#breast health promotion

[zynwarrior]

How to NOT binge:

(From someone whose 2 months binge free)

Info for restricting:

If you’re prone to binging after fasts. Then don’t fast.

You’d rather set a cal limit for yourself at either 700-900 for high res and 1000-1200 for low res.

By binging after fasts you undo all the work you put in and it makes you feel worse than eating in restriction.

Another point I’d like to make is that it is MUCH better to maintain than gain.

Fasting may show you faster results but there’s no point if you know you’re the type to binge and undo all that progress.

Low cal foods for restriction (that actually taste good):

Tuna

Chicken breasts *seasoning allowed, no sauce, unnecessary calories.

Whole grain pasta

Air fried sweet potatoes (my favorite)

Dark chocolate (for those of you with a sweet tooth like me)

FRUITS (blueberries, peaches, strawberries, kiwi are the best)

Zero cal drinks (flavoured water, sodas, energy drinks- I recommend something fizzy to bloat you because yes it will make you a bit queesy but it’s better than being hungry and regretting eating. I know feeling bloated feels disgusting but keep in mind that it’s extremely low cal and there is no way you are going to gain)

Use stevia or low cal sweeteners

Nutmilk over regular milk.

If you don’t have access to an air fryer, use coconut oil instead of olive or sunflower oil. Extremely low cal and food tastes exactly the same with lots more of health benefits.

Info for fasting;

Zero cal drinks, water, gum, zyns/nic pouches- they’re your new best friend.

No more than 24- 48hours if you end up binging after long fasts (48+ hours). Remember you are still not eating for a whole day, it is perfectly fine to be hungry. What’s important is that you control it. You’d rather eat low cal than binge on something like fast food.

Don’t do hectic workouts. You need energy to complete day to day activities and if you spend what little energy you have on working out your body will crave something to feed off of. Go on a long walk instead or use a treadmill.

Do calming yoga or Pilates. I recommend finding those on YouTube for beginners as it’s much less intense but still keeps you moving.

General tips for restriction:

Chew food slowly

If you overeat and want to purge do not brush your teeth after, it is far too harsh. Use mouthwash or mints. Wait 30 mins to brush again.

Count every cal. Keep a memo or notepad and write down exactly what you’ve eaten

Do not eat fast foods or processed unhealthy snacks just because they fit into your limit. Ultra-processed foods are made to keep you wanting more. You know that feeling when you just can’t put that packet of chips down? That’s the oil and salt which has been perfectly designed to keep you wanting it.

Keep busy. The busier you are the less time you have to eat MORE. Pick up a new hobby, deep clean, learn a new language or simply sleep it off.

General tips for fasting :

Whoever said don’t plan your meals is wrong. You need structure if you want to succeed. You cannot leave anything up to chance as if you don’t know what to eat, you eat everything.

When breaking a fast, the most important things are protein and fibre. Have 60/40 ratio of protein and fibre. 60% protein 40% fibre. It’s important to eat protein after a fast to regain strength and to maintain your hair and nails. Fibre to give you essential vitamins and help bowel movements.

As I said in my previous posts. DRINK YOUR WATER. In my experience drinking a DEATHLY amount of water makes me not even crave food.

Smoking or vaping (just don’t start if you don’t already but use your nic addiction as a tool/ not promoting)

That’s it! Hope you enjoyed and found this helpful<3

[slyandthefamilybook]

since we now know that all those "my blog is safe for Jewish people" posts are bullshit, here are some Jewish organizations you can donate to if you actually want to prove you support Jews. put up or shut up

FIGHTING HUNGER

Masbia - Kosher soup kitchens in New York

MAZON - Practices and promotes a multifaceted approach to hunger relief, recognizing the importance of responding to hungry peoples' immediate need for nutrition and sustenance while also working to advance long-term solutions

Tomchei Shabbos - Provides food and other supplies so that poor Jews can celebrate the Sabbath and the Jewish holidays

FINANCIAL AID

Ahavas Yisrael - Providing aid for low-income Jews in Baltimore

Hebrew Free Loan Society - Provides interest-free loans to low-income Jews in New York and more

GLOBAL AID

American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee - Offers aid to Jewish populations in Central and Eastern Europe as well as in the Middle East through a network of social and community assistance programs. In addition, the JDC contributes millions of dollars in disaster relief and development assistance to non-Jewish communities

American Jewish World Service - Fighting poverty and advancing human rights around the world

Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society - Providing aid to immigrants and refugees around the world

Jewish World Watch - Dedicated to fighting genocides around the world

MEDICAL AID

Sharsheret - Support for cancer patients, especially breast cancer

SOCIAL SERVICES

The Aleph Institute - Provides support and supplies for Jews in prison and their families, and helps Jewish convicts reintegrate into society

Bet Tzedek - Free legal services in LA

Bikur Cholim - Providing support including kosher food for Jews who have been hospitalized in the US, Australia, Canada, Brazil, and Israel

Blue Card Fund - Critical aid for holocaust survivors

Chai Lifeline - An org that's very close to my heart. They help families with members with disabilities in Baltimore

Chana - Support network for Jews in Baltimore facing domestic violence, sexual abuse, and elder abuse

Community Alliance for Jewish-Affiliated Cemetaries - Care of abandoned and at-risk Jewish cemetaries

Crown Heights Central Jewish Community Council - Provides services to community residents including assistance to the elderly, housing, employment and job training, youth services, and a food bank

Hands On Tzedakah - Supports essential safety-net programs addressing hunger, poverty, health care and disaster relief, as well as scholarship support to students in need

Hebrew Free Burial Association

Jewish Board of Family and Children's Services - Programs include early childhood and learning, children and adolescent services, mental health outpatient clinics for teenagers, people living with developmental disabilities, adults living with mental illness, domestic violence and preventive services, housing, Jewish community services, counseling, volunteering, and professional and leadership development

Jewish Caring Network - Providing aid for families facing serious illnesses

Jewish Family Service - Food security, housing stability, mental health counseling, aging care, employment support, refugee resettlement, chaplaincy, and disability services

Jewish Relief Agency - Serving low-income families in Philadelphia

Jewish Social Services Agency - Supporting people’s mental health, helping people with disabilities find meaningful jobs, caring for older adults so they can safely age at home, and offering dignity and comfort to hospice patients

Jewish Women's Foundation Metropolitan Chicago - Aiding Jewish women in Chicago

Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty - Crisis intervention and family violence services, housing development funds, food programs, career services, and home services

Misaskim - Jewish death and burial services

Our Place - Mentoring troubled Jewish adolescents and to bring awareness of substance abuse to teens and children

Tiferes Golda - Special education for Jewish girls in Baltimore

Yachad - Support for Jews with disabilities

[beautyandlifestyleblog86]

Nutrient-dense meal prep recipes that can help promote healthy eyesight:

1. Salmon and Quinoa Salad:

- Cook quinoa according to package instructions and let cool.

- Season salmon fillets with olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs, then bake until cooked through.

- Combine quinoa, mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and avocado in a bowl.

- Top with flaked salmon and a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette.

2. Roasted Vegetable and Chickpea Buddha Bowl:

- Toss chopped sweet potatoes, bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion with olive oil and seasonings.

- Roast in the oven until vegetables are tender and slightly crispy.

- Serve over cooked quinoa or brown rice, along with roasted chickpeas and a dollop of hummus.

3. Spinach and Feta Stuffed Bell Peppers:

- Cut bell peppers in half lengthwise and remove seeds and membranes.

- Saute spinach, diced tomatoes, garlic, and feta cheese in a skillet until wilted.

- Stuff the bell peppers with the spinach mixture and bake until peppers are tender.

4. Lentil and Vegetable Soup:

- Saute onions, carrots, celery, and garlic in a large pot until softened.

- Add lentils, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and seasonings.

- Simmer until lentils are cooked through, then stir in chopped kale or spinach before serving.

5. Greek Chicken Bowls:

- Marinate chicken breasts in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano.

- Grill or bake chicken until cooked through, then slice into strips.

- Serve over a bed of cooked quinoa or brown rice, along with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, feta cheese, and a drizzle of tzatziki sauce.

These meal prep recipes are packed with nutrients that are beneficial for eye health, including vitamins A, C, E, and zinc, as well as omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants.

[ktempestbradford]

Lactation Influencers... Are Y'all Okay?

I dislike clickbait headlines as much as the next Gen Xer, but that does not make me immune to them. Thus, when I saw this headline...

Cookbook author speaks out following controversy over lactation cookies ad

...I had so many questions that demanded answers. I had to click.

Friends, I was not prepared for the journey I was about to embark on.

Before I even got to the first line of the article, this assaulted my eyes:

Whatever I was expecting, it wasn't that.

From the article:

Molly Baz is speaking out following controversy over a Times Square billboard featuring the pregnant cookbook author promoting lactation cookies. ... Brex, the company that sponsored Swehl's billboard, told ABC News the ad was removed following a message from Clear Channel, which owns the digital billboard. According to Brex, Clear Channel said the image depicted was "flagged for review."

Okay, but... lactation cookies?

According to Baz, the concept was meant to "empower" pregnant women and the cookies in the ad are marketed to help postpartum moms produce nutrient-dense breast milk.

*looks it up*

Y'all. They're called "BIG TITTY COOKIES"

I'll give you a minute to breathe through it.

Eye-rolling aside, this isn't the worst product I've ever heard of and, hey, maybe the cookies are good.

So why did Clear Channel want the ad gone? The answer to that isn't straightforward for a couple of reasons.

They did not remove the ad or even ask it to be removed from their billboard.

Molly Baz decided to use this opportunity tragedy to raise her profile as a lactation influencer the alarm about how men are misogynist (????).

"It's super disheartening and infuriating to me that my, kind of, first public foray into being a public mother was one that was deemed inappropriate," Baz said. Said Baz, "From my perspective, the imagery that we put together was no different from any of the other ads that are in Times Square." "[T]ake one look at the landscape of other billboards in times square and i think you'll see the irony. bring on the lingerie so long as it satiates the male gaze," Baz wrote...

I feel I can confidently say that I'm not being sex negative when I retort: MA'AM, what?

"There's a bit of a history of, I will say, a double standard that when bodies, specifically breasts are shown when it comes to selling lingerie, let's say, that's more acceptable but when it's something having to do with prenatal wellness or postnatal care, nursing, that tends to get flagged and we see a little bit of backlash," [Zoe Ruderman, a chief content officer for Adweek], added.

I know this is true in general, but in this case, is that what's really going on? After all, Clear Channel didn't even take the ad down permanently, and the marketing company provided an alternate ad without even being asked. One has to wonder if this is a manufactured controversy.

I say that even though I know full well that there is a double standard when it comes to women's bodies and whose gaze is being catered to and when it comes to lactating mothers, lactation, and women's health. That said, there's no way this image wasn't chosen for its Male Gaze Worthiness.

It's not the amount of exposed flesh, which isn't any worse than any lingerie or bikini ad. It is that this woman is holding cookies up to her breasts next to text that says "Just add milk" and the name of a website/company that is probably well-known to people who are or want to be pregnant and little known outside of that. If I were in Times Square, looked up, and saw that? I'd assume it's an ad for a sex fetish bakery.

In all honesty, the thing I assumed was controversial (before clicking) was that someone had posted an ad for cookies made using human breast milk. That would have made somewhat more sense as a controversy.

There's no way everyone involved in "concepting" this campaign (yes, they used concept as a verb in their official statement) didn't know this was a possible reaction or outcome. They appear to have expected it. Which is why they immediately had another ad to replace it and some very RAH RAH WOMEN! Down with the Patriarchy! social media posts likely on deck. That's real feminist of you, becky.

The disingenuousness of it all bothers me the most. Just because the social justice issue they're highlighting is real doesn't mean they are somehow champions of the cause because they dared to show a pregnant belly on a billboard. If anyone complained, I doubt their complaint was based on a prejudice against lactating mothers or that lactation was hinted at.

[lifewithchronicpain]

Why are women more likely than men to suffer from fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, and other chronic pain conditions?

Various theories have been proposed over the years, such as gender bias in healthcare, the lingering effects of childhood trauma, and women “catastrophizing” about their pain more than men.

Now there’s a new theory, which could radically change how men and women are treated for pain.

In a groundbreaking study published in the journal BRAIN, researchers at University of Arizona Health Sciences identified two substances – prolactin and orexin B – that appear to make mice, monkeys and humans more sensitized to pain. Prolactin is a hormone that promotes breast development and lactation in females; while orexin B is a neurotransmitter that helps keep us awake and stimulates appetite.

Both males and females have prolactin and orexin, but females have much higher levels of prolaction and males have more orexin. In addition to promoting lactation and wakefulness, both substances also appear to play a role in regulating nociceptors, specialized nerve cells near the spinal cord that produce pain when they are activated by a disease or injury.

“Until now, the assumption has been that the driving mechanisms that produce pain are the same in men and women,” says Frank Porreca, PhD, research director of the Comprehensive Center for Pain & Addiction at UA Health Sciences. “What we found is that the basic, underlying mechanisms that result in the perception of pain are different in male and female mice, in male and female nonhuman primates, and in male and female humans.” (Read more at link)

I’m one of those women with fibromyalgia and IBS, and that’s just to start. I hope this leads to more effective and lest stigmatized medicine. I can wait just get it done!

[allsadnshit]

Our households's recent purchases:

1. Taiwanese black sesame paste & natural sea salt from small taiwanese farming practices

2. An herbal anti inflammatory breast balm formulated with traditional Chinese medicine by a breast cancer survivor

3. Two different small business grass fed and finished beef tallow moisturizers

4. A small food and health writing magazine

I am a believer in "voting with your dollar" and that where and how you spend your money is what you are actively supporting, promoting, and growing <3 and it makes me really happy to support practices I think the world needs more of and to be actively investing in my husband and my health every day

[nekotaylor]

Transgender Feminization Steps

Step 1: Mental Health Evaluation and Diagnosis

Consult a mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, who has experience in gender identity issues.

Discuss your gender identity and expression, and receive a diagnosis of gender dysphoria or gender incongruence according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) or the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11).

Ensure any underlying mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, or eating disorders, are well-managed.

Step 2: Hormone Therapy

Begin feminizing hormone therapy (FHT) under the guidance of a healthcare provider experienced in transgender care.

FHT typically involves the use of estrogen (estradiol) and anti-androgens (such as spironolactone) to reduce masculine characteristics and promote female characteristics.

Monitor hormone levels through regular blood tests to ensure they are within a healthy range.

Step 3: Physical Changes

Allow 18-24 months for full physical effects of hormone therapy to manifest.

Expect changes in secondary sex characteristics, such as:

Increased body fat storage in hips, buttocks, and face

Softer skin and reduced facial hair

Breast development

Changes in muscle and body fat distribution

Step 4: Body Feminization Surgery (Optional)

Consider body feminization surgery, such as trunk liposuction and buttocks augmentation, to achieve a more feminine physique.

Choose a surgeon with specialized knowledge and experience in transgender care.

Step 5: Ongoing Care and Monitoring

Schedule regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor hormone levels, physical changes, and overall health.

Address any side effects or complications promptly, and adjust hormone therapy or surgical plans as needed.

Additional Considerations

Social transition: Update your name and pronouns, and adjust your public gender expression.

Voice feminization: Consider voice therapy or surgery to achieve a more feminine voice.

Hair removal: Explore hair removal options, such as electrolysis or laser hair removal, to achieve a smoother, more feminine appearance.

Important Notes

Permanent feminization is a gradual process that requires patience, commitment, and ongoing care.

It is essential to work with healthcare providers experienced in transgender care to ensure safe and effective treatment.

Individual results may vary, and it is crucial to have realistic expectations about the outcomes of hormone therapy and surgery.

[eternal-echoes]

“According to the public health division of the state of Oregon, minors are forbidden to receive artificial tans. The statutes declare, "an entity doing business in this state as a tanning facility may not allow a person who is under 18 years of age to use a tanning device."(27) Therefore, any individual who appears under the age of 26 should "provide proof of their date of birth (DOB) and tanning operators are required to document the type of ID and the ID number on the client record." The only exception to this is when a minor has a written recommendation from his or her physician for the treatment of a medical condition.(28)

Meanwhile, the city of Portland believes that a twenty-year-old woman isn't old enough to responsibly decide if she want to get a small tattoo of a flower on her ankle. If a tattoo parlor bends the rules and inks a person under twenty-one without parental consent, the business can lose its license. After all, the teenage brain has a very difficult time forecasting future outcomes of current behavioral choices, and this capacity won't be fully mature until individuals reach about twenty-five years of age.(30)

However, because the age of medical consent in Oregon is fifteen years old, girls can receive double mastectomies without parental permission.(31) In California, children who believe they are trans can have their breasts removed with parental permission at the age of twelve. Some states also will offer "gender-affirming" hysterectomies to sixteen-year-olds who feel dysphoric about having a uterus. Ironically, according to the National Women's Health Network, it is "incredibly unlikely" that any doctor would perform an elective hysterectomy on women under thirty-five years of age."(32) But if a woman identifies as trans, any number of "gender-affirming" doctors who promote their services on platforms like TikTok are willing to do so.”

-Jason Evert, Male, Female, or Other: A Catholic Guide to Understanding Gender

—

Work cited:

27) Oregon Revised Statutes 431.925-431.955; Oregon Laws 2013, chapter 411.

28) Cf. "Tanning Restrictions for Minors," Oregon Health Authority, Oregon.gov.

29) Cf. Chapter 8.52 Tattoo Parlors, Portland.gov.

30) Cf. S. Blakemore and T. Robbins, "Decision-Making in the Adolescent Brain," Nature Neuroscience 15:9 (September 2012), 1184-1191; Sara B. Johnson et al., "Adolescent Maturity and the Brain: The Promise and Pitfalls of Neuroscience Research in Adolescent Health Policy," Journal of Adolescent Health 45:3 (September 2009), 216-221.

31) Cf. Minor Rights: Access and Consent to Health Care, Oregon Health Authority, Public Health Division (August 2016); Guideline for Gender Dysphoria: Frequently Asked Questions. Oregon.gov.

32) Cf. National Women's Health Network, "At What Age Can I Get a Hysterectomy?" Shaniqua Seth, October 13, 2016.

—

For more recommended resources on gender dysphoria, click here.

[lunarlianna]

Medical astrology

This article draws inspiration and is based on information found in two notable books: "Complete Practical Astrology" by Edward Lyndoe, published in 1938, and "Complete Herbal" by Nicholas Culpeper, dating back to 1652. It's not uncommon for individuals with a stellium in a specific zodiac sign to experience health issues associated with that sign more prominently compared to those with just one planet in that sign. The concentration of planetary energy in one sign can intensify the characteristics and tendencies associated with it, including health-related aspects.

The history behind it

In early-modern Europe, people held a deep fascination with the connection between celestial bodies and our well-being. This belief traced back to ancient notions of the Four Elements and the Four Humors, forming the basis of humoral theory in medicine. Originating with Hippocrates and evolving through Galen, this theory centered on balancing bodily fluids: blood, phlegm, black bile, and yellow bile. Men were seen as hot and dry, while women were considered cold and wet. Dietary choices and flavors were believed to influence humor balance.

These ancient ideas were intricately linked to Zodiac signs, seasons, cardinal directions, qualities, temperaments, and life stages. People believed that our health relied on maintaining a delicate equilibrium among these factors, shaping a complex system that demanded precise language to explain.

As interest in astrology grew in the 16th century, printed books, such as "Planetary Books" and "Folk Calendars," became popular sources of knowledge. These texts provided valuable insights, bridging the gap between celestial and earthly realms. They aimed to empower readers with wisdom about their place in the universe.

Aries: rules over the head, face, eyes, and the brain's cognitive functions, influencing the distribution of both mental and physical energy. This sign is associated with health concerns like headaches, fevers, neuralgia, eye issues, skin eruptions, inflammations, wounds, and accidents. Individuals born under Aries may have an abundance of energy, often exceeding their mental and emotional balance. Many health issues can be traced back to factors such as excessive physical exertion or bouts of intense anger. It's advisable for Aries individuals to prioritize maintaining a sense of balance and inner poise to promote their overall well-being.

Taurus: you should know that your sign is linked to certain areas of your body like the neck, ears, throat, larynx, and tonsils. These body parts might need a little extra care. Your sign is also associated with your ability to recover from health issues. However, it's important to be mindful of diseases that can specifically affect your throat. One thing to keep in mind is that Taurus individuals often have a love for indulgence and comfort, which can sometimes lead to health challenges. Additionally, your tendency to dwell on problems might make you more sensitive to minor health issues. So, remember to strike a balance and take good care of your well-being.

Gemini: For those born under the sign of Gemini, certain areas of the body require attention. Gemini influences the arms, shoulders, muscles, and bones, as well as the respiratory system, including the trachea and bronchi, and even the hands. People with this sign may be more prone to health issues like bronchial complaints, lung conditions such as pneumonia and pleurisy, nerve-related diseases, asthma, and anemia. These health challenges can often be traced back to nervous reactions and restlessness, which are characteristic of Gemini individuals.

Cancer: you have an influence on various parts of the body, including the stomach, breasts, solar plexus, diaphragm, and the upper portion of the liver. These areas are closely tied to matters of nutrition and digestion. Health issues that commonly afflict those born under Cancer often originate from emotional factors, triggered by mental irritants. These emotional disturbances can lead to nervous reactions and a general decrease in vitality. Interestingly, it's been suggested that more often than not, the health of a Cancerian is affected by external factors and the actions of others rather than self-inflicted harm. So, it's important for Cancer individuals to prioritize their emotional well-being and maintain a harmonious environment to support their overall health.

Leo: you have a special connection with the heart, spine, and vital forces carried by the blood. This makes you particularly susceptible to issues like heart troubles and poor circulation. Remember, many of these health challenges can be linked to overexertion or pushing yourself too hard. So, take good care of your energy levels and avoid unnecessary strain to keep your health in top shape.

Virgo: you have a unique connection with your own digestive system, which encompasses your intestines, alimentary canal, and the lower part of your liver. However, it's essential to recognize that individuals born under this sign might also be more prone to experiencing digestive issues and complaints, especially concerning the intestines. For you, these digestive troubles could occasionally stem from nervous causes, potentially leading to discomforts like acidity and other digestive challenges. It's a part of your unique astrological makeup, emphasizing the importance of taking extra care of your digestive well-being and managing any stress or anxiety that might contribute to these issues.

Libra: you are associated with specific areas of the body, including the kidneys, loins, appendix, lumbar vertebrae, and the skin. These are related to the body's liquid processes. Health challenges that often affect Virgos include kidney problems and issues related to the spine. These troubles are frequently linked to nervous exhaustion. To maintain your well-being, it's crucial for Virgos to manage stress and avoid situations that lead to nervous strain.

Scorpio: your zodiac sign governs several vital areas of the body, including the organs of reproduction, bladder, gallbladder, colon, and rectum. These parts are closely tied to procreation and reproduction. Health issues frequently associated with Scorpios involve the organs mentioned earlier. Problems may arise due to excessive worrying and the influence of others on the individual, which can break down resistance. To maintain good health, it's important for Scorpios to find ways to manage stress and emotional pressures effectively.

Sagittarius: you have a  connection to certain body areas like the hips, thighs, and sciatic nerves. These parts are linked to your senses and how you perceive illnesses through your nerves. Health issues that Sagittarians often face include conditions like gout, rheumatism, and sciatica, as well as accidents. Restlessness can be a contributing factor to these problems, and individuals under this sign may have a propensity for accidents and injuries. Therefore, it's essential for Sagittarians to cultivate a sense of caution and mindfulness to prevent such mishaps and maintain their well-being.

Capricorn: you have an influence on the knees, joints, and hair. These are connected to processes related to preservation and conserving energy. Health issues commonly associated with Capricorns include skin complaints and diseases affecting the parts of the body influenced by this sign. Such ailments often have their origins in inhibitions. Therefore, it's important for Capricorns to focus on finding a balance between preserving energy and addressing any emotional or mental inhibitions that may impact their well-being.

Aquarius: your influence goes to the lower legs (calves and ankles), teeth, and blood circulation. These areas are interconnected with the body's circulation and eliminative processes. Health issues often associated with Aquarians include accidents affecting the ankles, as well as complaints related to this part of the body. Conditions such as varicose veins, blood poisoning, and certain nervous diseases may also be relevant. Many of these health challenges may have nervous causes, often tied to the highly sensitive nature of those born under the Aquarius sign. Therefore, maintaining emotional balance and managing stress is crucial for overall well-being.

Pisces your zodiac sign influences specific areas of the body, including the feet and toes. These are related to perspiration and the lymphatic processes within the body. Health challenges often associated with Pisceans include conditions like influenza, colds, and diseases accompanied by mucous discharges. Many of these complaints may have their origins in an overactive or overheated mind, possibly with perceived injuries from others. Additionally, individuals born under the Pisces sign tend to exhibit a high level of physical and mental sensitivity, which can contribute to various health issues. Therefore, it's important for Pisceans to manage stress, maintain emotional balance, and address any perceived injuries to promote overall well-being.

[allthebrazilianpolitics]

Researchers map genetic variants associated with pancreatic cancer in Brazilian patients

The pioneering initiative by scientists at the University of São Paulo aimed to promote early diagnosis and improve treatment of the disease, which is relatively infrequent but one of the leading causes of death from cancer in Brazil.

Pancreatic cancer has recently been included in the list of diseases about which Brazil’s National Cancer Institute (INCA) periodically publishes statistics. Although it is not the most frequent type of cancer, its high lethality makes it one of the leading causes of death from cancer in Brazil, partly owing to late diagnosis. 

“It’s striking how little data on the disease is available in Brazil and indeed in Latin America as a whole. There are no studies on pancreatic cancer involving Brazilian patients because its incidence is low in this country compared with breast and lung cancer, for example. Yet it’s the type of cancer with the highest mortality rate – and it kills very quickly,” said Lívia Munhoz Rodrigues, a researcher at the São Paulo State Cancer Institute (ICESP) with a PhD in oncology from the University of São Paulo’s Medical School (FM-USP). 

Leading a team that included other researchers at ICESP, as well as collaborators at FM-USP’s Department of Legal Medicine, Bioethics, Occupational Medicine and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and the D’Or Research and Education Institute (IDOR), Rodrigues conducted a pioneering study of 192 pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patients treated at ICESP between 2018 and 2022 at the expense of the SUS (Sistema Único de Saúde), Brazil’s public health network. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is the most common type of pancreatic cancer.

The scientists used genomic DNA sequencing to look for alterations to 113 oncogenes – genes that can cause cancer when they undergo mutation or are activated in an abnormal manner – in the shape of pathogenic germline variants (PGVs), which are hereditary mutations. 

Continue reading.

[surgerypatient]

chatgpt explanation of the suite of feminization procedures necessary to create an indistinguishable woman ( not perfect)

Preoperative Phase

Preoperative Appointment:

Final Consultation:

The patient meets with the surgical team to discuss the procedure in detail.

Final consent forms are signed, and any last-minute questions are answered.

Medical and Psychological Evaluation:

Comprehensive health assessment including blood tests, imaging, and psychological support.

Detailed explanation of the recovery process and postoperative care.

Day of Surgery:

Arrival at the Hospital:

The patient checks in at the hospital and is escorted to the preoperative waiting area.

The patient changes into a hospital gown, cap, and compression socks.

Preoperative Preparation:

IV line is started for administering fluids and medications.

Baseline vital signs are recorded, and the patient is given a sedative to help relax.

The patient meets the anesthesiologist who explains the anesthesia process.

The surgeon visits to review the surgical plan and answer any final questions.

Transport to Operating Room:

The patient is wheeled to the operating room on a gurney.

Final identification checks and surgical site markings are made.

Intraoperative Phase

Anesthesia and Initial Prep:

Anesthesia Administration:

The patient is connected to monitoring equipment to track vital signs.

Anesthetic drugs are administered through the IV, inducing unconsciousness.

An anesthesia mask is placed, and the patient is intubated for airway management.

Eye ointment is applied, and the eyes are taped shut to prevent dryness.

Sterile Prep:

The patient’s body is cleaned with a pink antiseptic solution.

A urinary catheter is inserted to manage urine output during surgery.

Surgical Procedures:

Orchiectomy:

An incision is made in the scrotum, and the testicles are removed.

The incisions are closed, and the area is dressed.

Penile Inversion Vaginoplasty:

Penile skin is deconstructed and inverted to form the vaginal canal.

Scrotal skin is used to create the labia majora and minora.

Nerve bundles are used to construct the clitoris.

The urethra is shortened and repositioned.

Stem cell and nanobot therapies are applied to enhance healing.

Facial Feminization Surgery (FFS):

Procedures may include brow lift, rhinoplasty, jaw and chin reshaping, and tracheal shave.

Each step is performed with precision to feminize facial features.

Waist Contouring:

Liposuction is performed to remove excess fat and contour the waistline.

Fat grafting may be used to enhance the hips for a more feminine silhouette.

Breast Augmentation:

Incisions are made, and implants are placed to achieve desired breast size and shape.

Bioengineered implants ensure natural feel and appearance.

Buttock Augmentation:

Fat grafting or implants are used to enhance buttock size and shape.

Advanced techniques ensure minimal scarring and natural results.

Estrogen Implant Placement:

Hormone-delivery implants are placed to provide continuous estrogen therapy.

The implants are fine-tuned for optimal hormone balance.

Postoperative Phase

Immediate Postoperative Care:

Recovery Room:

The patient is moved to a recovery room and monitored closely as they wake up from anesthesia.

Pain management and anti-nausea medications are administered as needed.

Initial Assessment:

Vital signs are monitored, and the surgical sites are checked for any complications.

The patient is kept in a semi-upright position to promote breathing and comfort.

Instructions and Mobility:

The patient is given instructions on how to move and care for surgical sites.

Gradual introduction to liquids and soft foods.

Ongoing Postoperative Care:

Hospital Stay:

The patient remains in the hospital for a few days for close monitoring.

Regular check-ups by the surgical team to ensure proper healing.

Discharge and Home Care:

Detailed discharge instructions are provided, including wound care, medication regimen, and activity restrictions.

Arrangements for follow-up appointments and physical therapy sessions.

Long-term Recovery:

Gradual resumption of daily activities as healing progresses.

Ongoing hormone therapy adjustments and psychological support.

Regular follow-up appointments to monitor the results and address any concerns.

Final Outcome:

Physical and Aesthetic Results:

Natural-looking and functional vaginal canal with satisfactory depth and sensation.

Feminized facial features, contoured waist, enhanced breasts, and buttocks.

Hormone levels are balanced with the help of estrogen implants.

Psychological and Social Adaptation:

Continued psychological support to help adapt to the new gender identity.

Social integration and increased confidence in personal and professional life.

This detailed step-by-step guide outlines a comprehensive and futuristic approach to M-to-F sex reassignment surgery, incorporating advanced technologies and procedures to ensure optimal outcomes for patients.

[baeddel]

In contrast, conditions that do not support people’s need for autonomy (i.e., controlling environments) induce stress (Reeve & Tseng, 2011), and can even result in behavior that is opposite to what is desired (e.g., Chan, Lonsdale, Ho, Yung, & Chan, 2009; Stephens et al., 2013). For example, Stephens and colleagues found that persons with diabetes, who felt pressured by their spouses to follow dietary recommendations, experienced more worries and stress than did those whose spouses were more supportive, and they followed dietary advice to a lesser extent. The counter-productive effects of controlling conditions have potentially important implications for other health-related settings. In recent years, calls to engage in physical activity have increased as regular exercise has been shown to be associated with reduced risks of various medical conditions and chronic diseases (e.g., diabetes, stroke, breast cancer, osteoporosis) (e.g., Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee, 2008; Sui et al., 2013; Warburton, Charlesworth, Ivey, Nettlefold, & Bredin, 2010). Yet, adherence to exercise regimens is often less-than-satisfactory (e.g., Rhodes & Fiala, 2009). Ironically, in an attempt to ensure that their clients engage in sufficient exercise, personal trainers, athletic trainers, or physical therapists tend to prescribe certain exercises, weights to be lifted, or numbers of sets and repetitions for given exercises. Yet, as Teixeira, Carraça, Markland, Silva, and Ryan (2012) have speculated, such an approach that “might be prevalent in fitness clubs or other settings where exercise is externally prescribed, could thus be partially responsible for the high dropout rate. In fact, the pervasiveness of social and medical pressures toward weight loss, combined with externally prescriptive methods may be ill-suited to promote sustained increases in population physical activity levels” (p. 2).

Wulf et al, 2014, Choosing to exercise more: Small choices increase exercise engagement (click)

[icemankazansky]

@film-in-my-soul tagged me in this really cool fic meme:

Everyone deserves to toot their own horn and be proud of their work! So, this tag game is fairly simple.

Promote 5 works that you're really proud of and share a little about why you're so proud of it! Then tag as many people as you like. You can reblog this post and add on to it (why not create a giant reclist to throw around?) or steal this header (and border if you like) and make your own post!

The Storm Series

Top Gun, Iceman/Maverick, E

Eight years after Maverick and Iceman meet at TOPGUN, Maverick is running the program and Iceman is badly injured in combat, which finds him sent back to Miramar to teach until he's fit to fly again. Things move pretty fast after that.

I'm proud of many things about Storm. It was my first major work for Top Gun, and I'm really happy with the characterization. The way the characters and their relationship evolve through the series—I'm proud of that, and I'm proud that I was able to pick up the series after eight years and write two more installments that belong in the universe with the first two. Despite all the ways I had changed as a person and a writer in the time between, I was able to slip back into it like an old coat, and that is something you strive for as an author.

Dreams of Impact

Top Gun, Iceman/Maverick, M

Maverick's trip in Darkstar takes him further than he ever imagined possible.

When I was a baby writer, I wrote a lot of really long stories. For several years, I worked with another writer on a collaboration that surpassed 200k words, and we never finished it. That was by far my longest work, but many of my stories pre-2010 are 10k, 20k, 50k.

Now it's rare that I write something that long. Part of that is that I learned how to say a lot without that many words. Pithy was a word I heard constantly in grad school, and I needed to learn how to do that. I have, and I'm a much better writer for it. I'm proud of that.

There are a lot of other reasons that I don't write long, multi-chapter epics anymore, everything from writing professionally to my health, and to be honest, sometimes I miss it. Dreams of Impact offered me a wonderful opportunity to get back to that kind of writing. I enjoyed writing the story very much, and I'm proud of how it turned out. The longer, more-plot heavy story muscles had not been flexed in a while, but I guess I still got it.

the weight of my heart is measured in carats

MCU, Tony/Pepper, G

What's so impressive about a diamond except the mining?

Remember what I said about pith? This one is like a good sword: perfectly weighted, perfectly balanced.

you are the moon that breaks the night for which i have to howl

Willow, Sorsha/Madmartigan, M

Magic leaves a trace, and part of the curse stayed in her blood, and Sorsha never forgot what it was like to be the wolf. Even after her mother transformed her back, the wolf lived still, tucked behind her breast.

I love magical realism, and I love making things into fairytales, and I love finding ways to fit discordant things together so they seem completely natural. I did all of those things very well in this story. It was also a gift for a dear friend who is also an excellent writer, and she absolutely lost her gotdam mind when she read it, and I am proud of that.

running through the underworld into your room

Top Gun, Iceman/Maverick, T

“Most of my grey hairs you gave me,” Ice said, unable to keep the fondness out of his voice even altered as it was. He paused. “You don’t know how much I wanted this. To grow old with you.”

This story is a standalone piece, but it was also—for me—an exercise (an exploration, maybe) in two very specific things. (It doesn't matter what. What does matter is: Not long after I had posted this, I talked to a couple people—dear friends but also writers I respect—about it once they'd read it, and they both told me how well I had done those two things, even though I hadn't mentioned them anywhere. I'm proud of that. It's extremely gratifying to know you can hit a target even if it's a target no one else can see.)

Tagging: @topgunreacts @escritoireazul @boasamishipper @maverickcalf @adiduck @hangsters @thelastplantagenet @andmakeithome

[mariacallous]

A wave of proposed legislation pushed by Republicans across the US at the state level is aimed at outlawing aspects of sexuality that could have a huge impact on Americans’ private lives and businesses.

Opponents to the laws before legislatures in various states say the planned new legislation could spawn prosecution of breast-pump companies in Texas for nipples on advertising, or a bookstore might be banned from selling romance novels in West Virginia, or South Carolina could imprison standup comics if a risque joke is heard by a young person.

The bills are part of a post-Roe nationwide strategy by the religious wing of the Republican party, now that federal abortion rights have fallen. They range from banning all businesses that sell sex-related goods to anti-drag queen bills. Tyler Dees, an Arkansas state senator who wrote an anti-porn bill said: “I would love to outlaw it all,” referring to porn.

The most prevalent bills relate to age verification of sex-related websites. Seventeen states drafted porn age-verification bills, many inspired by Louisiana’s law that went into effect in January. Louisiana’s law requires websites featuring 33.33% or more pornographic content to check government-issued ID to verify users are 18 and older. Websites that don’t comply face civil penalties. Parents can sue the site if kids access it.

In Texas, a new bill requiring age verification on websites with pornographic content defines images of the female breast “below the top of the areola” as porn, potentially hitting at business advertisements. In West Virginia, a bill outlawing all sexually oriented businesses is on the docket, with a definition that includes art studios with nude models and wrestling arenas. In South Carolina a bill would criminalize using “profane language” related to “sexual or excretory organs or activities” in front of minors during performances. The punishment? Up to a decade in prison.

Some bills define porn so broadly that anatomy textbooks or sex education websites would meet them.

“I don’t think such laws for the internet are constitutional,” said Eugene Volokh, a professor of Law at UCLA.

Laurie Schlegel, a Republican state senator who drafted the Louisiana law, is a sex-addiction therapist educated at Baptist seminary, who opposed transgender students from being on sports teams that align with their gender. Schlegel’s anti-LGBTQ+ views fit with the broader goal of the laws, according to Carolyn Bronstein, a professor of media studies at DePaul University.

“These laws are really not about controlling minors’ access to violent pornography … In the conservative world view, pornography is information about LGBTQ identity, abortion, gay marriage,” said Bronstein.

Eight states have justified their actions by saying that porn is “creating a public health crisis”. Louisiana’s bill claims that pornography “may lead to low self-esteem, body image disorders, an increase in problematic sexual activity at younger ages … impact brain development … shape deviant sexual arousal, and lead to difficulty in forming or maintaining positive, intimate relationships, as well as promoting problematic or harmful sexual behaviors and addiction.”

Historian Whitney Strub, an associate professor of history at Rutgers University, doesn’t think these ideas are well-founded. “Framing pornography as a public health crisis is not driven by serious engagement with the social scientific literature,” he said. “They’ve even got fake peer-reviewed journals that give the imprimatur of scholarship … It’s been a very smart rebranding of evangelical Christian conservatism.”

Why are all these bills being proposed now? Strub thinks it’s partly because of the overturning of Roe v Wade. “Abortion gave a certain coherence to conservative politics in the United States. And it certainly still does … but they’re in the position of Ahab if he slayed the white whale … I mean, there’s no more Moby-Dick.”

There is hypocrisy on display also.

In many of the states where the anti-porn bills are being put forth, minors can legally have sex and get married. “In Louisiana, you can have sex when you’re 17 with a person in their 30s, but you can’t watch porn,” said Jason Kelley, associate director of digital strategy for the Electronic Frontier Foundation.

In Mississippi, Arkansas and Louisiana, the age of consent is 16. With parental permission, Mississippi allows 15-year-olds to marry, Louisiana 16-year-olds, Arkansas 17-year-olds, and West Virginia kids of any age.

Dees, who wrote Arkansas’s age verification bill, a copycat of Louisiana’s, said porn causes depression and anxiety, divorce and “permissive sexual attitudes” and infidelity. “When I think about the children … I want to protect their innocence,” Dees said.

Strub said this is an old trope: “The political figure of the innocent and imperiled child just has a never-ending purchase on American politics … [it] essentially shuts down debate because it immediately creates a binary in which anybody who disagrees with you is [a] perverted groomer.”

Dees is also the co-author of anti-drag queen legislation in Arkansas, that classifies drag performances as the same category as pornography. “It’s not really a meaningful distinction to [conservatives]. They’re both sexual degeneracy in its different guises,” Strub said.

Dees claimed that his porn verification law “doesn’t have anything to do with any political messaging. It has to do with exposure to material that is harmful, period … There’s a clear enemy in the smut-peddling garbage that’s online.”

But measures already exist to prevent children accessing porn. “There’s a really easy way to keep kids from accessing adult content. And that’s a device-level filter” on mobile phones that block adult websites that are registered as Restricted to Adults, said Mike Stabile of the Free Speech Coalition, which advocates for the rights of sex workers.

These laws, according to Stabile, aren’t going to stop kids from looking at porn. “Even if they were to block all sites, you’re still going to have adult content on Twitter and Reddit … kids will get VPNs,” he said.

Stabile thinks we’ll see up to two dozen age-verification bills introduced by the end of the year.

Dees hopes he is right and has eyes beyond the state level eventually. “My prayer is that enough states continue to push for this measure, and that we send a loud enough message where federal law can be put into place,” he said.

[religion-is-a-mental-illness]

By: Madeleine Rowley

Published: Jun 25, 2024

The fragile facade of transgender ideology has cracked over the past year. Whistleblowers from within the medical profession have emerged to provide damning evidence that doctors are performing procedures based on shoddy scientific evidence under the label of “gender-affirming care,” as outlined in the WPATH Files and the Cass Review. Former patients who received “gender-affirming” care as adolescents have now detransitioned and are suing the doctors who cut off their breasts and put them on hormones that permanently damaged their bodies. Businesses ranging from Target to NFL teams are scaling back or eliminating Pride-themed merchandise and promotions. The public, too, is increasingly turning against transgender ideology. The tide is shifting.

The Left has adopted a new approach in response: political persecution of those speaking out against trans dogma. Earlier this month, the Department of Justice indicted Eithan Haim, a surgeon at Texas Children’s Hospital (TCH) who exposed the hospital’s secret continued use of irreversible sex-change procedures on minors after having publicly stated that it had stopped. By indicting Haim, the DOJ is seeking to silence future whistleblowers and to signal its disregard for the mounting evidence that gender-affirming care is harmful, and often irreversible.

Haim had anonymously sent City Journal’s Christopher Rufo documents proving that doctors at TCH were still prescribing hormone replacement therapy drugs and implanting puberty blockers in minor-age patients more than a year after the hospital announced it had stopped its pediatric gender-affirming care program. A month after Rufo published his article in May 2023, federal agents from the Department of Health and Human Services knocked on Haim’s door to let him know that he was a “potential target” in an investigation of alleged violations of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This week, an unsealed indictment revealed that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas is charging Haim with four felony counts of violating HIPAA. A press release on the indictment alleges that Haim accessed patient information “under false pretenses and with intent to cause malicious harm to TCH.”

According to a letter written by Haim’s lawyers, Assistant U.S. Attorney Tina Ansari admitted that she hadn’t reviewed the purported evidence against Haim and was instead relying on what FBI agents told her. In the same discussion, Ansari insisted that the documents Haim sent to Rufo included children’s names, but nothing in the documents Rufo saw identified any individuals. All were redacted. The prosecutor then asked Haim to admit wrongdoing, telling him that he should apologize to the families of the children who received transgender medical interventions at TCH if he wanted her to help him avoid a felony prosecution. When this tactic failed, Ansari intimated that the families would sue if she didn’t bring criminal charges.

Roger Severino, vice president of domestic policy for the Heritage Foundation and a former HIPAA regulator at the Department of Health and Human Services, called Haim’s prosecution “outrageous.” As Severino notes, Haim blew the whistle in good faith in a state “where it’s illegal to do these experimental surgeries on minors.” (In September 2023, Texas attorney general Ken Paxton announced that SB 14, a new law banning gender-transition procedures for minors in Texas, had gone into effect.)

Ansari’s zeal to prosecute Haim is especially strange, given her lack of knowledge of HIPAA law, as noted in a letter from Haim’s lawyers. In the past, Ansari has prosecuted cases involving doctors who falsified patient-care documents to receive higher insurance payouts, a health-center owner who scammed Medicare out of millions based on fraudulent claims, and a pharmacist who submitted false claims to Tricare and other federal insurance programs while pocketing $22 million. Yet she moved to indict Haim in this case, despite his having no profit motive, and despite the Texas Attorney General’s Office declining to act on the case for six months.

Dan Epstein, vice president of America First Legal, a conservative public-interest law group, calls the Haim indictment an overreach of epic proportions. “The fact that Texas state attorneys decided not to bring action on this case says that there wasn’t much public concern over it,” Epstein said. “This is a policy matter, and as a prosecutor if you’re enforcing legal policy and statute, you have to exercise some level of discretion.”

Paragraph 19 of the indictment alleges that Haim’s disclosures to Rufo resulted in “financial loss” to TCH, and that Haim blew the whistle out of “malicious intent.” Haim, for his part, observes that he swore an oath to “do no harm” and believed he had a duty to disclose alleged TCH’s secret gender clinic to prevent further harm to children undergoing procedures for which there is a lack of long-term evidence of efficacy (or safety).

This week, Vanessa Sivadge, a former registered nurse at TCH, came forward as a second whistleblower, alleging not only that the hospital was running its gender clinic in secret but also that doctors were illegally billing Texas’s Medicaid program to pay for the transgender medical interventions. Sivadge had spoken with Rufo for an article last year as an anonymous whistleblower, denouncing TCH’s gender-affirming care treatments for minors. Shortly after she did that, two FBI agents knocked on her door and, according to Sivadge, told her that she was a “person of interest” in the investigation involving Haim. They threatened to “make her life difficult” if she tried to protect him.

Unfortunately, these examples of politically motivated prosecutions aren’t new and will likely continue. Case in point: the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia has chosen to prosecute cases like that of 75-year-old Paulette Harlow, recently sentenced to two years in prison for a demonstration at an abortion clinic. Meantime, pro-Hamas demonstrators who violated D.C. law by covering their faces with masks and keffiyehs and defaced statues near the White House run free, and anti-Israel protesters who barricaded themselves in Columbia University’s Hamilton Hall have seen criminal charges against them dropped.

Texas Children’s Hospital is a flashpoint. Haim faces up to a decade in prison and a $250,000 fine. What happens next could discourage future whistleblowers in the health-care industry.

“When it comes to health care fraud, you prosecute those that are going to have a strong deterrent effect and where prosecutorial resources justified spending taxpayer dollars on the matter,” says Epstein. “And here, I think, this is a clear case of prosecutorial overreach.”

[beautyandlifestyleblog86]

A nutrient-rich recipe that supports healthy cell growth is a Spinach and Berry Salad with Grilled Chicken. This colorful and flavorful salad is packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and protein to promote cell growth, repair, and overall health. Here's how you can make this vitamin-rich recipe:

Ingredients:

- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

- 4 cups fresh baby spinach leaves

- 1 cup mixed berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)

- 1/4 cup sliced almonds

- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced

- Balsamic vinaigrette dressing

Instructions:

1. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and any desired herbs or spices. Grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Set aside to cool slightly before slicing.

2. In a large salad bowl, combine the baby spinach, mixed berries, sliced almonds, crumbled feta cheese, and red onion.

3. Add the sliced grilled chicken on top of the salad.

4. Drizzle the salad with balsamic vinaigrette dressing and toss gently to combine.

5. Serve the Spinach and Berry Salad with Grilled Chicken as a nutritious and vitamin-rich meal that supports healthy cell growth and overall well-being.

This salad is rich in vitamins, such as vitamin C, vitamin K, and vitamin A, as well as antioxidants and essential nutrients that are important for cell growth, repair, and immune function. The combination of fresh spinach, berries, nuts, cheese, and grilled chicken provides a balance of nutrients to support healthy cells and promote optimal health. Enjoy this delicious and nutrient-packed salad as a nourishing meal that can help fuel your body and promote healthy cell growth.