugh.

“If it makes you feel better Henry named the other goat after Sam.”

“Doesn’t really help but ok.”

***

The five of you spend the morning together. The kids play while Steve fills you in on everything that’s happened back home. At around noon Shuri informs you that her and her team are ready for Charlotte.

“Alright, it’s time for the procedure.”

“I’ll take Henry out to the gardens.” Bucky says and gets up asking Henry to go with him.

Without anyone to play with Lottie walks over to Steve and puts her arms up so that he would pick her up. While he distracts her you prepare the medication that Shuri gave you in order to calm Charlotte down before you head to the lab. With Charlotte having the serum you had a small amount of time between giving her the medication and it burning out of her system. With Steve’s help you give her the injection and he rushes down to the lab. After that it’s just a waiting game.

****

After about five hours Shuri finally walks out of her lab. She smiles in your direction and you are finally able to relax.

“Everything went well. Charlotte is being moved to a recovery room but she should be out of there by tonight. We will do one more check tomorrow but after that she should be fine. You would only have to monitor to see how she reacts to any visions. If nothing has changed please let me know.”

“You have no idea how grateful I am. You have given my babies a chance to have a better life. We will always be in your debt.” You hug her.

“I shall remember that.” Shuri jokes.

“Is everything ok?”

“Yes, the procedure went better than expected.” Shuri tells Bucky. “Now I will check on my little patient one more time and have someone get you.”

“Thank you Shuri.”

Shuri nods in Bucky’s direction before walking back into her lab. Bucky walks over to you and pulls you into a hug.

“They can’t hurt our babies anymore.” You say through happy tears.

“No they can’t. And I’ll end them before they can even try anything against our family.”

After a few more minutes of waiting a lab assistant walks out and leads you to the recovery room Lottie is in. Fortunately she’s still asleep so all you have to do is wait for the anesthesia to wear off. Steve walks in a few minutes later with Henry on his back because Henry was worried about his sister.

It doesn’t take long for Lottie to stir. Slowly she opens her eyes, she whines as she sees the unfamiliar setting. Bucky is at her side first, he gently plays with her hair and reassures her that she’s safe. The post surgery checks are good and with that you get the ok to fly back home.

Although Wakanda was lovely and you’re sure you’ll miss it, you really can’t wait to be back home. T’Challa, Shuri, queen Ramonda, Okoye and Ayo are by the jet to bid you farewell.

The flight was long but the trip was worth it. Back home the last thing you expected was for the team to be waiting for you, it was Steve’s idea. Of course they bypass you and they go straight for the kids. Both of them have lots of stories to tell. Sam is thrilled to know he is Henry’s favorite uncle but not thrilled at learning there is a goat named after him.

Bucky pulls you into his chest and rests his chin on your shoulder as you watch the team and the kids interact. Both of you appreciate how loved the kids are.

Nothing could make this moment better.

Ch 20

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[entercarolinej]

You Know My Ways, I Know Your Fears

Steve x reader | Stranger Things S3 | part 1 of ???

title from Go For It by Djo

Steve had figured out that Robin was gay. It was obvious by the tense, zoned-out way she reacted whenever an especially hot girl came into Scoops Ahoy to buy ice cream. Maybe not obvious to everybody, but Steve noticed things. He and Robin caught each other checking out a pair of legs in Nikes and a miniskirt and with a double take, a soft “oh?…Oh.” from Steve, and a breathless pause from Robin, he signaled his acceptance with a congenial nod and thumbs up. I mean, I get it, he thought. Nothing more had to be said–from then on, they developed a semi-sarcastic code of tongue clicks, raised eyebrows, and subtle smirks to indicate approaching ‘babes’. It made the dopey mall job tolerable. Sometimes they’d rate the customers from 1-10, bickering endlessly about each other’s taste in women. Steve’s heart wasn’t really in it but now that he had picked up on Robin’s secret, she was laying off him–a little–and it felt like maybe they were bonding. 

When he was above his elbows in soapy water scrubbing ice cream drums, commiserating with Robin about the horrible, horrible uniforms, or doling out sticky, creamy scoops of cotton candy, mint chocolate chip, and USS Butterscotch, Steve felt almost normal. The monsters ripping through his every night’s dreams until he could smell their putrid breath, see the glint on their endless rows of lethal teeth, and feel their unearthly screams rattling every bone in his body didn’t feel as real. 

Sometimes he was alone in the tunnels under the pumpkin patch, rooted to the spot, forced to watch the dim outline of a demogorgon barreling towards him until its faceless petals opened up and the last thing he’d see was them closing around his own head. Other times he’d be in the junkyard and somebody from the Party–Max, Nancy, or Dustin, Dustin, would be in the distance, about to succumb to the same fate. “STEVE! Help me! Steve PLEASE!” they’d scream, and he’d be sprinting as hard as he could but no matter how fast he forced his legs and lungs to move, he never got any closer and he had to watch his friends crumple under the brutal, silvery figure. Sometimes he was watching the pool through his bedroom window, body completely paralyzed, Nancy gone, as Barb was dragged into Hell, her fingers clawing against rough concrete. Steve dreaded sleep. His giant, lonely house had plenty of room for the nightmares to swoop in and find Steve. But at Scoops, sometimes, there was enough normal life happening around him that he could forget for a little while. Steve was grateful. 

Your mall job was also an escape, but for totally different reasons. Starcourt opening was a reason to leave the house and think about something other than your family. 

You knew most of your peers, despite their various responsibilities, carved out time for partying and thrill seeking on weekends, blissfully aware that any youthful mistakes could be laughed off or easily smoothed over within the structure of a family with a comfortable income and two functioning grown-ups. You couldn’t do that. You’d watch soaps with Mom in the evenings while doing homework, make sure she got her peppermint tea and her medication and her little comforts and routines that kept her tethered to reality, make sure Tews was fed and cuddled, and covertly stay awake until your brother returned home so that no matter what happened, there’d be someone to answer the phone and help fix whatever trouble he got into, just in case. It was enough. It had to be. If you didn’t, nobody would. 

Summer was a good time to work. No school, so you could have more daytime hours without leaving Mom home alone too long. Starcourt Mall had been a highly anticipated employment opportunity at Hawkins High. Everyone speculated about the kinds and numbers of stores to be opened, the coolest places to work, the best jobs for hooking up, and the most valuable perks. First grab at the new releases at the music store? Rad. All the leftover popcorn and soda you could eat at the movie theater? Also rad. 

You ended up in the major department store’s home goods section. Not sexy or cool, at all. Your co-workers were middle-aged women looking for something to keep them busy, and your customers were their counterparts who didn’t want or need employment but were eager to drop mind-boggling sums on opulent tablescapes for every possible new occasion. By the end of June, you already saw white stars and red stripes every time you closed your eyes. Even so, you had to admit to yourself that you liked the job.

“Sweetheart, I was wondering if you could point me in the direction of some glass candlesticks?” 

The voice was a welcome interruption to the constant drone of Muzak in your ears. You looked over your shoulder from where you were tucking throw pillows just so in the wooden display rack into a smiling, beautifully made-up face.  

“Oh, it’s you! I didn’t know you got a job here, good for you!” The woman stepped closer, her words gushing up and down as she bestowed an elegant, congratulatory shove on your elbow. A fresh floral perfume swept through your lungs, displacing the vaguely spiced waxiness that hung in the air from shelves upon shelves of every-colored candles and paper bags of potpourri. 

“Thanks, Mrs. Wheeler. Yep, I sure did,” you responded, trying to tuck your hair away and straighten your puffy sleeves, a bit self-conscious in the presence of her perfectly curated and executed look. You particularly noticed her beautiful pair of chunky gold hoop earrings with pearls dangling below them and wondered if you could find a costume version somewhere that would look similar. 

“This job must be so dangerous,” Karen Wheeler continued her amiable teasing. “I’m sure I could spend a whole paycheck here every day, and I bet you get to see all the new stuff before anybody!”

“Yeah, I guess so.” You smiled. “They send us pictures of how the new displays are supposed to look, and it’s pretty fun to get everything all set up just right. And Mom is definitely enjoying my employee discount,” you added with a wink, knowing just how to intrigue the target demographic of your place of employment. 

“Ooh, I feel like I’m getting the inside scoop!” Karen giggled, before concern washed over her cheerful features. She hesitated, then added in a more serious tone: “How is Claudia these days?”

You bit back a sigh. “Aw, thanks for asking. She’s doing well, keeping busy with the garden and training the cat!” you said, with a flat brightness. 

“Ah, that’s great.” Karen said, nodding, her smile not quite reaching her eyes, as she stared into yours for a little too long.

“Yeah, um, how are your kids doing? Is Nancy going to get a job at the mall, too?” You pivoted, casually going back to reorganizing and fluffing throw pillows.

“You know, I think I’m just going to have to be jealous of you and your mother with that employee discount! That girl can’t think of anything else but the paper,” Karen said, with an appeasing wink. You felt a familiar twinge of envy for Nancy, the girl who could do anything she wanted, neither caring nor needing to worry about how her family would fare. 

Perhaps Karen noticed the slight stiffness settling between you. She picked up a throw pillow and began to awkwardly knead it between her jeweled, manicured fingers. “You know, I have to tell you, that little brother of yours is really something,” she confided. 

You relaxed a little. “Oh boy, I hope he behaved himself at your house for that last sleepover.” 

“Oh goodness, you know they can all act like such wild things together,” chuckled Karen. “Ted moans and groans, but you know, I like having them all around. Keeps me young! But that Dustin, I mean, he’s always so sweet to my little Holly. I think she’d rather have him for a brother than Mike.” 

Your customer service smile became a true, fond smirk. “Dustin’s a great kid. But don’t tell him I said that!” 

Karen laughed conspiratorially with you, tapping her nose, then pointing at you. 

“Oh! Um, you asked about glass candlesticks. Actually, I just put a new shipment out this morning before we opened, I think you’ll have first pick! Just over there, around the back of that candle kiosk,” you directed. 

“Yes, yes, thank you sweetie! It was great catching up with you, and please give my mother your best.” Karen patted your arm and moved away to continue browsing. 

You liked these little run-ins with the parents of your peers, probably more than you should. Grown up conversations were easier to navigate than fellow teenage ones. It helped to pass the time at work. Occasionally, as you rang up their purchases and carefully wrapped them in endless sheets of shiny tissue paper, you’d be asked to babysit one of the younger girls like little Holly or Erica Sinclair. You always accepted, gratefully, as long as they promised not to be out too late.

Maybe you had a little too much in common with the mothers of your little brother’s friends. You knew they would murmur to each other when they thought you couldn’t hear. You were labeled things like “such a nice girl,” “so mature,” “an old soul.” You knew that was all code for “one of the most boring high schoolers to ever exist.” And that probably wasn’t wrong. 

Your kind of “fun” was a brief stop at Scoops Ahoy after your shift at the department store. Normally, you’d have to head home and make sure Mom and Dustin ate something, but with Dustin away at camp, you didn’t feel so rushed. You’d always had a sweet tooth and the USS Butterscotch was nothing short of a flavor revelation. It didn’t hurt that Steve Harrington would greet you by name and you’d get a glimpse of his uniform. How could a cheesy sailor suit look so stupid and yet so cute, you always wondered. Maybe because it felt like it leveled the field a little, and a guy surviving a little involuntary humiliation with good humor was...attractive. You were a wallflower, not blind.

You wondered if maybe you’d thought to apply here instead of the department store, would that be you in a coordinated sailor suit, slinging banter like scoops of ice cream with Steve? Behind her band-nerd smartass school persona, you knew Robin Buckley was bubbly and funny and you tried to convince yourself you weren’t jealous of how much time she got to spend around Steve. 

Why can’t that be me? you’d wonder. It came so easily to other people, the casual insults, brushes of physical touch, and flying innuendos that seemed totally naturalized between good friends but utterly foreign to you. You knew that Steve and Robin had never been close before, but you watched them work side by side, communicating in shoulder shoves, hand grabs, and muttered barbs of dingus or dipshit that weren’t supposed to be overheard by customers. 

You wished you had that kind of mutual affection and security with somebody. Being a high school student moonlighting as a single parent was lonely. As glad as you were that nobody could describe Dustin as lonely, you had to admit it was confusing and even painful to see even him enjoying a mysteriously close, nearly co-dependent friendship with someone whose breezy popularity you had once envied so much, none other than Steve Fucking Harrington. It defied explanation.

Dustin’s entire friend group, actually, had become deeply mystifying. He’d always been close to Mike, Will, and Lucas, which was normal enough, but now they had added in two girls their own age–one the daughter of the chief of police, the other stepsister to the local bad boy–and, for some reason, Mike’s older sister Nancy, Will’s older brother (and Nancy’s current boyfriend) Jonathan, and Nancy’s ex, the same former King Steve of Hawkins High. He’d lost his crown around the same time that relationship ended; it had seemed…messy.

Nobody had bothered to fill you in on the specifics. You suspected Dustin knew more than you since he and Steve had become glued at the hip around the same time, but you also knew it wouldn’t occur to him his intel could be interesting to you and you didn’t want to admit you were curious. You also couldn’t bring yourself to ask the main question: what the hell do you all talk about every damn weekend? You’d watch Dustin dive into Steve’s car multiple nights per week, it felt like, with some combination of the other kids along for the ride, and they’d be at the Byer’s or the Wheeler’s or even Steve’s mansion for hours. 

Surely, there was no way that Steve and Nancy had suddenly become amicable exes who were really invested in Dungeons and Dragons. 

The mall had only been opened for a week or two when it happened. You’d opened at the department store, as usual, so you were off for the day by mid-afternoon. Reluctant to leave the glossy, air-conditioned walkways for the rapidly sweltering outdoors, your feet wandered slowly past the still-pristine window displays. In a concession to self-indulgence, you allowed yourself to relish a little excitement for the interaction you had looked forward to all day. The next moment, you shoved those feelings down as just butterflies. No.…social anxiety. Yeah, Steve was cute, and it was an unexpected perk of being Dustin’s older sister that he even knew your name at all, but reading anything further into your new ice cream habit would be pure delusion. 

Stepping into Scoops Ahoy was a full-body sensory experience. By this time of day, it was lousy with energetic children dribbling cream-coated sprinkles on every surface. Hornpipe music blended manically with their shrieks. A cloud of toasty waffle cone and pure sugar wrapped around you so thickly you could already taste it with one foot through the door. And, behind the counter, the boy whose slouchy scowl and sailor cap couldn’t detract from his prettiness. 

You forced yourself to glance around casually at the striped blue-and-white walls with faux portholes and globe sconces as you waited in line, the last in a small rush, pretending to admire the nautically committed decor instead of staring at Steve. Your ears, however, strained to catch his inane customer service interactions. 

“Oh, sorry, we’re out of cotton candy…yeah, no, a lot of people like that one. Uh huh…..cup or cone? Ok so three large……that’ll be $3.75. Thanks, man.”

You hoped they weren’t sold out of your flavor. 

Willing your voice to be cool and casual, you stepped up to the counter and steeled yourself to meet Steve’s heart-melting brown eyes, to watch them crinkle again with recognition and a friendly smile, before shuffling quickly through the transaction and moving on to the next girl. Instead, a fully stuffed ice cream cone suddenly popped up with a flourish into your field of vision, clutched in a large, golden-tan hand and connected by a well-toned arm to a bright royal blue sailor uniform.

“USS Butterscotch in a waffle cone, right?” Steve winked at you. You startled. 

“Uh…I…” 

“Oh, shoot, were you going to order something else? I can, uh…” He looked side to side, as if for somewhere else to offload the cone. His cheeks went a bit rosy. 

“No! I mean, yes, that is, uh, that’s exactly what I wanted…um…” You scrambled frantically for your wallet, not having expected to need it for another moment or two.

“Wait, uh, don’t worry about it. The guy before you gave me a five and told me to keep the change, which just happens to cover you.” Steve held out the cone further, looking slightly regretful. 

“Yeah, dingus, that was supposed to be a tip for us to split,” drawled Robin, appearing over Steve’s shoulder and giving him a shove. 

“Shut up,” Steve grimaced at her, easily regaining his balance. 

Wallet stashed back in your bag, you reached gingerly for the cone, trying to avoid a drip already running down towards the paper wrapper. In doing so, your fingers brushed against Steve’s as he carefully released it into your grasp. Smooth, warm, strong. Your stomach jolted.

“Thanks, but I don’t want to take your tips.” You looked at Robin, her expression transitioning from annoyance to something else. Curiosity, maybe. You wondered, not for the first time, about her and Steve.

“Jeez, no, don’t worry about it.” Steve gestured dismissively at Robin, flicking a glare in her direction and then capturing your eyes again with that friendly smile you had been looking forward to. He leaned over the counter with two widespread, subtly flexing arms. “Hey, uh, did Dustin make it to camp okay?”  

You gently twisted the paper wrapper of the cone between your fingers, catching a drip or two with your tongue before they could land on your clothes or the floor. At Steve’s question, your eyebrows shot up and you lowered the cone from your face. 

“Oh yeah, he was able to call us the first night. He sounded pretty happy. I guess there are more girls there than he expected.” It was your turn to grimace a little. Thinking about Dustin and girls was fairly new territory.

“Girls at science camp, huh? Who’da known!” Steve raised his eyebrows and nodded, his mouth twisting down in a look of mild surprise. He was interrupted by a scoff. 

“Women? In science? It shouldn’t be allowed! This simply won’t do!” Robin gasped, her old-timey scandalized affect perfectly conveying deep, sarcastic disdain for Steve’s comment. 

Steve’s face tightened and his eyes widened with exasperation. You couldn’t hold back a tiny snicker. He glanced at you, quickly, looking a bit…wounded? That sobered you immediately. 

“Yeah, well. I guess Dustin is going to need to put whatever advice you gave him to good use,” you offered, trying to be conciliatory. “Thanks again for the ice cream, you didn’t have to do that.” 

Steve sighed, still clearly irked by Robin, but gave you an effortlessly sharp two finger salute and the tiniest smile. Pretty.

You stepped carefully around tables and sticky spots on the floor as you left, fighting the urge to turn back and watch as Robin began to berate Steve again. Maybe that’s what he really liked in a girl, somebody who constantly teased and riled.

“Advice? What kind of advice did you give her poor brother? Let’s take a look at the data–” 

Out the door, you couldn’t help glancing back through the large glass window at Robin’s smirk, gesturing to a whiteboard with a small handful of scribbled tally marks. Whatever it was didn’t seem like official ice cream business. Steve had one hand on his hip and the other tangled in his hair, his hat suddenly missing as if he’d knocked it off to do so. But what surprised you was that his eyes were, for half a second, on you, too.

You remembered the night, a few months back, that Steve had admitted to giving Dustin romantic advice. One day in February, Dustin smugly told you Steve Harrington was coming over for dinner and to watch Doctor Who with him. 

“Are you sure he even wants to come over?” You interrogated your brother. “I like to watch Doctor Who with you but I gotta say I really don’t see it being something he’d like.” 

“You are correct, but that’s exactly why he has to watch it. I’m giving him a nerd culture education. He doesn’t even know the differences between Star Trek and Star Wars.” 

“What if he hates it?” 

“He will. It’s gonna be great.” 

“...okay, so why on earth did he agree to come?” 

“Because Lucas is going to quiz him this weekend. Also, I don’t think he likes being around his parents.” Dustin continued, casually burying the lede. “They just got back from one of their trips and he said he was planning to go bowling or something by himself so he didn’t have to see them. I guess his dad’s an asshole–”

“Dustin–”

“So I told him to come here instead because you and mom won’t mind, and I wouldn’t take no for an answer.” Your brother continued, knowing you didn’t really care about his language despite the occasional gesture at propriety.

Secretly, you still wondered if Dustin had some kind of weird blackmail on Steve, but you were getting used to the fact that he was apparently unable to resist your brother’s immense capacity for persuasion. Your brother was a total dork but you knew he was also perceptive and deeply empathetic, even towards top-dog hot-shot seniors without any apparent reason to give him the time of day.

Day of, you thought a little harder than usual about what outfit you wanted to wear, finally settling for your trendiest pair of jeans and that top you knew brightened your skin and your eyes. You teased your hairdo with extra care and squandered a swipe of your favorite lip gloss. 

You sort of hated yourself for doing it, seeing as you knew Steve didn’t think about you at all and you didn’t want him to. But you also weren’t going to blend into your frumpy house if you could help it, for your dignity’s sake. 

Steve arrived promptly, in one of his signature striped polo shirts with an expensive-yet-casual jacket. He ruffled Dustin’s hair and looked you and your mother both in the eyes as he removed his jacket, clearly feeling awkward. “Hello, thank you for having me.” Anxiety, not butterflies. 

Tews, a deeply suspicious cat, made himself scarce. 

“Steve, dear, we are so glad to have you. Dusty’s been so excited,” began your mom, eliciting a groan from her son. 

“Oh come ON, can we just eat already? I have SO MUCH backstory to explain to Steve!” He took Steve’s jacket, flung it on the coat rack, and hustled you all through the kitchen into the dining room, where Dustin’s requested lasagna was already on the table with your good company plates. 

You guessed that Steve was used to much nicer tableware and house furnishings, and you watched guardedly, waiting for him to scan the whole room and clock every imperfection. Instead, he seemed shy and grateful, like the atmosphere was somehow making him feel inadequate, not the other way around. 

He caught you looking at him and cleared his throat. “Uh, thank you for cooking dinner. Dustin told me your lasagna is awesome.”

“Oh, yeah. It’s, uh, it’s mostly just opening the box of pasta and the jars of sauce,” you hedged.

“She’ll NEVER reveal her secret!” The whole house was Dustin’s voice as he scooped an enormous hunk out of the dish and hefted it over to Steve’s plate. You thought you saw the older boy wince and his eyes flash towards your mother as sauce and cheese splattered onto the floral oilcloth covering your table. Your mother was entirely preoccupied settling herself into her chair with a contented sigh. 

You cringed a little, your own eyes flicking across Steve’s shirt to see if Dustin had splashed his clothes, but you didn’t think so. Then you realized you didn’t care if he had. You knew Steve must have dozens of those shirts filling his closet at home.

By now, the remaining three plates had also been laden with sloppy layers of lasagna and Dustin had taken his seat across from your mom at the little round table. He was digging in, chewing with his mouth a little more open than you’d prefer, and grinning to his right at Steve, who slowly picked up his fork, checking to make sure you and your mom were doing the same. 

You braced yourself for Steve to pick around his plate, perhaps make excuses about a late lunch–not because you cared if he enjoyed his dinner, but because you didn’t like the idea of any judgment whatsoever coming down on your little life. Steve had traveled, stayed in expensive hotels, and eaten at famous restaurants. The Harrington ski weekends and summer trips to Europe were common fodder for envious school gossip. You knew your house, your food, your family were simple in comparison, but you didn’t want to be reminded through Steve’s eyes.

“Okay, so. The Doctor is a member of a highly advanced alien species called Time Lords.” Dustin launched into a grand narration about time travel; camouflaging, auto-translating spaceships; and intergalactic conflicts–all of it necessary, in his view, to induct Steve into the lore of his favorite show. His messy fork stabbed vigorously through the air, accompanied by sputtered sonic screwdriver sound effects. 

Steve nodded and glanced between Dustin and his own plate, eating neatly and humming comprehension and agreement, raising his eyebrows to indicate shock and awe at the appropriate twists and reveals (“Bigger…on the INSIDE”). You thought you maybe caught the tiniest of eyerolls from time to time, which made you want to smirk. Interacting with Dustin in this mode was notoriously painful but Steve was putting up with it admirably. Again, why?

You also had to notice that the food was disappearing rapidly, and not just from Dustin’s plate. When your brother finally had to stop and catch his breath, Steve looked at you and earnestly said, “This lasagna is…outrageous.” 

“I TOLD you so!” Dustin sounded more proud of his own accuracy than your cooking chops. 

“She takes such good care of us.” Your mother beamed, an unusual twinkle in her eye. “Dusty and I are lucky to have her. Quite the chef!” 

“Yeah.” Steve agreed politely. 

You felt your cheeks warm. Dustin’s friends always liked your food, but those dinners had never ended with your mom awkwardly wingmanning you to a guy who would never even glance your way at school. NOT butterflies.

“I’m glad you like it.” You acknowledged the compliment a bit stiffly, wondering if Steve and Dustin were expecting you to all get along and chat, or if they were just being polite for the duration of the meal.

Dustin glanced at the clock and let out a yell before shoveling his last few bites into his mouth. “It’s starting soon! Gotta finish up!” 

Now Steve was fully laughing at him. “Dude, we’ve got a few minutes. Don’t choke yourself.” He stood and began stacking dishes and silverware. You reached for his pile, but he pulled them away. “No, it’s okay, I can wash up. It’s the least I can do.” 

“Oh no, dear, you’re our guest! Go settle in.” Your mom waved him off, taking the stack with her into the kitchen and filling the sink with water. You followed her with the leftover food and started putting it away while Dustin swiped at the tabletop with a rag. 

“Are you sure? I really don't mind.” Steve looked unsure of what to do with his now-empty hands, first crossing them, then moving them to his hips, then running one through his thick, shiny hair. It was clear you three Hendersons had a well-established routine for dividing up the tasks and weren’t prone to disruptions.

Dustin finished cleaning the table and grabbed Steve by the shoulder, shoving him in the direction of the tv room. “Alright, let’s go, the TARDIS awaits!”

“Easy there, di–uh, Dustin.” Steve stood his ground and gently shoved back, still looking to you and your mom for orders.

“Yeah, thanks, but don’t worry about it. I’ll just let it all soak right now and turn on the radio later,” you said, trying to process the fact that Steve Harrington had just offered to do your dishes. 

“You go on, too, sweetheart. Don’t miss your show with Dustin! I’ll just get the dishes out of the way now before I head to bed.” You flushed again at your mom’s revelation that you, too, were invested in Doctor Who.

“Are you sure, mom? Are you feeling okay?” 

“Oh, I’m just fine. Go relax,” she insisted. 

You followed Dustin and Steve into your living room as the credits and theme song came on. Dustin jumped into your mom’s chair and pointed at the end of the couch closest to the TV, which Steve hesitantly took. You slowly sat down on the opposite end, nearest the kitchen. Having finally decided the evening’s intrusion to be non-threatening, Tews joined Dustin in the recliner. 

“Is that Doctor Who?” Steve pointed at the first character that appeared on the screen, an alien with a mask of goopy rubber tentacles. 

“No dipshit–” 

“Language,” Steve chided mildly, glancing your way. “How about him?” This time it was a humanoid. 

“No. Like I was explaining earlier, there is no ‘Doctor Who.’ Just ‘The Doctor’.” 

“Okay, so they made a whole show about a guy who doesn’t even have a name?” 

“He does have a name, he’s a Time Lord, he’s called The Doctor. It’s not complicated.” 

“But ‘The Doctor’ isn’t a name, that’s, like, a title. You can’t just be ‘The Doctor’. He should be Doctor Somebody, otherwise you’d get confused with any other doctor on the show. Like ‘oh, hey, we need a doctor! But wait, what doctor? Doctor who? …Oh…” 

Dustin’s eyeballs looked like they were going to pop out of his head as he glared at Steve condescendingly. A giggle leapt out into the silence, despite your best efforts. 

“Yeah, okay, I heard it.” Steve grumbled and quieted down. 

Between the distractions of Steve Harrington on your couch and the gentle clinks and splashes coming from next door in the kitchen, you really weren't paying attention to the show how you normally would. You were worried about your mom. Evenings were usually hardest for her, and it was about the time she’d be going to bed. You knew she had exerted herself more than usual today, tidying the house and gardening in the yard. She liked these domestic tasks but they took a lot out of her. 

The sound of shattering glass and a yelp sent you bolt upright onto your feet. Dashing the couple of steps to the kitchen, you found your mom on her knees. Shards from a drinking tumbler sparkled around her. You paused for a half second to determine the clearest path across the floor only to feel a tall form making contact with you from behind unexpectedly, nearly knocking you over. 

“Jeez, oh gosh, sorry, I’m so sorry,” Steve, apparently not having expected you to stop, reflexively grabbed your arm and the counter to steady himself and you. “Are you okay, Mrs. Henderson?” Warm, strong.

Your mom had slid to the floor, her back against the lower cabinets, with her eyes closed, breathing shallowly. You pulled away from Steve and gingerly stepped over to crouch by her. “Hey, mom?” She gave you a pale smile and gestured limply to the broken glass as you gently rubbed her back. “Butterfingers.” 

You smiled back, then turned to Steve, anxious to handle the situation without his participation. 

“I’ll clean this up and help mom to bed. Go back and watch with Dustin, he really wanted to spend time with you.” You silently prayed Steve would obey, despite the concern on his face. He could tell something wasn’t right. “Go on!” You knew your tone was closer to urgent when it should have been casual, but Steve slowly nodded and rejoined Dustin in the tv room.

Ignoring the sense memory of Steve’s fingers wrapped protectively around your elbow, you bent closer to your mom, seeking eye contact. “Mom? Mom? Talk to me.” 

“I…I…I can’t…I need…” Her breaths were coming quicker and quicker and sounding raspier and raspier until they transitioned into low sobs, her shoulders shaking. 

“I know, mom, I know,” you soothed, like she was a young child. “It’s been a long day. Let’s get you all cleaned up and get some rest.” 

Mom’s chest continued to heave as you slowly helped her stand up, checking her hands and knees for any cuts or stray bits of glass. That’s when you saw her palm bleeding, smearing red on her sleeve as she wrapped her arms around herself. “It’s okay, you’re okay. It’s just a little cut. I’ll get you all fixed up.” Your voice was low and slow, and you continued to rub her back, helping her over to a chair. 

“Hey, is mom…?” Dustin appeared at your side, Steve hovering a step or two behind him, both trying to step around the glass.

“Yeah, just…” you made a shoo motion at both of them. “I got it.” 

Steve found himself again in front of a show he couldn’t be bothered to understand, trying to make sense of what had unfolded in the kitchen. He knew his experience with his own mom was not…normal, but despite how different your household was to his own, this didn’t seem normal, either. His ears, nearly completely tuned out from the TV, strained to follow along as you treated and bandaged your mom’s hand, helped her take some pills, made her a cup of tea, and helped her down the hallway to bed. 

You returned, scooping up Tews from Dustin’s lap. As you carried him away, Steve could barely make out, under your breath “Come on, buddy, mama needs you…” He could hear your mother’s low, panicking sobs rising and falling and your voice soothing and shushing, until eventually all was quiet from the direction of the bedrooms. Eventually you came back to the tv room, lips pressed together in a forced neutral expression, and grabbed your coat, shutting the front door behind you. 

When the episode of Doctor Who ended, Steve and Dustin both got up and headed for the kitchen. 

“Um, where’s your broom?” Steve asked. Dustin opened the broom cupboard and handed it over, picking up a dustpan and brush for himself. They carefully cleared the glass away, examining the floor closely for any glint that could mean a hazardous shard left behind. 

“Thanks,” said Dustin, as they put the cleaning tools neatly back in position. 

“Yeah, of course.” Steve nudged Dustin casually. “Safety first, my little friend.” 

“I’m not a child.” Dustin rolled his eyes. 

“Uh huh. That’s exactly what a child would say.” Steve shook a warning finger in Dustin’s face. “You can’t fool me with your fancy sci-fi tv show knowledge. I’m the one keeping you out of trouble. In fact, you’re just like those guys in that show needing to be rescued all the time, which, yes, admit it, that makes ME Doctor Who.” 

“Oh, my GOD. Just go HOME already. Why do I even bother,” Dustin groaned. Steve smirked triumphantly, ruffled Dustin’s hair, and glanced towards the back of the house. 

“Is…is your mom…alright?” he said, his voice much quieter. 

“Oh, uh, yeah. I mean, well, yeah. You know. She’ll be totally back to normal in the morning.” 

Steve didn’t know, but Dustin seemed to feel he’d answered the question, so Steve grabbed his jacket, said goodnight and stepped out onto the porch, which is how he nearly fell over you for the second time that evening. 

“Oh, sh–jeez–uh, I’ve gotta stop doing that!” he gasped, catching his balance. 

“Sorry, didn’t mean to startle you.” You had been seated, motionless, on the step, in the warm glow of the porch light, staring out at the chilly darkness. You loved the tall, tall trees circling your house, the only things visible between you and the stars. Now, you turned expectantly to face the tall boy on your porch, waiting for him to scoot past you towards his BMW and take off. “The show is over?” 

“Yeah.” 

For some reason, Steve didn’t seem in a rush to leave. Then you remembered: his parents. What must that be like, trying to avoid your mom and dad as much as possible? You had a weird feeling that he had a good reason; he didn’t seem like your typical rebellious, angsty teen.

“Um, whatddya think?” you asked, picking at your thumbnail.

Steve gave you the same earnest look from earlier when he had complimented your lasagna. 

“Not really my thing.” 

You had to laugh. “It’s not for everybody, I guess.”

“You like it?” 

It was your turn to repay the earnesty. “Yeah…I do. I know the costumes and makeup and everything are pretty goofy, but I think it looks like the people who made the show had a lot of fun doing it. And I like how the Doctor always tries to save everybody, no matter what.” 

Steve thought about that for a moment. “Yeah, I guess I haven’t really seen other shows like that.” 

He slowly sat down alongside you on the porch step, leaving a couple of feet between you. You became deeply focused on a bundle of pine needles that had found its way into your hands, snapping them apart into smaller and smaller pieces. You’d never get tired of that scent. Its sharp tingle was a helpful distraction from the warm and boyish smell you couldn’t help but notice lingering around Steve. For a couple of minutes, the only sounds on the porch were little exhales of breath as they formed twisting clouds escaping from your lungs into the night. 

You could feel that Steve had something to say long before the words left his mouth. He struggled to shape their meaning into something you could accept. 

“I’m…sorry, about your mom,” he finally tried. 

You didn’t reply, still attentively snapping pine needles. 

He continued. “I don’t really…well, I mean, Dustin hasn’t really said much about her, to me anyway.” 

You knew why. There wasn’t an easy answer, or a short story. Mom was complicated. Usually you and your brother just pretended things were normal, or close to it. Dustin’s other friends were used to her, but you knew it had been obvious to Steve that something wasn’t right. He was looking at you with genuine concern, not just curiosity. You let the night sounds fill out a long pause before you responded, your words slow and careful.

“Dustin should just get to be a kid. I don’t want him to worry about her, or anything like that.” 

You were surprised to hear yourself open up to Steve, of all people, but even more surprised to see his eyes cloud over instantly when you said that. He looked troubled, and also just…sad. Maybe even scared?

Steve composed himself quickly, giving a forced laugh. “Man, he’s really something. I think the only thing he’s worried about is whether or not I can talk nerd shit with him.” Why did it sound like Steve was trying to comfort you?

You paused too long for another joke to feel natural, and you hadn’t thought of a joke anyway.

“Thanks for spending so much time with him. I think it’s really helping him, even if I have…no idea why you guys are even friends.” You were back to studying your broken bits of pine needles.

Steve’s laugh was heartier this time. “I...wish I could tell you.” 

You looked over at him, trying to read his expression. That was when you noticed that after you left, he must have unbuttoned his polo shirt to get comfortable while watching the tv show in the warmth of the house. Now, as he leaned forward, elbows resting on his knees, his partially bare neck and shoulder caught your eye. There was a distinctly darkish purple shadow on his skin, like the grip of a large, rough hand. 

He saw your eye flick down. Automatically, a tiny shrug shifted the fabric of his polo and jacket over the shadow, and you wondered if you’d imagined it: a trick of the porch light, or the angle of his collarbone, maybe.

For a while, you both sat, quietly observing the night.

You sometimes felt your most peaceful at night, in the dark. If mom and Dustin were both in their rooms, and the dishes–oh shit, the dishes–and other chores were all taken care of, you felt safe. Nobody could see you, nothing could touch you. It would be hours before a new task had to be done or another well-meaning neighbor could pry into your family’s business. 

Steve broke the silence with a sharp intake of breath. “Parent stuff is…hard.” He spoke out towards the trees, then glanced sideways at you, chewing his lip. 

You nodded, staring at the ground between you, his gaze burning into the side of your face. Then, screwing your courage to the sticking point, you confronted him: “What did you mean, that you keep Dustin out of trouble, that you keep rescuing him?” 

Steve looked a bit stunned. 

“I wasn’t eavesdropping, I’m sorry, you guys are just loud. Is he…doing anything? I need to know.” 

“No! Nonono, no. Gosh, no, I swear, he’s a GREAT kid. Dustin would never–I was just–I mean–”

You met Steve’s gaze, and although his pleading words sounded fake, his eyes begged you to believe him. You cut him off, mercifully.

“Dustin isn’t in any trouble? Is he keeping any secrets from me?” 

Steve shook his head vigorously at your first question and then paused a bit guiltily at your second. 

“You know, I kinda just gave him some…girl advice. And then when it didn’t work out, I gave him more advice to help…fix it. I know you guys are close, and you do a lot for him, and he really loves you, but I guess it’s not really the kind of thing you talk to your sister about. Not that I’d really know, but, uh…” Steve trailed off, his eyebrows raised high above his large brown eyes and bemused smirk. He hoped his affect was casual and believable enough to shepherd the conversation into a lighter direction. 

Dustin, looking for girl advice from Steve Harrington? This friendship made even less sense to you than it did a few minutes ago. But Steve had a point. And you wanted to believe that if Dustin trusted Steve, then you could, too. You felt warm and fuzzy thinking about how Steve let it slip that Dustin must have talked about you. It made you daring.

“Yeah, I guess not. Dustin’s lucky to be getting dating advice from King Steve.” Your eyes returned to the trees but Steve’s grimace was too obvious to be missed. 

“He’s nothing like me.” This time, when you looked over, Steve’s jaw was set firmly, his eyes darkened, and he wouldn’t look at you. “Thanks again for dinner, it was amazing. Goodnight.” 

Steve stood up and headed for his car, and as you watched him go you saw him pull a package of cigarettes and a lighter from his jacket pocket. You thought about calling out something about how he better not be letting Dustin smoke, but you thought better of it. Steve had seemed bothered by your King Steve comment and after seeing firsthand how much he cared about Dustin, you felt bad upsetting him. 

The next morning, as Dustin had predicted, your mom was calm and cheery. 

“Did you kids have a fun time with Steve?” She beamed from behind her cup of coffee, Tews curling around her feet contentedly. 

“Yep.” Dustin was scrambling to shove bread into the toaster and pour himself OJ. 

“He seems like a nice boy,” your mom prodded. 

“Mmhmm,” you offered noncommittally to your own cup of coffee. Then, unable to resist teasing: “No idea what he sees in Dustin through.”

“He recognizes charm and intellect when he sees it!” Dustin protested. 

“Maybe Dustin isn’t the only reason he came over,” your mother mused with twinkling, hopeful eyes. 

“Mom–” 

“HEY–”

Ignoring the protests of her children, she continued. “You aren’t seeing anybody and I don’t think he is either, right Dustin?” 

“You are correct, but mom, seriously–”

You cut in. “Not happening, mom.” 

“What would be so crazy about going on a date with him? You’re a beautiful girl, he’s a handsome, nice boy! You should go out and have a little fun!” 

You gritted your teeth. Sure, you’d love to have a normal teenage life. 

“She’s not gonna date Steve, mom. He’s a cool guy and everything but the last time he dated somebody, his friends got really sick and twisted about it. Remember the graffiti about Nancy last year?”

Your guts contorted in sympathy and dread at the memory, like a knot tightened with a sudden jerk. Nancy “The Slut” Wheeler. She had moved on and continued to hold her head up at school, but you were no Nancy Wheeler. If it had been you, tangling somehow with Steve and Tommy H. and Carol, you’d have either jumped into the quarry or left Hawkins for the closest nunnery. You didn’t even know the details of what had happened–it wasn’t like anybody really talked to you–but you felt pretty sure Nancy couldn’t have deserved it, especially not with the romantic reputation Steve himself had earned around school. 

Even you knew about that. Yeah, dating Steve was off the table.

[mpregforlife]

Once upon a time, in the familiar town of Eddsworld, a man named Tom found himself caught in a whirlwind of emotions after an unexpected turn of events. Tom, a lovable and eccentric character, had always been a pivotal part of the community. He was known for his quirky sense of humor and his undying loyalty to his friends.

But as fate would have it, Tom's world was about to change forever. It all started when the infamous Tord returned to town after a lengthy absence. Tord and Tom had a complicated history, filled with both friendship and strife. Yet, as Tord reentered Tom's life, old feelings that had been buried deep within Tom's heart began to resurface.

One fateful night, Tom found himself drowning his sorrows in a sea of alcohol. The weight of his emotions had become too heavy to bear, and he sought solace at the bottom of a bottle. As the world spun around him, Tom's memories became hazy, and he ultimately succumbed to the comforting darkness of slumber.

The following morning, Tom awoke with a pounding headache and a sense of disorientation. Groggily, he opened his eyes, only to be greeted by a sight that left him breathless. He wasn't in his own bed; he was lying beside none other than Tord himself, who was still peacefully asleep.

A mix of confusion, fear, and undeniable attraction coursed through Tom's veins. He couldn't comprehend how he had found himself in this situation, or what it meant for him and his feelings towards Tord. Uncertain of where to go from here, Tom decided to keep this unexpected encounter a secret, at least for the time being.

Weeks passed, and Tom's state of mind began to deteriorate. His once energetic and vibrant self was now overshadowed by constant fatigue and waves of nausea. Concerned for her brother, Tom's twin sister Melissa convinced him to seek medical help.

Reluctantly, Tom confided in his closest friends, Ben and Bianca, who happened to be skilled doctors. They performed a thorough examination, hoping to find the cause of Tom's deteriorating health. What they discovered left them all stunned beyond belief.

"Tom," Ben's voice wavered with disbelief, "you're pregnant."

The room fell silent, the weight of the revelation hanging heavy in the air. Tom's mind raced, trying to comprehend the impossible. He was carrying not just one, but two precious lives within him.

Fear and uncertainty consumed Tom as he grappled with the overwhelming reality of his situation. How could this have happened? What would he do now? Thoughts of his blossoming feelings for Tord collided with the incredible responsibility that lay before him.

As the news spread to his friends and the community, they rallied around Tom, offering support and guidance. Despite their initial shock, they knew that love and acceptance were the only paths forward. Together, they created a haven of positivity amidst the storm that raged within Tom's heart.

Throughout his journey, Tom discovered newfound strength and resilience. He faced the challenges of pregnancy head-on, embracing each moment with both fear and anticipation. Alongside his unwavering support network, he prepared himself to become the best parent he could be.

And amidst the trials and tribulations, a remarkable love story emerged. Tord, once just a figure from Tom's past, proved himself to be a pillar of unwavering love and support. He stepped up, determined to be there for Tom and their growing family. Their bond deepened with each passing day, fueled by a shared understanding and a love that defied all odds.

In the end, as the final pages of this extraordinary adventure unfolded, Tom found himself surrounded by love, joy, and a newfound sense of purpose. The unexpected twists and turns of his life had led him to a place of undeniable happiness.

And so, dear reader, as you close the book on this remarkable journey, may you be reminded that life has a way of surprising us. It is within the depths of our struggles that we often find our greatest strength. And sometimes, the most unconventional paths can lead us to a happiness beyond our wildest dreams.

For Tom and his growing family, their adventure was just beginning, filled with endless love, laughter, and the magic that comes from embracing the unexpected.

[usascripthelpersofficial]

TYPES OF HEART DISEASE

Heart disease encompasses a wide range of cardiovascular problems. Various conditions fall under the heart disease umbrella, each affecting the heart or blood vessels in distinct ways. Understanding these types can help in recognizing symptoms early and seeking appropriate treatment. This article explores the primary types of heart disease, their causes, and potential treatments.

1. Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

Overview:

Coronary Artery Disease is the most common type of heart disease. CAD occurs when the coronary arteries, responsible for supplying blood to the heart muscle, become hardened and narrowed due to the buildup of cholesterol and other materials, known as plaque, on their inner walls. This process is called atherosclerosis.

Symptoms:

Chest pain (angina)

Shortness of breath

Fatigue

Treatment:

Treatments include lifestyle changes, medication, and possibly procedures like angioplasty or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

2. Heart Arrhythmias

Overview:

Arrhythmias are irregular heartbeats. The heart can beat too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia), or irregularly. This can be due to a fault in the heart’s electrical system.

Symptoms:

Palpitations

Dizziness

Fainting

Treatment:

Treatment might involve medications, lifestyle adjustments, and in some cases, implantable devices like pacemakers or procedures like catheter ablation.

3. Heart Valve Disease

Overview:

The heart contains four valves: the tricuspid, pulmonary, mitral, and aortic valves. These valves open and close to direct blood flow through the heart. Valve disease occurs when one or more of these valves do not function properly.

Symptoms:

Fatigue

Swollen ankles or feet

Shortness of breath

Treatment:

Treatment may include medication, surgical repair, or valve replacement depending on the severity and specific type of valve disease.

4. Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)

Overview:

Heart failure, sometimes known as congestive heart failure, occurs when the heart can’t pump blood as well as it should. This can result from any condition that damages the heart muscle, including CAD, high blood pressure, and heart valve disease.

Symptoms:

Shortness of breath

Persistent coughing or wheezing

Swelling in legs, ankles, and feet

Treatment:

Managing heart failure involves a combination of lifestyle changes, medications, and possibly surgery or devices like ventricular assist devices (VADs) or implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs).

5. Cardiomyopathy

Overview:

Cardiomyopathy refers to diseases of the heart muscle. These diseases enlarge or make the heart muscle rigid and more prone to arrhythmias.

Symptoms:

Breathlessness

Swelling of the legs

Fatigue

Treatment:

Treatment focuses on controlling symptoms and may include medications, lifestyle modifications, or devices to help the heart pump more effectively.

6. Congenital Heart Defects

Overview:

Congenital heart defects are structural problems with the heart present from birth. They can involve the walls of the heart, the valves of the heart, and the arteries and veins near the heart.

Symptoms:

Symptoms vary widely and can include cyanosis (a bluish tint to the skin, lips, and fingernails), breathing difficulties, and fatigue.

Treatment:

Treatment depends on the type and severity of the defect and may involve medication, catheter procedures, or surgery.

Conclusion

Heart disease is a broad term that covers various conditions affecting the heart’s structure and function. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of these different types can lead to early diagnosis and treatment, significantly improving quality of life and outcomes for those affected. Regular check-ups and conversations with healthcare providers about heart health can help individuals understand their risks and take proactive steps towards heart disease prevention.

[renewhealthcenters]

How to Recognize the Warning Signs of a Heart Attack

A heart attack can strike without warning, but in many cases, the body sends distress signals long before a life-threatening event occurs. Recognizing these warning signs early can mean the difference between life and death. Understanding the symptoms, risk factors, and the immediate steps to take can help protect you and your loved ones.

Common Warning Signs of a Heart Attack

Chest Pain or Discomfort This is the most well-known symptom. It may feel like pressure, squeezing, or pain in the center of your chest. The discomfort can last for more than a few minutes or come and go.

Shortness of Breath Breathlessness can occur with or without chest discomfort. It may feel like you can’t catch your breath even when resting.

Pain in Other Areas of the Body Heart attack pain isn’t limited to the chest. It can radiate to the arms (especially the left arm), back, neck, jaw, or stomach.

Cold Sweats and Dizziness Sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, or breaking into a cold sweat can indicate reduced blood flow to the brain due to a heart attack.

Fatigue and Weakness Unusual exhaustion, especially in women, can signal heart trouble days or weeks before an actual attack.

Nausea or Vomiting Some people experience flu-like symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain before a heart attack.

Who Is at Risk for a Heart Attack?

Anyone can have a heart attack, but certain risk factors increase the chances. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, smoking, excessive stress, and a sedentary lifestyle all contribute to cardiovascular disease. Heart disease in San Antonio, TX is a growing concern, and recognizing early symptoms is crucial for prevention.

What to Do If You Experience Symptoms

If you suspect a heart attack, take these steps immediately:

Call 911 or emergency services.

Chew an aspirin if advised by a doctor.

Stay calm and try to rest while waiting for help.

Avoid driving yourself to the hospital.

Prevention Strategies for Heart Health

Taking proactive measures can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease. Adopting a healthy diet, regular exercise, managing stress, and getting regular check-ups are key. Understanding heart disease and its impact can empower individuals to make healthier choices.

The Role of Lifestyle Changes

Switching to a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can make a difference. Additionally, maintaining an active lifestyle and managing conditions like high blood pressure are vital for long-term heart health. Recognizing heart attack symptoms early is essential in preventing fatal outcomes.

Recognizing the Less Common Symptoms

Some heart attacks present with subtle symptoms, which can be easy to overlook. Learning about hidden signs of heart disease can ensure that no warning signs go unnoticed.

Why Regular Check-Ups Matter

Routine medical check-ups help detect heart disease before it leads to an emergency. Doctors can monitor cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and overall heart function to assess risk. Seeking expert advice on heart health can provide peace of mind and early intervention strategies.

Conclusion

Heart attacks can be life-threatening, but they are often preventable with awareness and timely action. Understanding the warning signs of a heart attack and taking proactive steps can save lives. If you or a loved one experience symptoms, seek immediate medical help. Staying informed about heart health can lead to a longer and healthier life.

Read more: Warning signs of heart attack

[thehealthfirstcenter]

The Best Pulmonologist in Delhi - Dr. Sanchayan Roy

When it comes to finding the Best Pulmonologist in Delhi, one name that stands out is Dr. Sanchayan Roy. With years of unparalleled expertise and dedication, Dr. Roy has established himself as a leading figure in respiratory medicine. Whether you’re dealing with chronic lung conditions, allergies, or critical respiratory illnesses, Dr. Roy offers patient-centric care that makes him a top choice for those seeking specialized treatment in Delhi.

Why Choose Dr. Sanchayan Roy?

Dr. Sanchayan Roy is known for his vast knowledge and compassionate approach to patient care. His practice is grounded in evidence-based medicine, and he consistently stays updated on the latest advancements in pulmonology. Here are a few reasons why he is widely regarded as the best pulmonologist in Delhi:

Extensive Experience: With over a decade of clinical experience, Dr. Roy has treated thousands of patients with diverse respiratory conditions.

Specialized Expertise: His areas of specialization include asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), interstitial lung diseases, tuberculosis, and sleep disorders.

State-of-the-Art Facility: Dr. Roy’s clinic is equipped with the latest diagnostic tools and technology to provide accurate diagnoses and effective treatments.

Patient-Centric Care: Dr. Roy prioritizes patient comfort and provides personalized treatment plans tailored to individual needs.

Also Know about the Best Internal Medicine Doctor in Delhi - Dr. Sanchayan Roy

Comprehensive Care for Respiratory Disorders

Asthma Management

Asthma can significantly impact your quality of life. Dr. Sanchayan Roy specializes in diagnosing and managing asthma with cutting-edge treatments. By creating personalized action plans, he helps patients reduce symptoms, prevent attacks, and live healthier lives. His approach makes him a top choice for asthma care and solidifies his reputation as the best Asthma Specialist.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

COPD is a progressive condition that requires expert management. Dr. Roy offers comprehensive care for COPD patients, including advanced pulmonary function tests, lifestyle guidance, and medication regimens to manage symptoms effectively. His expertise ensures better outcomes for those living with this challenging disease.

Tuberculosis Treatment

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant health concern in India. Dr. Roy’s extensive knowledge of TB ensures timely diagnosis and effective treatment. He adheres to national and international protocols to provide optimal care for TB patients, ensuring quick recovery and minimizing complications.

Sleep Disorders

Sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea, can lead to severe health issues if untreated. Dr. Roy conducts sleep studies to diagnose these conditions and provides effective solutions like CPAP therapy, lifestyle changes, and other interventions to improve sleep quality.

Allergy Testing and Treatment

Respiratory allergies can trigger various symptoms, including coughing, wheezing, and breathlessness. Dr. Roy offers advanced allergy testing and tailored treatments to address specific triggers, helping patients regain control over their lives.

Cutting-Edge Diagnostic Services

Dr. Sanchayan Roy’s clinic is equipped with advanced diagnostic tools to ensure accurate identification of respiratory issues. Services include:

Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs): Essential for diagnosing conditions like asthma and COPD.

Chest X-Rays and CT Scans: High-resolution imaging for detailed lung assessment.

Bronchoscopy: A minimally invasive procedure to evaluate airway conditions.

Allergy Tests: To identify and manage triggers causing respiratory symptoms.

These state-of-the-art diagnostic capabilities further reinforce his position as the best pulmonologist in Delhi.

Convenient Location and Accessibility

Dr. Sanchayan Roy’s clinic is conveniently located in the heart of Delhi, making it accessible to patients from across the city. With flexible appointment scheduling and an efficient support staff, seeking consultation has never been easier.

Tips for Choosing the Best Pulmonologist in Delhi

Check Credentials: Ensure the doctor is certified and has relevant experience in pulmonology.

Read Reviews: Patient testimonials can provide valuable insights into the quality of care.

Consider Specializations: Look for expertise in the specific respiratory condition you need help with.

Visit the Facility: A well-equipped clinic reflects the doctor’s commitment to high-quality care.

By all these measures, Dr. Sanchayan Roy ticks every box, making him the ideal choice for those in need of respiratory care.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

If you or a loved one is facing respiratory challenges, don’t wait. Book an appointment with Dr. Sanchayan Roy, the best pulmonologist in Delhi, and experience world-class care tailored to your needs. His commitment to improving respiratory health is unmatched, and his track record speaks for itself.

Get more information:

Name: Dr. Sanchayan Roy

Phone No.: 7838384440

Address: B - 404, Lower Ground Floor, Market No 1, Bipin Chandra Pal Marg, next to Bangiya Samaj close to, Block B, Chittaranjan Park, New Delhi - 110019

Website: https://healthfirstcenter.in/

Direction: https://maps.app.goo.gl/VW7PqGovVpt8yRJEA

[amrutha74123]

Top Coronary Angioplasty Doctors in Bilaspur

When it comes to heart health, timely and expert care can make all the difference. For those seeking specialized treatment for blocked arteries, finding the best doctors for coronary angioplasty in Bilaspur is a top priority. Coronary angioplasty is a life-saving procedure that requires skill, precision, and experience, making it crucial to consult an angioplasty specialist in Bilaspur for optimal outcomes.

What is Coronary Angioplasty?

Coronary angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure designed to restore blood flow to the heart. It is commonly performed to treat conditions like coronary artery disease (CAD), where plaque buildup narrows or blocks the arteries, restricting blood flow.

During the procedure, an angioplasty specialist inserts a thin catheter with a balloon at the tip into the blocked artery. The balloon is inflated to widen the artery, and in most cases, a stent is placed to keep it open. This helps reduce chest pain (angina) and prevents heart attacks, improving the patient’s overall quality of life.

Why You Need an Angioplasty Specialist in Bilaspur

Bilaspur is emerging as a hub for advanced medical care, offering access to skilled angioplasty specialists who are experienced in diagnosing and treating heart conditions. Here’s why you should choose an angioplasty specialist in Bilaspur:

Expertise in Cardiovascular Procedures: Specialists in the region are trained to handle complex heart conditions, ensuring precise and safe angioplasty procedures.

State-of-the-Art Facilities: Bilaspur is home to modern healthcare facilities equipped with advanced technology for accurate diagnostics and minimally invasive treatments.

Personalized Care: Angioplasty specialists in Bilaspur focus on providing tailored care plans based on individual patient needs.

How to Choose the Best Doctors for Coronary Angioplasty in Bilaspur

Selecting the right doctor for coronary angioplasty is a critical decision. Here are some factors to consider:

Qualifications and Experience: Look for doctors with specialized training in interventional cardiology and a proven track record in performing successful angioplasty procedures.

Patient Reviews: Check testimonials and reviews to understand the experiences of other patients. Positive feedback can give you confidence in your choice.

Advanced Techniques: Ensure the doctor is adept at using the latest techniques and technologies for coronary angioplasty.

Post-Procedure Care: The best doctors for coronary angioplasty in Bilaspur emphasize follow-up care, which is essential for long-term recovery and heart health.

Benefits of Coronary Angioplasty

Opting for coronary angioplasty offers numerous advantages:

Minimally Invasive: Unlike open-heart surgery, angioplasty is a less invasive procedure with quicker recovery times.

Immediate Relief: Patients often experience significant relief from chest pain and breathlessness soon after the procedure.

Reduced Risk of Heart Attack: By restoring blood flow, angioplasty significantly lowers the risk of future heart attacks.

Improved Quality of Life: The procedure enables patients to lead an active, healthier lifestyle post-treatment.

Preparing for Coronary Angioplasty

If you’ve been advised to undergo coronary angioplasty, here are some steps to prepare:

Discuss your medical history and current medications with your doctor.

Follow any pre-procedure instructions, such as fasting or adjusting medication.

Arrange for post-procedure care and support during your recovery period.

Post-Procedure Tips

After your angioplasty, maintaining heart health is crucial. Here’s how:

Follow-Up Visits: Regular check-ups with your angioplasty specialist are essential to monitor recovery.

Adopt a Heart-Healthy Lifestyle: Include a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management in your routine.

Take Medications as Prescribed: Ensure you follow your doctor’s recommendations regarding medications and lifestyle changes.

Conclusion

Finding the best doctors for coronary angioplasty in Bilaspur can ensure you receive the highest quality care for your heart. Whether you’re dealing with coronary artery disease or seeking preventive treatment, consulting an experienced angioplasty specialist in Bilaspur is the first step toward a healthier, more active life.

Your heart deserves the best care, so take the time to research and choose the right specialist. With expert treatment and a commitment to heart health, you can look forward to a brighter, healthier future.

[drgyana]

How Alcohol Consumption Affects Your Heart Over Time

Alcohol is often part of social gatherings, celebrations, or even relaxation routines. While moderate drinking is sometimes deemed acceptable, excessive alcohol consumption can significantly impact your heart health. Understanding these effects is essential to make informed choices for a healthier lifestyle.

Short-Term Effects of Alcohol on the Heart

When consumed, alcohol affects your heart almost immediately. Even occasional drinking can lead to:

Increased Heart Rate: Alcohol stimulates your nervous system, causing a temporary rise in heart rate.

Irregular Heartbeats: Known as atrial fibrillation or arrhythmias, these can occur after heavy drinking, even in younger individuals.

High Blood Pressure: Alcohol can spike your blood pressure, putting undue stress on your heart.

While these effects may seem minor if occasional, repeated exposure can set the stage for long-term complications.

How Alcohol Impacts the Heart Over Time

Regular or excessive alcohol consumption over months or years can lead to more severe issues:

Cardiomyopathy: Chronic drinking weakens the heart muscle, reducing its ability to pump blood effectively. This condition, called alcoholic cardiomyopathy, can cause fatigue, breathlessness, and swelling in the limbs.

Hypertension: Prolonged alcohol use contributes to sustained high blood pressure, which is a leading cause of heart disease.

Heart Failure: Persistent stress on the heart from drinking can eventually lead to heart failure, where the heart struggles to meet the body’s needs.

Increased Risk of Heart Attacks and Stroke: Alcohol elevates the levels of harmful fats like triglycerides, increasing the risk of plaque buildup in arteries, which can lead to heart attacks or strokes.

The Role of Moderation

While heavy drinking poses clear risks, the conversation around moderate alcohol use is more complex. Studies suggest that moderate alcohol consumption—one drink per day for women and up to two for men—might have certain cardiovascular benefits, such as raising good cholesterol (HDL). However, these potential benefits do not outweigh the risks for many people.

For individuals with preexisting conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of heart disease, even small amounts of alcohol can be harmful. Consulting with a heart specialist is crucial to understanding how alcohol affects your specific health needs.

Can You Reverse the Damage?

If you’ve been a heavy drinker, it’s not too late to protect your heart. By reducing or eliminating alcohol intake, you can slow the progression of heart damage and, in some cases, improve your heart’s condition.

Here are steps you can take:

Cut Back Gradually: If quitting altogether feels overwhelming, start by reducing the frequency and quantity of your drinking.

Adopt a Heart-Healthy Diet: Incorporate foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, whole grains, and vegetables to support your heart.

Regular Exercise: Physical activity strengthens the heart and helps maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Seek Medical Advice: Consulting the best cardiologist in Bhubaneswar, like Dr. Gyana Ranjan Nayak, can provide tailored guidance on managing your heart health effectively.

Alcohol and Other Heart Risk Factors

Alcohol doesn’t work in isolation; it often exacerbates other risk factors for heart disease. For instance:

If you smoke and drink, your risk of heart disease multiplies significantly.

Drinking can lead to weight gain, which increases the likelihood of developing diabetes—a condition closely linked to heart problems.

Excessive alcohol use can worsen mental health issues, leading to stress, anxiety, and depression, which indirectly impact heart health.

The Importance of Regular Check-Ups

Preventing heart disease is always better than managing it later. If you drink regularly, even within limits, it’s essential to get routine check-ups. Early detection of issues like high blood pressure or abnormal cholesterol levels can help in taking preventive measures.

For residents in Bhubaneswar, consulting the best cardiologist Bhubaneswar has to offer can make a difference in maintaining heart health. Expert advice and a personalized approach can help you understand your risks and take corrective actions.

Final Thoughts

Alcohol’s impact on your heart can range from short-term irregularities to severe, life-threatening conditions over time. The choice to drink should always be made with awareness of its potential effects on your health. If you’re concerned about your drinking habits or want to ensure your heart stays in top condition, take proactive steps today. Small changes, like cutting back on alcohol and seeking expert advice, can pave the way for a healthier, longer life.For expert heart care and advice, visit Dr. Gyana Ranjan Nayak’s website: https://drgyana.com.

[krystletan]

The Importance of Cardiac Screening: Early Detection Saves Lives

One of the common diseases is heart disease. Despite medical advancements, many heart conditions go undetected until they lead to severe complications such as heart attacks or strokes. This is where cardiac screening plays a vital role. By identifying potential heart issues early on, cardiac screening enables individuals to take preventive measures and seek timely treatment. In this article, we explore the importance of cardiac screening and how early detection can save lives.

Early Detection Prevents Serious Complications

One of the most crucial benefits of cardiac screening is the ability to detect heart conditions early, long before symptoms become apparent. Many heart diseases, including coronary artery disease, develop silently. By the time symptoms like chest pain or breathlessness occur, significant damage may have already been done.

Through early detection, a heart specialist in Singapore can identify risk factors and potential issues, such as blocked arteries or irregular heart rhythms. Interventions like lifestyle changes, medications, or procedures can then be introduced to prevent serious complications, including heart attacks.

The Role of Advanced Technology in Cardiac Screening

Advances in medical technology have significantly enhanced the accuracy and effectiveness of cardiac screening. One such advancement is the CT coronary angiogram, a non-invasive test that uses CT scans to examine the coronary arteries. This test allows doctors to detect blockages and assess the risk of heart attacks without the need for invasive procedures like traditional angiograms.

The use of advanced technology like this ensures that doctors can diagnose and treat heart conditions at an early stage, reducing the need for more complex interventions later. Additionally, non-invasive tests like these are safer and more comfortable for patients, making it easier for individuals to prioritise heart health.

Identifying Hidden Risk Factors

Many people are unaware of the underlying risk factors that could lead to heart disease. Factors such as high cholesterol, elevated blood pressure, and diabetes can contribute to the development of heart conditions, but they often go unnoticed without regular screening. Cardiac screening provides insight into these hidden risk factors, allowing for early intervention.

A simple blood test as part of a heart screening can reveal cholesterol levels, while an ECG can detect abnormal heart rhythms. With this information, a heart doctor in Singapore can guide you on making necessary lifestyle changes or starting preventive treatment, reducing your risk of future heart problems.

Reducing the Need for Emergency Care

Emergency heart procedures are often required when a condition goes unnoticed or untreated for too long. In such cases, patients may need life-saving interventions such as bypass surgery or emergency angioplasty. Cardiac screening helps prevent these scenarios by catching issues before they become emergencies.

Regular screening can significantly reduce the likelihood of needing urgent heart procedures. For example, if a heart specialist in Singapore identifies narrowing arteries during a screening, they may recommend a stent or medication to improve blood flow and reduce the risk of a heart attack, thereby avoiding the need for emergency care.

Tailored Screening for Individual Risk Factors

Cardiac screening isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Each person has a unique set of risk factors, including age, family history, lifestyle, and pre-existing conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes. Consulting with a heart doctor in Singapore ensures that the screening is customised to your specific needs.

For example, someone with a family history of heart disease may require more frequent and comprehensive screenings, including advanced tests like a CT coronary angiogram. This imaging test provides detailed pictures of the arteries, helping doctors detect blockages or abnormalities that could lead to heart disease.

Motivating Patients To Look After Themselves

Cardiac screening not only detects potential issues but also empowers individuals to take control of their heart health. With the guidance of a heart doctor in Singapore, patients can make informed decisions about their lifestyle, diet, and treatment options based on their screening results.

Whether it’s quitting smoking, reducing cholesterol levels, or managing weight, the knowledge gained from cardiac screening encourages proactive health management. This can lead to long-term benefits, improving both quality of life and life expectancy.

Cardiac screening is an essential tool in the early detection and prevention of heart disease. By identifying risk factors and heart conditions at an early stage, individuals can take the necessary steps to prevent serious complications such as heart attacks. 

With the help of advanced technology like CT coronary angiograms, heart specialists can provide detailed insights into your heart health and guide you toward better care and preventive measures. Prioritising regular cardiac screening is not just about avoiding emergencies—it’s about taking charge of your health and ensuring a longer, healthier life.

For more information about cardiac screening solutions, contact Leslie Tay today.

Read more: https://ezine-articles.com/the-importance-of-cardiac-screening-early-detection-saves-lives/

[nimbanaturecure]

7 Things Everyone Should Know About Pulmonary Fibrosis

Pulmonary fibrosis is a continuous worsening of the lung tissue and its structure making it difficult for oxygen to be absorbed by the blood. This illness may limit a person’s breathing capability and greatly affect his/her daily living. Knowledge of pulmonary fibrosis is important whether for prevention, detection and diagnosis or living with the disease. Here are seven crucial facts that everyone should learn when it comes to pulmonary fibrosis and how natural therapies, as offered at Nimba Nature Cure, can provide a great addition to traditional pulmonary fibrosis therapy to enhance lung wellbeing.

1. What Is Pulmonary Fibrosis?

Pulmonary fibrosis is a form of respiratory disease in which tissue in the lungs gets stiff and thickened due to scarring. This scarring (or “fibrosis”) injures the lung tissue and the lungs cannot expand as they should to fill with oxygen. It only gets worse with time and people who have the disease will start experiencing breathlessness and fatigue and their endurance level of physical activity will reduce. It is always important to note new symptoms especially cough and breathlessness and seek medical help in case of the symptoms crop up.

2. Common Symptoms of Pulmonary Fibrosis

Symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis can vary depending on the individual and disease progression, but the most common symptoms include:

Shortness of breath, especially during exercise

Persistent dry cough

Fatigue

Unexplained weight loss

Aching muscles and joints

Clubbing of fingers and toes (a condition where fingers become rounded and swollen)

While these symptoms may resemble other respiratory conditions, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional if these symptoms persist or worsen.

3. Causes and Risk Factors

Pulmonary fibrosis can be caused by various factors, although in many cases, the exact cause remains unknown. The condition may result from:

Environmental factors: Exposure to pollutants, dust, and chemicals

Infections: Certain viral and bacterial infections

Medications: Certain chemotherapy drugs and heart medications

Autoimmune diseases: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus can cause lung scarring

Genetic predisposition: Family history of pulmonary fibrosis may increase risk

These risk factors may increase the likelihood of developing pulmonary fibrosis, but natural therapies and lifestyle adjustments, as provided at centres like Nimba Nature Cure, can help manage symptoms and improve lung function.

4. Pulmonary Fibrosis Treatment Options

There is currently no cure for pulmonary fibrosis, but treatments can slow progression, reduce symptoms, and improve quality of life. Treatment options generally include:

Medications: Anti-fibrotic medications can help slow disease progression.

Oxygen Therapy: Oxygen supplementation helps those with low blood oxygen levels.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation: Exercises and breathing techniques to improve lung function.

Natural Therapies: Complementary treatments at Nimba Nature Cure, including yoga, Ayurveda, and naturopathy, may assist in managing pulmonary fibrosis by improving overall lung capacity, enhancing relaxation, and reducing stress on the respiratory system.

A holistic approach that combines both conventional and natural therapies may offer the most effective results.

5. Role of Diet and Lifestyle in Managing Pulmonary Fibrosis

Diet and lifestyle interventions are also critical aspects of treatment of pulmonary fibrosis. Because the illness results in symptoms including fatigue and weight loss, taking nutrient-dense, non-inflammatory foods, lean proteins, and lots of fruits and vegetables will assist with maintaining one’s weight, fighting off the disease’s fatigue, and decreasing inflammation levels.

Such habits like exercising, deep breathing, breathing exercises, and pranayama the science of breathing can also complement the lungs and endurance. Nimba Nature Cure has packaged lifestyle modification programs such as diet, physiotherapy and yoga for respiratory disorders clients.

6. Advantages of Naturopathy and Ayurveda in Treatment of Pulmonary Fibrosis

Naturopathy and Ayurveda try to heal the body with natural treatments that will help it regain its ability to self-heal, which is useful for pulmonary fibrosis treatment. Natural therapies like those offered at Nimba Nature Cure include:

Herbal Remedies: Ayurvedic herbs include spinach, the European green crab, and the black ganoid flatfish, whereas anti-inflammatory Ayurvedic herbs like turmeric and ginger can help the lungs.

Yoga and Breathing Techniques: Exercises like yoga and pranayama help increase the lung capacity and duration of breath and at the same time help to unwind.

Detox Therapies: Panchakarma in Ayurveda is a detox treatment that removes toxins that tend to trigger inflammation in the body.

Hydrotherapy: This therapy involves use of water whereby water increases blood circulation and decreases muscular fatigue this being helpful to patients with pulmonary fibrosis.

As in any other health care facility, the treatments that are offered at Nimba Nature Cure focus on the individual health needs of every patient thus resulting in more natural and effective treatments other than symptomatic treatments.

7. The Importance of Early Detection and Ongoing Support

This is especially possible when the development of the illness can be diagnosed at a very early stage. Patients with type 2 diabetes can basically reduce the symptoms and progression of the disease through modifying their lifestyle or getting the right medication on time. Nevertheless, pulmonary fibrosis commonly goes unnoticed early because its symptoms are similar to those of other diseases of the respiratory system.

The regular examination, breathing check ups and being observant of any signs are among the ways of early diagnosis. After being diagnosed, the patients should adhere to their doctor’s prescriptions and follow up with required medical and wellness care attention from centres such as the Nimba Nature Cure where this condition is more manageable and significantly enhances the quality of life of the affected persons.

Why Nimba Nature Cure is the Perfect Wellness Companion for Pulmonary Fibrosis Support

Nimba Nature Cure has a holistic approach to treating pulmonary fibrosis by using all natural treatments and, consulting with specialists to help support, strengthen, and prevent further damage to the lungs. For their wellness programs they tailor services and product to cater to chronic respiratory patients, services offered include; Yoga, Ayurveda, naturopathy, dietary counselling. People who seek for additional treatment alongside the typical treatments can seek help from Nimba’s natural treatments to support both the body and mind.

Living with pulmonary fibrosis can be challenging, but a combination of medical treatments, lifestyle modifications, and natural therapies can significantly improve quality of life. By understanding the disease, making informed choices, and seeking holistic support from centres like Nimba Nature Cure, individuals with pulmonary fibrosis can better manage symptoms, maintain lung health, and enhance overall wellness. Early detection and proactive care are vital, so if you or a loved one experience any symptoms, consult with a healthcare provider promptly.

Read More:- 7 Things Everyone Should Know About Pulmonary Fibrosis.

[devendratrivedi]

Air pollution:- How to care of your health due ton increasing air pollution in Delhi NCR;-

The deteriorating air quality in Delhi-NCR is a growing concern for millions of residents. Prolonged exposure to high levels of pollution can lead to respiratory issues, cardiovascular problems, weakened immunity, and even long-term chronic diseases. While addressing the root causes of air pollution is crucial, individuals must take proactive steps to protect their health. Here are practical tips to safeguard yourself from the harmful effects of air pollution.

1. Monitor Air Quality Regularly

Before stepping outside, check the Air Quality Index (AQI) using apps or government portals.

Action Tip: Limit outdoor activities when the AQI is “Very Poor” or “Severe.”

Tech Tools: Use apps like AirVisual or SAFAR to stay updated on pollution levels.

2. Use Masks and Respirators

Wearing a high-quality mask can significantly reduce your exposure to harmful particles.

Recommended Masks: Invest in N95 or N99 masks that filter out fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10).

THIS IS RIGHT TECHNIC TO WEARING MASK

Proper Usage: Ensure the mask fits snugly around your nose and mouth without gaps.

3. Limit Outdoor Activities

Avoid spending time outdoors, especially during peak pollution hours (early mornings and late evenings).

Alternatives: Opt for indoor exercises or home workouts instead of jogging or cycling outside.

Critical Days: Stay indoors when AQI levels are at their worst, often after Diwali or during stubble-burning seasons.

4. Purify Your Indoor Air

Indoor air is not immune to pollution, but you can take steps to improve it.

Air Purifiers: Use HEPA-filter air purifiers for your home or office to remove harmful pollutants.

Green Plants: Add indoor plants like Areca Palm, Spider Plant, or Peace Lily to help improve air quality.

Ventilation: Avoid opening windows during high pollution hours; use exhaust fans to circulate air instead.

5. Stay Hydrated and Maintain a Healthy Diet

A well-balanced diet and hydration can boost your body’s natural defenses against pollutants.

Antioxidant-Rich Foods: Include fruits like oranges, guavas, and berries, and vegetables like spinach and broccoli to combat oxidative stress.

Healthy Fats: Incorporate foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, such as walnuts and flaxseeds, to reduce inflammation.

Hydration: Drink plenty of water to help flush out toxins. Herbal teas with tulsi or ginger can also soothe respiratory systems.

6. Practice Breathing Exercises

Strengthening your lungs is essential for combating the effects of polluted air.

Pranayama: Practice deep breathing exercises like Anulom Vilom or Kapalbhati in a clean indoor environment.

Avoid Outdoors: Never practice deep breathing exercises outdoors when air quality is poor, as it can increase pollutant intake.

7. Avoid Smoking and Pollutants Indoors

Additional pollutants indoors can exacerbate health issues caused by external air pollution.

No Smoking: Avoid smoking indoors or in poorly ventilated spaces.

Limit Incense and Candles: These can release fine particles and chemicals that worsen indoor air quality.

8. Boost Immunity with Supplements

If you’re prone to allergies or respiratory problems, consider immunity-boosting supplements.

Vitamin C: Helps reduce the harmful effects of air pollution on your lungs.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: May lower inflammation caused by pollutants.

Consult a Doctor: Before taking supplements, consult a healthcare professional for proper guidance.

9. Seek Medical Attention When Needed

If you experience persistent symptoms like coughing, wheezing, or breathlessness, consult a doctor immediately.

Common Symptoms to Watch For: Irritated eyes, sore throat, or chest tightness.

Prevention is Key: Regular health check-ups can help identify any early signs of pollution-related illnesses.

10. Advocate for Cleaner Air

While individual actions are important, collective efforts can bring about systemic change.

Community Action: Participate in local clean air campaigns or tree-planting drives.

Reduce Your Carbon Footprint: Use public transport, carpool, or cycle whenever possible to contribute to reducing overall emissions.

Conclusion

The increasing air pollution in Delhi-NCR requires everyone to be vigilant about their health and lifestyle. By taking small but consistent steps, such as using masks, monitoring AQI, and maintaining a healthy diet, you can protect yourself and your family from the harmful effects of poor air quality. While individual actions are vital, it is equally important to advocate for policy changes and sustainable solutions that address the root causes of air pollution. Together, we can work toward a future where clean air is not a luxury but a basic right for all.

[lungsrlife]

COPD Chronicles: Breathing Through the Haze

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD, may sound daunting, but understanding it is the first step toward managing it effectively. This common yet serious condition impacts the lungs and breathing, affecting millions globally.

Dr. Prashant Saxena is Senior Director & Head Pulmonology, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine Fortis Hospital, Vasant Kunj, Delhi and Fortis Hospital, Gurugram. He underwent Fellowship training in Westmead & Liverpool Hospitals, Sydney, Australia. He is an expert in the field of Interventional Pulmonology & Critical Care. 

What is COPD?

COPD is an umbrella term for chronic lung diseases, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis. It gradually limits airflow, making breathing harder over time. The condition is often linked to smoking, air pollution, or long-term exposure to lung irritants.

Spotting the Symptoms

COPD develops slowly, and symptoms might go unnoticed at first. Key signs include:

Persistent coughing, often with mucus.

Shortness of breath, especially during physical activities.

Wheezing or a tight feeling in the chest.

If these symptoms persist, it’s crucial to seek medical advice early.

Living Better with COPD

Quit Smoking: Smoking is the leading cause of COPD. Quitting can slow disease progression and improve lung function.

Follow Your Treatment Plan: Medications like inhalers can ease symptoms and prevent flare-ups.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation: These programs combine exercise, education, and support to improve your quality of life.

Breathing Tips for a Healthier Life

Simple lifestyle changes can make a big difference. Stay active within your limits, practice breathing exercises, and eat a nutritious diet to maintain energy. Avoid lung irritants, like smoke and strong fumes, to keep symptoms in check.

When to Seek Help

Severe symptoms, like extreme breathlessness or chest pain, require immediate medical attention.

COPD is a journey, but it doesn’t have to define your life. With knowledge, support, and proactive care, you can navigate through the haze and breathe a little easier every day.

[drranjitjagtaap]

How to Monitor Your Heart Health at Home?

Monitoring of Heart Health at Home: Everything You Need to Know to Stay Safe from Deadly Cardiac Diseases

Cardiovascular diseases are one of the leading health concerns worldwide. Scheduling regular doctor visits is important, but having a proper home care system to monitor your heart health can prove to be enlightening, as you will be empowered to take proactive measures on a regular basis. Keep track of your heart at home using various monitoring techniques to know early so that you can seek medical attention if something serious happens. The Ram Mangal Heart Foundation, led by the eminent Dr. Ranjit Jagtap a Best Cardiologist in Pune, is highly informative and educational about home heart monitoring.

Home Monitor Your Heart: A Quick View to a Complete Guide.

1. Be aware of your family history

Genetic Predisposition: Knowing your family history towards heart disease would help know your risk factor.

Early Detection: If your case of heart disease is in your family, the earlier you get screened.

2. Follow Up on Your Blood Pressure

Home Blood Pressure Monitor: Invest in a reliable home blood pressure monitor.

Regular Measurements: Take your readings at approximately the same time every day for best results when taken in the morning.

Record Keeping: Keep a journal of any changes that you experience and be able to share this with your doctor .

3. Healthy Living Lifestyle

Eating: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

Exercise: Do moderate physical activity for at least 30 minutes most days of the week

Maintain a healthy weight which serves to reduce pressure on your heart

Quit smoking; avoid excessive alcohol intake

4. Monitor Your Heart Rate

Smartwatches or Fitness Trackers: The devices can take your heartbeat recording over 24 hours.

Follow-up Visits: Pay attention to any changes or abnormalities

Resting Heart Rate: A normal resting heart rate usually falls between the limits of 60-100 beats per minute.

5. Watch out for Symptoms

Chest Pain or Tightness: If you experience chest pain or tightness, report it promptly.

Breathlessness: If breathlessness occurs especially when one is exerting, this is a symptom of heart problems.

Irregular Heartbeat: Palpitations that are apparent or skipped beats need to be reported to a doctor.

Swelling: Swelling of the legs or ankles could imply heart failure.

6. Leverage Home Health Tests

Over-the-Counter ECG Devices: These can possibly detect rhythm irregularities of the heart.

Speak with a Doctor: Consult your health provider on home health tests, especially before buying any equipment.

Dr. Ranjit Jagtap’s Tips

Check-ups: Do not matter whether you monitor at home or not; regular visits to the doctor are essential for complete assessment and advice.

Know Your Risk Factors: Become aware of your family history, lifestyle patterns, and hidden diseases of the body that can affect your heart.

Pay Attention to Symptoms: If you have chest pain, shortness of breath, or an irregular heartbeat, seek immediate medical care.

Stay Informed: Educate yourself about heart disease and preventive measures available, as well as the latest advancement in treatment techniques.

With home monitoring and a word of caution from experts, such as the Ram Mangal Heart Foundation and Dr. Ranjit Jagtap, you will be taking proactive steps toward the protection and preservation of your heart health. Early detection and prevention will ensure you a healthier and longer life for sure.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I monitor my blood pressure at home?

Take your blood pressure twice a week, if possible, first thing in the morning before taking any medications.

What is considered a normal resting heart rate?

A normal resting heart rate usually falls between 60 to 100 beats per minute. However, it varies with a number of factors such as age, fitness level, and medications.

Can home monitoring replace my regular doctor visits?

It may be suitable for home monitoring, but it definitely cannot be a substitute for actual check-ups with your health care provider. Only a doctor can give the proper assessment and personalized advice.

Is it risky to use home monitoring devices?

Home monitoring devices are usually safe. However, you have to follow the manufacturer’s instructions, especially if something strange was noted. End.

What do I do if my heart health changes? 

Actual signs and symptoms with some irregular heart rhythms and variations in blood pressure may take you directly to a visit with your healthcare provider.

Remember that home monitoring can be helpful, but this is likely to be improved by a medical review and individual recommendation with best heart specialist doctor in Pune. Monitoring your heart health can reduce the risks of having heart disease and allow for you to live a healthier lifestyle.

By incorporating home monitoring into your routine, along with listening to the experts like the Ram Mangal Heart Foundation a best heart hospital in mumbai and Dr. Ranjit Jagtap heart doctor in pune, you will ensure that you are being proactive about safeguarding your heart health. Remember, it’s early detection and prevention that can lead to healthier and longer lives.