#now i can actually start doing my core strengthening exercises to stop my back hurting

[isenstar777]

After nearly 6 weeks of struggling with my ribs, the pain had suddenly nearly gone! Still have to take it easy because I feel a gentle twinge now and again, but it's a far cry from before.

[anxietysroomsupport]

i found out pushing doesn't work. that's what my sister does when she thinks something's wrong, she pushes that she wants to go to the doctor. eventually our parents give in. i think i mentioned it because i sent an ask here recently, but my joints have been giving me grief lately. several months ago my knees kept feeling like my bones were grinding when i put weight on them for a few days. more recently, in january i think, after spending an hour or two outside, my hips did the (1/?)

(2/?) the same, that night and for the next few days. sometimes it was fine, usually better mid morning, but other times i couldn't put wait on them. it felt like they were grinding, or going to give up on me. it's been happening longer where i feel like if i move the wrong way, something will pop out. i try to sit up and swing my legs and my hips yell at me with slight pain, so even though they would probably just pop, i wait till it stops, just in case. because i don't want to see (2/?)

(3/?) what would happen if they didn't. but recently, a week or two after i started these new exercises (my mom thinks it's related to that, which it may be slightly, but i don't think so completely), modified push ups so i could get better core strength and stuff, my joints have started popping. started feeling like they'll go out more often. and i mean popping loudly. i kneeled earlier in the process of sitting up, and my sister, who was talking and a few feet away, asked me if i (3/?)

(4/?) okay. it only hurt a little, it's more just the sensation of the popping, tiny pain. but my right knee sort of buzzed, like my elbow did yesterday. except yesterday, my elbow hurt. it felt, just from a random movement, like it actually popped out for a moment, or tried to, and my elbows are usually fine. if it's the exercises, i don't want to just give up my hopes. i want to be able to one day walk on my hands. i know i'd never get back into it after this, even if it's not the (4/?)

(5/?) problem. anyways, sorry, there's a lot to say, i'll try to hurry this up. recently after reading something they flared, when it started happening nearly every time i move, then went down a little, and have stayed that way for about a week. the exercises have been making me feel a little stronger, and i just don't think they're doing this. but, i kept mentioning it. my pain. asking if people could hear it. only my sister cares to listen. she always cares. always listens. (5/?)

(6/?) mental or physical health she's there for me. she keeps saying that i really should go to the doctor, so i keep asking. i mentioned the knee thing to my mom. she said she kept researching but couldn't find anything narrow enough to be diagnosable. that i should just wear the shoes that i can't stand, stop the exercises, start up again with walking when my body calms down, as if it will. i can't stop now. but i don't think she'll take me. i think i have to wait till something bad (6/?)

(7/?) especially after the thing i read, i don't want to wait. i don't want to ignore the signs. if i could save myself so much pain, why can't i try? just two or three days ago i was getting into school when my hip started to hurt. the hallways are one way, so i have to walk around nearly the entire school to get to my class, and i only had a few minutes to get there. i just told myself to keep walking. ignore the fact that i could barely put weight on my right leg. i had to get to (7/8)

(8/?) class. but pushing doesn't work. i pushed to go to the doctor. i got in an argument. i had stuff to do and i was starting to cry, so i just said i wouldn't bring it up anymore. i'd stop. my sister's an adult. i just realized i can ask her to take me. if another bad thing happens, i will. if they flare up again, i will tell my parents that i need to go to the doctor. if they won't, i'll ask my sister. i don't want to. i know my mom tries. she said normally she would, but covid. (8/?)

(9/?) but i have to go. maybe it's nothing, or maybe i will have to stop doing the exercises, and break my heart a little bit more as i give up on another goal. but i have to. i have to. i can't cripple myself for life because i wouldn't go. i have no idea what could happen to me one day or some day soon even if i don't. maybe i'm just overreacting and i'm fine and it's growing pains but i haven't grown in 1 1/2 years and it hurts. and i'm so so tired. been reading, sorry it's like prose (9/9).

~

I sent an ask about my joints recently? Yeah, well, this. yesterday I was hesitantly diagnosed with Hypermobility Syndrome, pretty wide across my body but mainly in my lower body. basically the doctor said, that since it's the best guess, I need to go to Physical Therapy and try to strengthen my tendons and joints. so obviously I'm so glad to have a solution, maybe not be in so much pain anymore, but at the same time, I like being a little bendy. I'm not stretchy, not good at gymnastics (1/2)

(2/2) or whatever, but I do like feeling a little different. so I guess it's just like, what if PT makes it so I'm not bendy anymore? is it like those metaphors where you break a stick, then put a bunch together and can't break it? or am I folding the stick in half, forsaking mobility for strength? and I don't think that a diagnosis for an actual chronic illness has hit me yet, I know I'll be more nervous when my first PT comes in 3 days, but I still feel normal.

~

Hypermobile anon here, I believe I said I wished it was something a little more for some reason? Yeah, well, good news, I don't anymore. My pain is like, I'm in so much pain, but not actually that much, and I know that I both am and aren't, and it doesn't actually feel like that much, but it is? My point is, tonight's been really bad and I'm starting to think it's good the friend I tend to go outside on walks and stuff with was busy. Also, my mom, in complimenting my drive, (1/2)

(2/2) said that while my sibling was told to do physical therapy to keep their hand working and didn't do it as much as they should, I was doing physical therapy regularly and faithfully to stop my joints from aching. I know my family, mostly my parents, has lots of issues and then just powers through, but you'd think that my mom, who has a bunch going on (allergies, diabetes, random undiagnosable stuff), would understand chronic illness. To her, my joints ache. Sorry, it's not actually too bad.

Hi Anon,

First thing, so so sorry for the delay on this one.  And it’s great that you have continued writing in with updates!

Thank goodness you did keep pushing and get your diagnosis (even if it may be a hesitant one)!  You really could have ended up struggling for a long time.  Arthritis would have been another guess if your doctor hadn’t come to Hypermobility Syndrome.

Hopefully your doctor is treating this seriously, but remember that if any doctor is trying to ignore your concerns, you can very clearly say to them, “If you’re not going to do tests I want it noted in my chart.”  

From the advice of a lot of chronically ill folks, it is also strongly recommended to get your vitamin levels checked, especially b12, iron, and vitamin d. These can actually cause joint symptoms if they’re low enough and lots of things can affect your absorption of them.

It is definitely still possible to build muscle and continue to be flexible.  It takes quite a lot of bulk to start limiting your range of movement, and physical therapy will probably be gradual enough that you can assess your flexibility as you go.

As far as feeling “normal”, having chronic illness actually is really common!  In 2012, the National Health Council stated that roughly 133 million people in the U.S. were dealing with some kind of chronic condition.

It is awful that you’re in so much pain.  Your doctor should also be helping you manage that, since strengthening your muscles isn’t going to be an immediate solution.  That takes time, but you’re in a lot of pain right now.  Anti-inflammatory painkillers can help with joint pain, and heat treatments like warm baths, hot water bottles, and heat-rub creams can be useful too.  Beyond that, you might need prescription treatments.

Your mom is probably just trying to encourage you, but it’s small comfort compared to the level of pain you’re dealing with.  People will often deal with chronic illness in different ways, especially different generations.  It might help to find groups online that are dealing with similar issues, or chronic conditions in general.  Places like reddit, facebook, etc will have groups or subreddits dedicated to creating a community, so you can share your experiences and find other people dealing with the same issues.  You might ask your physical therapist if there are any in-person or online support groups locally.  

You’ll have to find a way to manage your chronic illness, your way.  If your mom doesn’t understand it, don’t worry about her.  You got this.  And your sister’s got your back.  

-Kai, bun

[pa-panda-heroes]

No one asked, but I was intrigued by this NSFW drabble with Deku and it got the SFW gears in my head turning a bit :)

Izuku, Katsuki, Ochako, Tenya, and Shouto as your workout partner

Izuku:

First, we all know this boy is a huge nerd. So basically every time you work out, he wants to try something new, be it stretches, actual exercises, or even martial arts. Sometimes it’s something he’s picked up from All Might, but not every time.

He would likely be the one to initiate your becoming workout buddies. He knows he can ask for help; his whole journey of becoming a hero has gotten him accustomed to asking for help.

Streeeeeeetches

He’s super flexible and always insists on doing so many stretches and warm-ups that by the time he’s done and ready to actually start working out, you’re done for the week day.

Seriously. After you’ve stretched muscles you didn’t even know you had, he’d want to jump right into jumping jacks, mountain climbers, and even monkey jacks lucky you

He’s really encouraging. He’s not particularly aggressive, but he does try his best to keep you keep you going.

He knows your limits like the back of his hand.

This boy would literally jot down notes and mutter away while you’re working out, whether you’re walking on a treadmill or lifting weights, because he wants to note what areas you’ve perfected and what needs work on so he can help you out. He mentally keeps track of that for himself, too.

Izuku is definitely not afraid to ask for help and asks you to spot him often

Not super talkative with you, as he’s ridiculously focused, but he will make idle chat to pass the time.

He probably does most of his workout early in the morning, so you better be an early bird.

Katsuki:

Again, you’d have to initiate working out together. Unlike Izuku, he knows he has the option of working out with others but most of the time, doesn’t want to mess with that.

So you’re a bit floored when he accepts.

Katsuki would obviously want to do stretches and warm-ups because if he gets hurt working out, it would put off progress he could’ve made with his routine; it would set him back. And that’s a pain in the ass.

But he might be prone to rushing through that step if he’s in a particularly bad mood or whatever reason.

Loud. C’mon. How could you expect any different? He grunts, yells, and screams. While he brushes his teeth. Naturally, he’s loud at the gym.

But he wouldn’t really chit chat with you, as he’d rather yell and scream at you like a drill sergeant, or grunt while you’re both off on your own.

He doesn’t want to be tied to your hip the entire time you’re working out.

He’s going to push you to limits you didn’t know were possible for yourself, and he’s not going to be too kind about it either.

Katsuki brings a shitton of water and drinks packed with electrolytes; he has to, he sweats a lot and can get dehydrated quickly as a result. He’ll push you to keep hydrated, too, whether you like it or not.

Most of his workout time would probably happen later in the evening, but he’s not completely against to working out in the morning.

Might be a little aggravated if you ask him to spot you, and he hardly ever asks you to spot him, which can be aggravating because you can’t help but worry he’ll get hurt.

Ochako:

She’s like a kid at a candy shop the first time you ask her to come along with you, eyes immediately lighting up and mouth curving into an enthusiastic grin. She’s the one who suggests you make a habit of working out together, though.

Ochako would do everything in her power to make the workout fun for the both of you, be it music or games to help you warm up.

Of course, she takes it as seriously as everyone else, but she thinks that, the more you have fun while you’re working out, the more you’ll be encouraged to do it and better you’ll get at it. Simple philosophy, right?

She’s a great spotter, too. Her quirk helps phenomenally. If you’re lifting weights and go overboard, she can just use her quirk on the barbells before your arms give out and drop them on your neck.

Her main focus isn’t physical strength - it’s martial arts and flexibility. Flexibility is only natural with her quirk. The more limber she can be in the air, the better. It’s important for her to utilize martial arts because her quirk isn’t combat-based, so she’s more likely to be thrown into hand-to-hand battles.

And whether your quirk is combat-based or not, she wants you to dabble in it, too.

For that reason, a large portion of your workout is sparring, while another portion is stretches.

She would definitely try to get you to do yoga with her, too! It’s a good way to strengthen your core, not to mention enjoyable to end your workout with. It’s nice to ease out of physical activity rather than stop all together.

Would 100% bring snacks or other workout fuel if she manages to afford it.

Thinking about bringing an energy drink with you to keep you going? Get ready for her to scold you. There’s no way she’s letting you put that poison in your body. Even if they grant you energy now, it won’t last and you’ll completεly crash.

Tenya:

Probably the most intense in terms of safety.

He’s the most by-the-book, so there’s no shortcuts to much of anything, even your diet.

That’s right - he absolutely insists you follow a healthy diet. Naturally, you’re supposed to eat well anyway, but Tenya will push you more than the others will, especially if you workout together.

Water water water

Even if his quirk uses orange drink for fuel, he still needs water to keep his body hydrated.

Will nearly force water down your throat if he thinks you’re getting dehydrated. When someone gets dehydrated, the last thing they want to do is drink, so that’s what sets him off. Whether you’re dehydrated or not, there you go.

He’s not crazy flexible, so that’s something he tries to work on, but his main focus is endurance and stamina.

Suuuuper early workouts. Sometimes you wonder if he even sleeps at all.

Tenya’s busy - he’s got a lot on hands, and it just helps that he enjoys working out the most in the morning.

I can’t see Tenya being all that chatty while you’re working out, as he takes it really seriously and gets really focused.

It’s not uncommon for you to find him spacing out while he’s doing his thing, whether he’s on a treadmill or using the leg machines.

Shouto:

One day you’re talking about your disappointment in the lack of progress in your time at the gym, just making idle talk, when Shouto offers to help you out.

I’m not sure why, but I see Shouto wanting to work out in the evening or at night. Or both, in bursts.

Has to be really careful not to get overheated.

I mean, the boy can be a human furnace if he wants to be - needless to say, you’re not surprised when he tells you he has to watch his pace and drink lots of water.

He’s really candid and blunt, but it wouldn’t bother him at all to help you stretch out, be it putting his hands on your back and pushing down while you’ve got your legs spread out, or bringing his hand to the inner part of your thigh to help lift up your leg and keep it straight; he just doesn’t get flustered by it, even if you do.

He takes it seriously and is usually pretty quiet throughout your time together, but every once in a while he’s an absolute chatterbox, the both of you going back and forth and actively engaged in conversation.

Constantly watches you; he’s not creeping, he’s just watching to make sure you don’t make any mistakes.

“Ah, y/n, that’s not quite right. Here, let me show you.”

But he’s not afraid to ask you for help, either. “Y/n,” he’d say, “am I doing this right? Something feels off.”

I can see Shouto being very motherly when it comes to staying hydrated and properly nourishing your body after a workout. Like, he enjoys going out to eat with you afterward, and always encourages you to get the healthiest option available. He’s pretty gentle about it, but he’s still very convincing.

If you’re really close, Shouto might occasionally invite his brother and sister along to work out with you, just to get them out of the house for awhile. Of course, physical activity is important, too.

[zrtranscripts]

Home Front, Mission 4: Magpie

We'll Meet Again

~

SAM YAO: Okay, okay. Here we are again, stuck indoors, staring at the same walls. Have any of you started to notice, like, shapes in the wallpaper? I've been sitting looking at the ceiling so much that I'm pretty sure the stain in the corner looks just like Vasco da Gama, or at least what I think the cartoon of Vasco De Gama in a history comic I had when I was eight looked like. I can't even get onto Rofflenet right now to find out who Vasco da Gama was because Janine's using the connection for some kind of important work connected to the future of Abel Township. Hmm. She-she's probably using it to make a top five list of her favorite military commanders, isn't she? I mean, I know she's not. It's something about crop rotation.

Hey, I could make a list of the top five things I miss about you runners! Um, I miss Runner Nine’s cooking. The stews with the dumplings, oh my God. You know, things are not the same around here now you're stuck in that abandoned community center, Nine. Although I'm happy to hear from Rofflenet that you've invented a new... cauliflower and sausage stew. Now it doesn't sound promising, but I'm pretty sure you'll make it delicious.

Anyway, look, basically the only thing that made me feel better last week was to do that exercise broadcast, so I thought we could do another one! Janine says if I keep this up, she might let me help out with some of the simpler tasks in the vegetable garden here, which at least would be something to do. So okay, I'm gonna play a song, and you just warm up to it however you like. Dancing around, doing star jumps, skipping, marching on the spot, whatever you like, okay? Now this is a song I don't think Janine would like me playing in the vegetable garden.

~

SAM YAO: All right! Yeah! I feel kind of better already. And I've got the Ministry guidelines in front of me for exercise to stop you going stir-crazy. No, that's not actually what it's called. So shall we do something? [paper rustles] Oh. Oh, Janine's marked these up with "useful training for working on Abel's farmland" Post-its. Where does she even get Post-its in an apocalypse? Has she been like, making Post-its? Did she stockpile Post-its before all this? That-that does sound like the kind of thing she'd do, to be honest.

Anyway, [laughs] here we've got forward lunges. Janine says, "These will be good training for picking inaccessible fruit and berries." Okay, right. Here are the instructions. Stand up straight with your feet hip-width apart. Take a big step forward with your right foot, then lower your hips towards the ground, bending both knees, keeping your right shin vertical and let your left heel come off the floor. Make sure your right knee doesn't go over your right toes. Uh-huh. Says here that if you can, you could let your left knee touch the floor gently, but if you can't do that, don't worry. Just do what you can and make sure it doesn't hurt. Then push down into your right heel to go back to the starting position, then do it again.

Okay, right. Now I'm gonna time it. It's 30 seconds. Uh, right leg forward, and go! And 10 seconds done. [laughs] Man, I bet that's burning your thighs right now. Look, I'd join in, but-but people said it sounded weird last time when I did it. That's it. Okay, now change legs. Left leg forward for 30 seconds. There's no need to go quickly, just go at your own pace. And go! [laughs] Man, I'm imagining you all doing that right now. [laughs] It does look like you're reaching for a juicy apple just out of reach, actually. Okay, that's 15 seconds, and I'll give you a little countdown when we get to five. Keep going. And that's five, four, three, two, one, and that's 30 seconds! Good work, everyone!

Now it says here that lunges are a very versatile exercise, and there are also backward lunges! Exciting stuff! Anyway, I'll play some music now. Either dance around to it or do marching or carry on with the forward lunges, whatever feels good to you.

~

SAM YAO: Aw yeah, that song. That song just always puts a smile on my face, you know what I mean? Do you find right now that you're looking out for stuff that makes you smile? Like there's a new pair of black birds that are coming to feed at the bird table outside the comms shack and I just keep feeling so grateful I can even see the outside world right now.

Ah, sorry, Runner Eighteen. I-I know you're in a crypt right now. Well, at least it's not raining in there. And Runner Eighteen, I miss your virtuoso drumming performances on talent night. Yeah, can't wait to hear you on the tin cans and packing boxes again. I'm going to put on some music now that reminds me of Runner Eighteen. Runners, if you want to, you can air drum along to this, you crazy diamonds. Or, but you know, whatever movement feels good to you.

~

SAM YAO: Oh yes, yes! I drummed it out all over the shop round here. Oh. Oh. Uh, might have put a bit of a dent in the tin Janine keeps her special pens in. I expect it'll knock out okay. Anyway, here's a little exercise Janine says will help train for setting the Abel strawberry nets. Oh yeah, I might like those black birds, but they do get at the strawberries. This exercise is called inchworm, and it's pretty simple.

You stand straight up, feet hip-width apart as usual. As far as I can tell, your feet should only ever be hip-width apart. And your knees should always be gently bent. Right, so now you slowly bend forwards and put your hands on the floor in front of your feet as near as you can get to your toes. Right, done that? Now walk your hands forwards, keeping your abs engaged until your back is straight. You should be in a plank position now, and then walk your arms back to your feet and stand up. Oh yeah, [laughs] I get it. It's like reaching down to spread out the strawberry nets, getting them in place, and then standing up to check them.

So okay, let's do one minute of this. I'll time it. Remember, start by standing straight, then bend over, walk your hands forward until your back is straight, then walk back and stand up, then do it again. Okay, and three, two, one, go. It says here that this exercise should strengthen your arms, your bum, and your core, and if you can't get your back completely straight, don't worry. Just do what you're able and focus on going at a pace that works for you. Keep going! Oh, imagine how many strawberry nets we're going to be able to spread when we've got good at this! And yeah, you're halfway there. Make sure you're not scrunching your shoulders, and if you need a few seconds break, take it. Okay, and that's just 15 seconds to go. You're almost there. Keep going. That's five, four, three, two, one, and that's it. One minute of inchworms.

Time for some music. As usual, use it to carry on with this exercise, or dance, or any other movement you like, or just have a rest. Ah yes, here's a song that makes me think of the amazing taste of strawberries. [hums]

~

SAM YAO: Ah man, do you know what that last verse reminded me of? Runner Twenty-Four’s stories. [laughs] I don't know what it is with her. Those same things happen to me, but she can just make any little thing so funny. [laughs] Did you hear her story about that dentist who couldn't pronounce her surname? Oh, or the one about the bus driver? Oh my God, I couldn't stop laughing. It was like medical. Runner Twenty-Four, your stories are definitely on my top five list.

Huh. Do you ever think about when you'll ever get on a bus again? Or like, when was the last time you were on a bus? Can you even remember? I'm pretty sure it was about a week before Z-Day for me. Bus from college to my house. I can't... I can't remember anything about it. I've tried. I think the last time I was in a restaurant was, oh, maybe a Millie Burger. You know that chain, posh burgers with salsa and stuff? I didn't even notice how nice it was to be able to do all those things, sit at a table someone else had cleaned, order from a menu. When we get the world back, I'll notice.

Okay, time for a song. Have a little dance and think about how one day, we'll all be able to dance together again.

~

SAM YAO: All right, final big exercise of the day. We are going to do [makes trumpet fanfare noise with mouth] backward lunges! I just wanted to see how it works. Also, together with forward lunges, they're a good leg workout. But also Janine says they mimic the movement of moving logs into place to construct an animal pen for animals, like little goats to give us milk! Oh, little tiny goat kids with their little ears! Yeah, I might have been in here by myself for a bit too long.

Anyway, the backward goat pen-constructing lunge is just like the forward lunge, except you start by putting your right leg back and not forward! Genius! So stand with your knees locked, and... [laughs] Just kidding! Stand with your feet hip-width apart and your knees not locked. Not locked, like always. Take a big step backward with your right foot, then bend your knees, lowering your hips toward the floor and keeping your left shin vertical. Let your right heel come off the floor and make sure your left knee doesn't go over your left toes, then rise back to the starting position. Take it slowly. You get no extra benefit from rushing it, and you could hurt yourself.

Okay. Ready? Now I'll time you. 30 seconds using the right foot to lunge backward, and then we'll change legs. Stand tall, knees gently bent, and go. Yeah, I'm picturing it now, a backward lunge. Okay, halfway there. You should be feeling it in your thighs. Keep going. Keep going. Three, two, one, and that's it! 30 seconds on that side. Give your legs a bit of a shake out and get ready to start doing backward lunges by putting the left foot backwards.

And if your legs are burning, just think of those teeny little jumping goats that are going to be so safe in the pen we’ll build. Ah man, I think I need to add the way Runner Thirty is always bringing home all those stray animals to my list. I didn't know how much I missed that. Okay, left leg. Ready? Go! Lunging, lunging, and halfway done. Remember, take your time. Slow body weight exercises build more muscle. Five, four, three, two, one. There we go! Backward lunges done, increasing your leg strength to hoist logs and planks and hold them in position. Brilliant.

Okay, I'm gonna play a song. You can use it to carry on with the lunges or just to dance around, run on the spot, or stretch out. Uh, yeah, this song reminds me of all your smiling faces.

~

SAM YAO: [whispers] There's a magpie outside the comms shack window right now. Turned up when I was dancing. I think I remember Runner Thirty feeding it when he was here. The magpies still miss you, Runner Thirty. Oh no, he's flown off. I expect he'll be back. I miss all you runners so much. Runner Thirty'd know what to feed that magpie. Runner Twenty-Four would turn it into a silly story. Runner Nine'd cooked us something tasty to eat while we listened, and then Runner Eighteen'd drum on the empty cans after dinner.

No no, I can't make a top five list. I miss you all. But I'll see you again, and it won't be so long. Even the biggest horde doesn't last forever. Look, when we get together for a rave, this is the first song we'll play.

~

SAM YAO: Ah man, I feel better for all that dancing, I tell you. I'm just thinking about... that there will be a next time we all have a dance together. That makes me feel so much better. And there will be a next time. It feels like forever right now, but it won't be forever. There'll even be buses and restaurants and other people to sit too close to and hug. And until then, well hey, we-we're getting ready to work on the Abel farm together and that's not nothing!

You know, the nice thing with all of this is we can all see how much we need each other, how things don't feel the same without a friendly face and a smile or a nod from a stranger. When things are good, it's easy to forget how much we all really do need each other. Maybe when this is over, we won't forget so easily. I don't think I will, anyway. You all mean too much to me. Look after yourselves. We'll do this again soon, and until then, stay safe. Really.

~

[radiumeater]

Alcoholics Anonymous is famously difficult to study. By necessity, it keeps no records of who attends meetings; members come and go and are, of course, anonymous. No conclusive data exist on how well it works. In 2006, the Cochrane Collaboration, a health-care research group, reviewed studies going back to the 1960s and found that “no experimental studies unequivocally demonstrated the effectiveness of AA or [12-step] approaches for reducing alcohol dependence or problems.”

The Big Book includes an assertion first made in the second edition, which was published in 1955: that AA has worked for 75 percent of people who have gone to meetings and “really tried.” It says that 50 percent got sober right away, and another 25 percent struggled for a while but eventually recovered. According to AA, these figures are based on members’ experiences.

In his recent book, The Sober Truth: Debunking the Bad Science Behind 12-Step Programs and the Rehab Industry, Lance Dodes, a retired psychiatry professor from Harvard Medical School, looked at Alcoholics Anonymous’s retention rates along with studies on sobriety and rates of active involvement (attending meetings regularly and working the program) among AA members. Based on these data, he put AA’s actual success rate somewhere between 5 and 8 percent. That is just a rough estimate, but it’s the most precise one I’ve been able to find.

I spent three years researching a book about women and alcohol, Her Best-Kept Secret: Why Women Drink—And How They Can Regain Control, which was published in 2013. During that time, I encountered disbelief from doctors and psychiatrists every time I mentioned that the Alcoholics Anonymous success rate appears to hover in the single digits. We’ve grown so accustomed to testimonials from those who say AA saved their life that we take the program’s efficacy as an article of faith. Rarely do we hear from those for whom 12-step treatment doesn’t work. But think about it: How many celebrities can you name who bounced in and out of rehab without ever getting better? Why do we assume they failed the program, rather than that the program failed them?

When my book came out, dozens of Alcoholics Anonymous members said that because I had challenged AA’s claim of a 75 percent success rate, I would hurt or even kill people by discouraging attendance at meetings. A few insisted that I must be an “alcoholic in denial.” But most of the people I heard from were desperate to tell me about their experiences in the American treatment industry. Amy Lee Coy, the author of the memoir From Death Do I Part: How I Freed Myself From Addiction, told me about her eight trips to rehab, starting at age 13. “It’s like getting the same antibiotic for a resistant infection—eight times,” she told me. “Does that make sense?”

She and countless others had put their faith in a system they had been led to believe was effective—even though finding treatment centers’ success rates is next to impossible: facilities rarely publish their data or even track their patients after discharging them. “Many will tell you that those who complete the program have a ‘great success rate,’ meaning that most are abstaining from drugs and alcohol while enrolled there,” says Bankole Johnson, an alcohol researcher and the chair of the psychiatry department at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. “Well, no kidding.”

[...]

AA truisms have so infiltrated our culture that many people believe heavy drinkers cannot recover before they “hit bottom.” Researchers I’ve talked with say that’s akin to offering antidepressants only to those who have attempted suicide, or prescribing insulin only after a patient has lapsed into a diabetic coma. “You might as well tell a guy who weighs 250 pounds and has untreated hypertension and cholesterol of 300, ‘Don’t exercise, keep eating fast food, and we’ll give you a triple bypass when you have a heart attack,’ ” Mark Willenbring, a psychiatrist in St. Paul and a former director of treatment and recovery research at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, told me. He threw up his hands. “Absurd.”

Part of the problem is our one-size-fits-all approach. Alcoholics Anonymous was originally intended for chronic, severe drinkers—those who may, indeed, be powerless over alcohol—but its program has since been applied much more broadly. Today, for instance, judges routinely require people to attend meetings after a DUI arrest; fully 12 percent of AA members are there by court order.

Whereas AA teaches that alcoholism is a progressive disease that follows an inevitable trajectory, data from a federally funded survey called the National Epidemiological Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions show that nearly one-fifth of those who have had alcohol dependence go on to drink at low-risk levels with no symptoms of abuse. And a recent survey of nearly 140,000 adults by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that nine out of 10 heavy drinkers are not dependent on alcohol and, with the help of a medical professional’s brief intervention, can change unhealthy habits. We once thought about drinking problems in binary terms—you either had control or you didn’t; you were an alcoholic or you weren’t—but experts now describe a spectrum. An estimated 18 million Americans suffer from alcohol-use disorder, as the DSM-5, the latest edition of the American Psychiatric Association’s diagnostic manual, calls it. (The new term replaces the older alcohol abuse and the much more dated alcoholism, which has been out of favor with researchers for decades.) Only about 15 percent of those with alcohol-use disorder are at the severe end of the spectrum. The rest fall somewhere in the mild-to-moderate range, but they have been largely ignored by researchers and clinicians. Both groups—the hard-core abusers and the more moderate overdrinkers—need more-individualized treatment options. The United States already spends about $35 billion a year on alcohol- and substance-abuse treatment, yet heavy drinking causes 88,000 deaths a year—including deaths from car accidents and diseases linked to alcohol. It also costs the country hundreds of billions of dollars in expenses related to health care, criminal justice, motor-vehicle crashes, and lost workplace productivity, according to the CDC. With the Affordable Care Act’s expansion of coverage, it’s time to ask some important questions: Which treatments should we be willing to pay for? Have they been proved effective? And for whom—only those at the extreme end of the spectrum? Or also those in the vast, long-overlooked middle? For a glimpse of how treatment works elsewhere, I traveled to Finland, a country that shares with the United States a history of prohibition (inspired by the American temperance movement, the Finns outlawed alcohol from 1919 to 1932) and a culture of heavy drinking. Finland’s treatment model is based in large part on the work of an American neuroscientist named John David Sinclair. I met with Sinclair in Helsinki in early July. He was battling late-stage prostate cancer, and his thick white hair was cropped short in preparation for chemotherapy. Sinclair has researched alcohol’s effects on the brain since his days as an undergraduate at the University of Cincinnati, where he experimented with rats that had been given alcohol for an extended period. Sinclair expected that after several weeks without booze, the rats would lose their desire for it. Instead, when he gave them alcohol again, they went on week-long benders, drinking far more than they ever had before—more, he says, than any rat had ever been shown to drink. Sinclair called this the alcohol-deprivation effect, and his laboratory results, which have since been confirmed by many other studies, suggested a fundamental flaw in abstinence-based treatment: going cold turkey only intensifies cravings. This discovery helped explain why relapses are common. Sinclair published his findings in a handful of journals and in the early 1970s moved to Finland, drawn by the chance to work in what he considered the best alcohol-research lab in the world, complete with special rats that had been bred to prefer alcohol to water. He spent the next decade researching alcohol and the brain.Sinclair came to believe that people develop drinking problems through a chemical process: each time they drink, the endorphins released in the brain strengthen certain synapses. The stronger these synapses grow, the more likely the person is to think about, and eventually crave, alcohol—until almost anything can trigger a thirst for booze, and drinking becomes compulsive. Sinclair theorized that if you could stop the endorphins from reaching their target, the brain’s opiate receptors, you could gradually weaken the synapses, and the cravings would subside. To test this hypothesis, he administered opioid antagonists—drugs that block opiate receptors—to the specially bred alcohol-loving rats. He found that if the rats took the medication each time they were given alcohol, they gradually drank less and less. He published his findings in peer-reviewed journals beginning in the 1980s. Subsequent studies found that an opioid antagonist called naltrexone was safe and effective for humans, and Sinclair began working with clinicians in Finland. He suggested prescribing naltrexone for patients to take an hour before drinking. As their cravings subsided, they could then learn to control their consumption. Numerous clinical trials have confirmed that the method is effective, and in 2001 Sinclair published a paper in the journal Alcohol and Alcoholism reporting a 78 percent success rate in helping patients reduce their drinking to about 10 drinks a week. Some stopped drinking entirely.I visited one of three private treatment centers, called the Contral Clinics, that Sinclair co-founded in Finland. (There’s an additional one in Spain.) In the past 18 years, more than 5,000 Finns have gone to the Contral Clinics for help with a drinking problem. Seventy-five percent of them have had success reducing their consumption to a safe level. [...] In the United States, doctors generally prescribe naltrexone for daily use and tell patients to avoid alcohol, instead of instructing them to take the drug anytime they plan to drink, as Sinclair would advise. There is disagreement among experts about which approach is better—Sinclair is adamant that American doctors are missing the drug’s full potential—but both seem to work: naltrexone has been found to reduce drinking in more than a dozen clinical trials, including a large-scale one funded by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism that was published in JAMA in 2006. The results have been largely overlooked. Less than 1 percent of people treated for alcohol problems in the United States are prescribed naltrexone or any other drug shown to help control drinking. To understand why, you have to first understand the history. The American approach to treatment for drinking problems has roots in the country’s long-standing love-hate relationship with booze. The first settlers arrived with a great thirst for whiskey and hard cider, and in the early days of the republic, alcohol was one of the few beverages that was reliably safe from contamination. (It was also cheaper than coffee or tea.) The historian W. J. Rorabaugh has estimated that between the 1770s and 1830s, the average American over age 15 consumed at least five gallons of pure alcohol a year—the rough equivalent of three shots of hard liquor a day. Religious fervor, aided by the introduction of public water-filtration systems, helped galvanize the temperance movement, which culminated in 1920 with Prohibition. That experiment ended after 14 years, but the drinking culture it fostered—secrecy and frenzied bingeing—persists.In 1934, just after Prohibition’s repeal, a failed stockbroker named Bill Wilson staggered into a Manhattan hospital. Wilson was known to drink two quarts of whiskey a day, a habit he’d attempted to kick many times. He was given the hallucinogen belladonna, an experimental treatment for addictions, and from his hospital bed he called out to God to loosen alcohol’s grip. He reported seeing a flash of light and feeling a serenity he had never before experienced. He quit booze for good. The next year, he co-founded Alcoholics Anonymous. He based its principles on the beliefs of the evangelical Oxford Group, which taught that people were sinners who, through confession and God’s help, could right their paths. AA filled a vacuum in the medical world, which at the time had few answers for heavy drinkers. In 1956, the American Medical Association named alcoholism a disease, but doctors continued to offer little beyond the standard treatment that had been around for decades: detoxification in state psychiatric wards or private sanatoriums. As Alcoholics Anonymous grew, hospitals began creating “alcoholism wards,” where patients detoxed but were given no other medical treatment. Instead, AA members—who, as part of the 12 steps, pledge to help other alcoholics—appeared at bedsides and invited the newly sober to meetings. A public-relations specialist and early AA member named Marty Mann worked to disseminate the group’s main tenet: that alcoholics had an illness that rendered them powerless over booze. Their drinking was a disease, in other words, not a moral failing. Paradoxically, the prescription for this medical condition was a set of spiritual steps that required accepting a higher power, taking a “fearless moral inventory,” admitting “the exact nature of our wrongs,” and asking God to remove all character defects. Mann helped ensure that these ideas made their way to Hollywood. In 1945’s The Lost Weekend, a struggling novelist tries to loosen his writer’s block with booze, to devastating effect. In Days of Wine and Roses, released in 1962, Jack Lemmon slides into alcoholism along with his wife, played by Lee Remick. He finds help through AA, but she rejects the group and loses her family. Mann also collaborated with a physiologist named E. M. Jellinek. Mann was eager to bolster the scientific claims behind AA, and Jellinek wanted to make a name for himself in the growing field of alcohol research. In 1946, Jellinek published the results of a survey mailed to 1,600 AA members. Only 158 were returned. Jellinek and Mann jettisoned 45 that had been improperly completed and another 15 filled out by women, whose responses were so unlike the men’s that they risked complicating the results. From this small sample—98 men—Jellinek drew sweeping conclusions about the “phases of alcoholism,” which included an unavoidable succession of binges that led to blackouts, “indefinable fears,” and hitting bottom. Though the paper was filled with caveats about its lack of scientific rigor, it became AA gospel. Jellinek, however, later tried to distance himself from this work, and from Alcoholics Anonymous. His ideas came to be illustrated by a chart showing how alcoholics progressed from occasionally drinking for relief, to sneaking drinks, to guilt, and so on until they hit bottom (“complete defeat admitted”) and then recovered. If you could locate yourself even early in the downward trajectory on that curve, you could see where your drinking was headed. In 1952, Jellinek noted that the word alcoholic had been adopted to describe anyone who drank excessively. He warned that overuse of that word would undermine the disease concept. He later beseeched AA to stay out of the way of scientists trying to do objective research. [...] As the rehab industry began expanding in the 1970s, its profit motives dovetailed nicely with AA’s view that counseling could be delivered by people who had themselves struggled with addiction, rather than by highly trained (and highly paid) doctors and mental-health professionals. No other area of medicine or counseling makes such allowances. There is no mandatory national certification exam for addiction counselors. The 2012 Columbia University report on addiction medicine found that only six states required alcohol- and substance-abuse counselors to have at least a bachelor’s degree and that only one state, Vermont, required a master’s degree. Fourteen states had no license requirements whatsoever—not even a GED or an introductory training course was necessary—and yet counselors are often called on by the judicial system and medical boards to give expert opinions on their clients’ prospects for recovery. Mark Willenbring, the St. Paul psychiatrist, winced when I mentioned this. “What’s wrong,” he asked me rhetorically, “with people with no qualifications or talents—other than being recovering alcoholics—being licensed as professionals with decision-making authority over whether you are imprisoned or lose your medical license?

[merlevum]

Dormiens rex De Aurora

Chapters: 3/? Fandom: Final Fantasy XV Rating: Not Rated Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Relationships: Gladiolus Amicitia/Ignis Scientia, Prompto Argentum/Noctis Lucis Caelum Characters: Gladiolus Amicitia, Ignis Scientia, Prompto Argentum, Noctis Lucis Caelum, Nyx Ulric Additional Tags: Alternate Universe, cyrofreeze, cryovat Summary: Gladio must travel through a fall Insomnia. Ignis does his best not to let him dwell on his thoughts. 

Gladio regained his strength and retained his body heat without needing extra clothing or the thermal blankets after the second day. The moment Gladio was given the go-ahead, he started his usual routine of stretching and limbering out his stiff body. A thousand years certainly had not been kind in that regard, but after the third day, he was feeling at least somewhat better. Ignis brought him clothes, showing him to a shower they had brought the second day Gladio was more fully awake. They warned him about taking too hot of a shower before leaving him.

The clothes, while not exactly his usual Crownsguard uniform, were comfortable enough. Supple leather pants and a fitted shirt accompanied by combat boots and a set of boxers and socks. Well, it was better than what he had before. His Shield tattoo peaked out where his shirt stopped, but that didn’t bother him. Not really. It was meant to be seen and meant to warn people to step the hell away from him or anyone he was with. Every shield from the Amicitia family had gotten something either a tattoo, a pendant, badge, whatever to show exactly who they were. Though the Amicitia genes probably did more for him than the tattoo. Even his father had a tattoo of the bird with wings wide open on his shoulder. Apparently, his old man had worn more sleeveless shirts than even Gladio. Slicking back his hair, he noticed at least he didn’t need to cut it for a while, guess being frozen had some perks. Though, it looked like he could do with a bit of a shave. Maybe he could ask Ignis for some stuff.

The week passed in a flurry of trying to get his body back into condition and watching over Noct. Ignis and Prompto were in and out throughout the week, making sure the pretense they had come up with was kept when it came to their scientist. Gladio still wasn’t sure about all of this, but he was going to be damned if he was going to stay in this room for one more day. Aside from sitting still, he hated having to hide like this. The four walls around him were starting to get rather cramped, but he couldn’t leave with Noct still asleep.

No one said what they speculated, but Gladio was starting to worry if fears of Noct ever waking up were going to be confirmed one day. The prince was known for napping, but this was getting ridiculous, but then there had been that one time. Gladio shoved the thought away as he straightened his form a bit and focused on his push-ups. He had worked up a decent sweat and working on a cool down.

“Good afternoon, Gladio. I’m glad to see that you are able to move around without too much trouble,” Ignis stood in the doorway, shifting his glasses. Gladio noticed the slight twinge to the assistant’s cheeks but figured it was from walking here from the outpost. Apparently, Ignis had explained earlier that week, the climb from cryovat building to the outpost was a bit of a distance. “Have the doctors finished clearing you?”

‘Yeah, perfect bill of health. More than I can say for sleeping beauty though.”

Gladio knew he was being bitter and irritable, but he couldn’t help it. A week in a room without windows, or any sense of what was going on outside of the room was really grating on him. He still couldn’t pull his sword from the Amiger, so he was forced to continue to strengthen his core. Without some form of protection, Gladio knew he would need to be ready to protect Noct with his own body for when he finally woke up. Still, he couldn’t figure out why he couldn’t get access. Was it because of Noct, or was it because of King Regis?

“That’s not fair, Gladio and you know that,” Ignis said with a sigh.

“Fair or not, I’ve been stuck in this room. Noct hasn’t woken up, and I’m damn tired of just standing here doing nothing.”

Gladio practically prowled the room he was confined to. Ignis could have compared him to a coeurl if he hadn’t felt a twinge of guilt. The medical team had already alerted him to Gladio’s foul mood. Perhaps it was time he let Gladio see what the outside world looked like now after a thousand years. He bit his lip, wondering if he really should let Gladio go out. They would have to go through Insomnia first and foremost and then come back down through Insomnia to get back here. Was Gladio ready to face that?

“Gladio would you--” he stepped closer to the Shield, putting a hand on the other’s shoulder. “Would you join me for a walk? You’ll want to put on the jacket, it’s rather cold out there and we can’t have someone recognize you’re not from here because of your skin.”

“My skin? What’s wrong with my skin?” Gladio was not in the mood for half baked truths today and frankly, he didn’t give a damn about hurting Ignis’s feelings at the moment either. He shrugged out of the comforting hand to face him.

Gladio was taller, but then he was used to towering over people. He was an Amicitia after all, and their male line tended to be rather tall. Still, Ignis wasn’t small by any means and if the grip he felt the past week and the way he had gotten him out of the cryovat, Ignis wasn’t weak either. But if Ignis thought they weren’t going to be butting heads or Gladio was just going to follow everything Ignis wanted, he had another thing coming. Gladio didn’t follow blindly.

“If you haven’t noticed, Prompto and I are both fairly light skinned. When Insomnia fell, according to history, so too did daylight. The nights grew longer until there was no sunlight. Since then, people have had to make due with artificial light. When it comes back, we will all have to adjust to the actual sunlight again. Since you’ve been frozen, your skin has not had to go through the lack of sunlight. You’ll stick out like a sore thumb, I’m afraid. And while I trust our little outpost, there is always the chance that someone loyal to the empire will spot you.”

There was no sunlight? Ignis and Prompto had never seen a sunset or even a sunrise? Their world was just dark? “W-Wait, what do you mean? Why is night? Wasn’t that connected to the Starscourge?”

“It was and still is. Gladio, we haven’t solved the problem of the Starscourge completely. We've only been able to reverse the effects of those who are infected but not yet turned.” Ignis leaned against the wall, watching Gladio. “Why don’t we continue this while we head to the outpost. Talk like this scares the medical team and I dare say you could do with a bit of fresh air.”

Grunting in response, Gladio grabbed the jacket he supposed would have gone knee length for most, but only to his own waist. It covered up his tattoo and skin. Ignis handed him a pair of leather gloves and a hat. Gladio didn’t like hiding. He wasn’t a spy, he wasn’t some outlaw, and yet he here he was. He technically was supposed to be dead and the only place he could even think to call home was supposedly gone. Begrudgingly he dawned on what Ignis gave him and then followed him out of the room.

Unlike when his father had taken him down, Gladio found there was a broken down stairwell that they used instead of the elevator. Who knew if the elevator was still operational? Or maybe, just maybe, they didn’t know how to use it? You needed a code to get it working, especially to come down here, but the stairs worked too. He could use the exercise honestly.

“The Starscourge, did you ever figure out what it truly was?” Ignis asked, shifting his glasses as he led Gladio through the building.

“We didn’t. All we knew was the Oracle had the power to cure it. If King Regis or anyone else knew, they didn’t tell Noct or me.” Gladio grunted. His legs protested a little as they started their incline. At least he was moving now, he could focus on the way his body moved instead of how helpless he was in the room.

“Right.” Ignis seemed accustomed to the climb making Gladio wonder how many times had he come down here? “The Starscourge is actually an organism which takes away the light. People have described it as “drinking the light” away. I don’t think they’re wrong necessarily, since many of the victims, start showing signs of darkening and black skin, along with a black fluid coming from the body. Once the scourge takes over the body completely, the person turns into a daemon.”

Ignis glanced back when he didn’t hear the familiar sound of Gladio’s boots. The Shield had stopped, staring at him with his mouth agape.

“Are you kidding? Those things? Those creatures were human once? How the hell--” Gladio ran a hand over his face. Ignis frowned, unsure of why such news would come as a surprise. “You said the cure you have doesn’t actually reverse this, right? So, with no daylight and you telling me about the daemons, then it means that you still have issues with it."

Ignis nodded, eyes working towards the conclusion that Gladio and the others from Insomnia had fought daemons but knew nothing of their origins.

"Great. Another thing to add to my growing list of shit to worry about.” Gladio started walking again. Just another damned thing to mull over until Noct woke up.

Ignis hummed. “You won’t have to worry about daemons until you leave the outpost. For some reason, Insomnia is one of the few places daemons dare not to venture after it’s fall. We’re still not exactly sure why though.”

The way Ignis spoke, Gladio knew he couldn’t fault the guy. They were just part of two different worlds. Insomnia was his home and standing strong before he was under. Ignis was trying to spare him, Gladio could tell, but the way Ignis spoke, it was clear Insomnia was just history. Insomnia was just a pile of ruins. But nothing could have fully prepared Gladio for what he saw when they stepped through the front doors of the cryovat building and into the streets of Insomnia.

What Gladio remembered and felt was just yesterday, was nothing like what he compared it now. Standing at the entrance of the building, all he could do was stare. He had grown up on these streets. Played and goofed off with others. He drank with the Glaives at certain bars and even picked up his sister. All of it. It was just all gone. Where once tall buildings stood, with streets winding this way and that to connect all of Insomnia, lay in ruins. Even the more crowded areas he could remember where the Glaive stayed, or the barracks of some of the Crownsguard, it was all different. There was no music coming from the streets and vendors he used to frequent. No car engines purring as they drove past. There was no sound of the wall guards or anyone he knew. It was deadly silent, save the humming of the large floodlights that illuminate the path Ignis wanted them to take.

“Gladio....if you need time--”

“We should keep moving.” He would have to face this some time or another. Now or never, so he could start to move forward. “Insomnia fell, and it won’t be coming back the same way. Not when you said something was built on top of it.”

Ignis stayed quiet but stayed close as he followed the floodlights. Gladio was grateful, not really wanting to talk about the Starscourge or Insomnia anymore, not when his home looked like this. Mostly though, he just didn’t trust his voice to break. Not when he saw all the destruction Niflheim had done to his home. What the Starscourge had done to the people he loved.

All of this was just too much for the Shield, but if he just shoved it down, at least for now, everything would be okay. But this wasn’t just someplace he didn’t know. This was his home. Some of the roads were still there from what Gladio could see in the pitch black of night and the black structure that was built overhead. As they walked there were pieces of buildings and craters in the streets, things they had to avoid. The way Ignis took them, it was to one of the main roads that would lead out of the city. Overhead, he could barely make out a distinct dome structure thanks to the floodlights. It was solid, yes, but what was it made out of? How would Noct react to all of this? Gladio was barely taking it in because of how dark it was and focusing on anything but who might have lived there or if he recognized a storefront at all.

“.....Fucking, Six.” Gladio’s breath hitched at seeing the remains of his own home thanks to a floodlight.

Breathe.

In.

Out.

His fucking home was half destroyed and in ruins. Iris. Jared. Talcott. Shit. He couldn’t keep it together. The tears started again as he sank to the ground. Ignis turned when he heard the curse. Staring in the direction Gladio looked, he pursed his lips.

“Gladio....” Ignis reached out but let his hand fall. How was he supposed to comfort the Shield? There was nothing he could say, no consolation that might provide some hope. This happened a thousand years ago. “Gladio, it’s best not to dwell on this. At least not yet.”

The Shield looked up at Ignis, eyes filled with confusion before his brows knitted together and Ignis knew he had said the wrong thing.

“Not dwell on this? Shit, Ignis! Yesterday I was fucking around with the Glaives and making plans to go out drinking at the bar that was just down the road from here.” He stood, clenching his fists, but Ignis didn’t move. “That house--That’s my house. How can I not dwell on it! My family is gone. My home is gone! How the fuck should I feel?”

Ignis looked away from Gladio lips a thin line. He expected Gladio to crack, but now he had to choose his words carefully if he was going to get the Shield to come around again.

“Gladio, grieve all you like, but it won’t change the circumstances. If you dwell on this, put the blame on yourself or the empire, or whoever, you’ll spiral deep to a path you’ll not come away from unscathed. Revenge does things to a person. His highness needs you when he wakes, but not someone who is bent on only revenge and doesn't think with a clear head.”

“If he wakes,” Gladio said through clenched jaws.

“Gladiolus! Listen to your--”

“I wouldn’t say another word Ignis.” Gladio drew up to his full height, eyes narrowed. “You won’t like what happens next.”

“Is that a threat? For fuck's sake.” Ignis sighed. He rolled up his sleeves, staring at Gladio from above his glasses. “You won’t listen to reason, will you? No, you’re the type that needs to be reminded you aren’t at the top of the class.”

Gladio clenched his fists. How dare Ignis think he can lecture him. Neither of them knew shit about each other.

“If that’s how you wish this to go, Gladiolus. Just remember, I did not want it to come to this. But it seems you think I don’t care. When I know what it’s like to lose those close to you. I might not understand what it must be like to see your homes in ruins like this, but then I’ve never really had a place to call home.”

What? Gladio let go of the breath he seemed to have held without him realizing. Ignis watched him, rather unimpressed, but Gladio relaxed a little. What the hell was he doing? Ignis had done nothing but try to help him and this was how he returned his thanks? He rubbed his hand over his face, letting out a long sigh, the anger was suddenly gone.

“I....I’m sorry,” he said, not looking at Ignis. “I just--”

“It’s a lot to take in. I understand that much, Gladio.” Ignis seemed satisfied with Gladio’s lack of rushing at him to step closer again. “Listen, you can grieve and you can yell and be mad at the world, but it won’t change what has happened. But you and his highness obviously have something you must do otherwise you wouldn’t have been put into the cryovat. You have a job, Gladio.”

He nodded. Of course, he had a job to do. Gladio wiped the tears from his eyes. He didn’t know how to really come to terms with all of this, but Ignis was right. It was the duty of the prince to keep moving forward and Gladio would have to do the same.

“Walk tall....”

“Excuse me?” Ignis asked, rather confused.

“It’s what his majesty would say so those who left to go on a mission. He’d tell them to walk tall.” Gladio gave the man a half smile. “I shouldn’t have....threatened you like that. You’re only trying to help.”

Ignis nodded. “Then we should best be on our way. There are makeshift stairs from where this road leads out of Insomnia. The outpost is just above us, where we can find Nyx.”

Gladio followed Ignis’s lead once again. Though he couldn’t help but glance back at his home.

Missing a step, he realized that he needed to go back to his house. At least once. There would be the family armoury there. If he couldn’t summon anything from the Amiger, at least he’d have a weapon to defend himself from daemons. He didn’t care if Ignis thought they were safe here if it was perpetually dark, no place was safe. Besides, Ignis was right, he had a job to do. Protect Noct and in turn the people who were left to the fate of Niflheim and for that his resolve strengthened. Insomnia might have been in ruins, but it’s people weren’t. That much was clear when he traced the pattern of some symbol that’s on the labcoat Ignis was wearing. The motif of Insomnia was there even if it was combined with that of Niflheim. He wondered if Ignis knew? Where there other signs of Insomnia still out there now? Catching Ignis watching him, Gladio looked down at the ground, his cheeks burning.

The road to come out of the city was long, even by car. Walking it was rather tedious and Gladio could feel the intrusive thoughts starting to creep back. The sooner they were out of Insomnia the better.

“Hey, Iggy? C-Can you just talk about something? Anything’s fine. Just something.”

“If you’re sure,” Ignis said, continuing on the road, careful of a small crater. Gladio stared at Ignis’s back so he didn’t have to look down in the crater and see something that might trigger more memories. “Well, since you’ve been asleep for so long, why don’t I talk to you about the outpost a bit.”

“Sure.” He could see the muscles pulling and straining of Ignis’s back as they made the steady climb up towards where the old wall of Insomnia still held in parts.

“The history between Insomnia and the creation of the outpost is hazy at best, but from what Nyx and I have gathered, it seems the outpost is where the current resistance started. We had no idea about Insomnia bellow it’s depths, but we found that the area was free of daemons. As I've stated before we don't know why, but we took it as a sign that this place would be safe.’ Ignis glanced back. “I say we, but I mean the people who started the outpost almost 800 years ago.”

Gladio nodded, trying not to look at the buildings they passed. If he focused on Ignis's voice, everything didn't feel like it was crushing around him. Not to mention he caught Ignis looking at him with those concerned green eyes of his.

“The world was plunged in darkness, Niflheim included, but they were prepared for the daemons and anything else that might have happened as if they were aware of it. Regardless, the outpost started off like any other, just trying to protect it’s people. Now though, it is the unofficial start of the Hunters. They protect the people when they can, but mostly they are considered hunters of the daemons.”

Gladio furrowed his brows. Start of the hunters? "Wait, Ignis. There were already hunters when Insomnia was...well you know. What happened to them?"

"Hmm. We weren't aware that there were. I did say our research had holes and gaps. Perhaps something happened to the original band of Hunters.”

The two came upon the man-made steps Ignis warned of. Looking up, Gladio took a deep breath. It would be a bit of a climb and his legs were already starting to hurt from just the trek here. He really needed to get back into training his tired muscles. He nodded for Ignis to continue when the other glanced at him as if calculating if Gladio needed a break or not. The steps were made from clay, but they were well used, meaning Ignis and the others came down here pretty frequently. Did they check Insomnia as someone would ruins? No, he didn’t want to think about that right now.

“--Nyx always did say that they served a purpose here.”

Shit. Ignis had kept talking. “Um...What about you? Are you part of the Hunters?”

“Me? Gods no. I’m a man of the sciences, not of a man to go traipsing about after daemons. No, I’ll leave that one to Nyx. He’s much better suited that I am.” Ignis gave Gladio a smile. “But I do know the signs, and I do help them when they need something.”

Gladio didn’t believe that for one minute. Ignis was ready to tussle with him earlier as if he was confident enough to know he could beat Gladio in a fight. There was no way someone confident enough for that didn’t go out and help the Hunters with fighting daemons, but Gladio said none of this. If Ignis didn’t want to tell him everything that was fine, so long as it didn’t hinder Noct and the mission they were on. His legs hurt, muscles he supposed that haven't been used for a thousand years and encased with ice, he couldn't expect his body to react the same way it normally would.

“Signs?” Gladio could tell Ignis was slowing down to match Gladio's steps for his sake, to which he was eternally grateful.

‘Yes, the Hunters have certain signs to show where their loyalty lies. Those who wear certain badges or who make certain gestures are loyal to the resistance. I did mention the resistance started here. Over the last two hundred years, we have certainly expanded, but we’re still without a way of bringing about the dawn. But now that we know you and his Highness are here, I’m sure the Hunters will have a different outlook.”

Ignis waved his hand to dismiss the comments, but Gladio could see the hope behind Ignis’s glasses. They had all been fighting to preserve themselves without any real promise of finding the answer to the empire and the Starscourge. Gladio looked away, not sure if Noct and he would even be able to provide that. They didn’t know any secrets that might help and if the Astrals knew, they were certainly quiet about it all.

"Hasn't the empire caught on to it?" Gladio asked, trying to find some badge or way of knowing that Ignis was part of the resistance.

"Gladio, we've been around for two hundred years, we know how to hide things well enough. Do you see the symbol on my back? Within it, and only if you look closely and know where to look you will find a crest the resistance first found in some book. Nyx said it was from the Kingsglaive? But perhaps you would know better than us." Ignis shrugged out of his lab coat as he came to a stop. He pointed where the crest was on the symbol.

Sure enough, Gladio recognized the crest of the Kingsglaive.

"Did you know what they did?" Gladio asked, as he handed the coat back to Ignis and they continued walking.

"I'm afraid not. We know they were an organization, but other than that nothing. Much of Insomnia's history before the fall was either burned or left in rubble." Ignis watched Gladio's face twist in discomfort, but at least the Shield was holding on.

"The Kingsglaive were a group of people who were....outlanders as some called them. They were from Lucian territories whose homes were destroyed by the Niffs. They sought refuge in Insomnia and a lot of them went into the service of the Kingsglaive for various reasons. They used the magic the king offered to them to be able to warp and use magic themselves, but they had to learn how to. Drautos was the head of them." Gladio supposed if he couldn't access the Amiger, he doubted any of the Glaives could have accessed that power either if there were any. With what Ignis told him, he doubted they had, perhaps Niflheim had gotten rid of them all.  

"Magic? Fascinating. Do you possess this power as well?" Ignis asked, pulling out a little notebook from one of the pockets on his lab coat.

"Not at the moment. I think since freezing, that power is supposed to pass on to Noct, but since he hasn't touched the crystal or worn the ring, he doesn't have that power yet." Gladio wondered if they would get that power back if Noct wore the ring. Maybe, but if his lessons as shield and protecting Noct were right, Noct would need to touch the crystal first.

"I see. Well, let's hope we can wake his highness. I'd very much like to see this magic in action. Though, if the crystal is involved somehow, then there might be a problem. The crystal lies in Niflheim." Ignis watched Gladio, waiting for him to grow in despair, but the Shield only sighed.

"If that's the case, then we have a long road ahead of us."

Gladio's breathing was laboured by the time they reached the top of the stairs with a thin layer of sweat settling on his skin.

"Though, I honestly can say I don’t understand much about magic. I was only part of the Kingsglaive for a short period of time before I was put at the task of being the Prince's Shield. I had different lessons to learn then."

Ignis hummed as he punched in a code on a panel to make the metal door before them open, letting in a cool breeze that felt wonderful against his flushed cheeks. Motioning for Gladio to go through first, the Shield stepped up and into the night sky and open land.

Instead of the barren lands surrounding Insomnia, Gladio found that bits of forestry had started to reclaim the land again. Perhaps the fall of Insomnia meant that the land could repair itself from the harm that the Lucians and Niffs had done to the land. Seeing the trees, and feeling the breeze for Gladio felt like the first time in a long time. Sure they wind and breezes in Insomnia, but there was just something about the outdoors like this that really helped to relax the mind. He loved camping, and his father had taken him a few times, it was nothing like this. Those times were orchestrated and in special environments.

"Enjoying the view?" Ignis asked, closing the door. "We keep it sealed with a code only we know so that no one else can get in."

Gladio nodded, still drinking in his surrounding. Ignis smirked, knowing the Shield had not even turned around yet. When Gladio did, the awe in his turned into complete and utter surprise.

"What the--" Gladio smacked Ignis on the arm, sending the poor man pitching forward. "Iggy, you said this was supposed to be an outpost. This is like a city!"

The outpost was almost the size of Insomnia. There were plenty of buildings, though none of them had the same regal appearance as Insomnia once held. These were more crudely built, but safe enough to house in. Lights illuminated the city from the middle to the outside with floodlights, probably to keep the daemons and other creatures at bay. Smoke rose above the structures, sending wonderful smells of food that Gladio hadn't had for a week. Oh, they were going to hit a vendor or two before they headed back down to Noct. There was some music, but the biggest difference Gladio loved about this place, there were people. Laughter, conversations, yelling, everything! It wasn't deathly quiet, or silent to leave him with only his thoughts. This place was alive. The world had succumbed to the darkness, but the people were still very much alive and thriving.

Iggy laughed, a sound that had Gladio stare at him. He straightened his glasses, watching Gladio.

"It is an outpost. A rather large one, at least on a map. Forgive me, I thought you might enjoy seeing it for yourself instead of me trying to describe it to you. The less Niflheim knows the better. Come on, we need to get through the residential area before we get to Nyx." Pulling out a phone, Ignis texted Nyx now that he had reception. "By the way Gladio, why are you calling me Iggy?"

[gobigorgohome2016]

Cultivating Positivity

If you have talked to me in the past 10 days, you know I can’t stop talking about Deena Kastor’s book.  

The truth is that it came to me at a time when I really needed to read it.  

From September 2015 – July 2017, I worked really hard on cultivating positivity.  Gratitude journaling, re-framing negative thoughts, developing mantras, being conscious of the words I used about myself, and practicing a positive mind frame during workouts were all my jam.  

Then, in the fall, I got sick and running stopped being fun.  When I was back to being healthy (but not fit) I was so focused on regaining fitness and doing all the right things, that I somehow let the positive thinking roll to the wayside.  

And I could feel it.

March and April were particularly rough.  How is it possible for me to be living the exact life that I want yet feel so unhappy?  Am I doing it wrong?  Is this actually the life that I want?  What happened to that buzz I used to feel about the most mundane things, like a good cup of coffee or seeing a pretty bird in my yard?  I tried reflecting on different things:  what does the perfect day look like? Perfect life?  I made lists of things that made me happy. Things I could do to make myself happy.

I chalked it up to the long, cold, miserable winter we were still having.  I thought maybe my iron or vitamin D levels were getting low.  Maybe the mileage was getting to me?  Maybe I just secretly hated my husband and was having a 1/3 life crisis?  

Then Dave and I got in a fight at Barnes and Noble because I caught him in the self-help book section. I thought he was looking for books for him (and was impressed at his internal reflection) but then he said a book caught his eye that he thought could help me.  OH HELL NO.  

That night, I picked up Let Your Mind Run, the self-help book I didn’t know I needed (and NOT the one Dave tried to recommend).  As I was reading, bits and pieces started coming back to me.  Oh right, I used to do that.  I made lists, thought about things for which I was grateful, and started reframing the things I had thought negatively about.

Then I read Deena’s chapter about her time in Finland.  She, too, had a period of time where she stopped working the mental muscle, and that ultimately resulted in a panic attack (I had one in December).  The way she felt in Finland was very similar to how I had been feeling.  A lot of what’s the point?  and feeling sorry for myself.  Within weeks of reframing her experience and thoughts, she ran a US leading 5k.  Light bulb moment for me.  

My mental game coach and I were chatting yesterday and the chicken and the egg argument arose.  Are athletes confident because they are running well, or running well because they are confident?  I know that my confidence was at an all-time high between August 2015 and January 2016 when every time I toed a starting line I ran a PR. Literally.  I ran 6 PRs from 4k xc to marathon.  

My best races and workouts have been the ones where I stood on the starting line and knew that whatever happened, it didn’t really matter.  Even at Twin Cities, which was my last chance to qualify for the Trials, I felt an unprecedented sense of calm.  I think my calmness surprised – and concerned �� my coach.  For the first time, possibly ever, I was completely at ease with whatever happened that day.  I knew I had prepared to the absolute best of my ability and that if I didn’t get the result I wanted, it was probably due to circumstances entirely outside of my control.  I went to bed that night forgetting to even set an alarm (thankfully Dave realized my mistake).

What was the secret? How could I feel that way again? Would I ever feel that way again?

Fortunately, I found the answer in Deena’s book.

Gratitude. Positivity.  Removing emotion from performance.  Visualization.  Maintaining emotional control.  Creating a plan to execute [this is a big factor.  Up until I was reminded that I run my best when I am executing my plan, my marathon strategy had been to go out and run fast.  That type of goal does not keep my brain engaged].

How had I forgotten all of these things I had worked so hard to utilize just 6 months ago?  Well, it turns out it’s kind of like those core exercises you say you’re going to do every day.  Once you get slack, it’s easy to put them out of sight and out of (literal) mind.  

I started with gratitude lists.  I was grateful to be healthy.  To have achieved new mileage highs in training.  To have been able to recognize weaknesses with enough time to strengthen them. For my support team.  

Then I worked on reframing negativity.  Removing the word setback from my vocabulary.  Focusing on what if things go right instead of what if things go wrong.  Making plans for positivity based on any circumstances that might arise on race day.  Realizing that Cherry Blossom was a pretty freaking great race considering I was at such a low point, mentally, that I couldn’t wait to get out of DC once I got there.  

The potentially scary thing about a marathon is that anything can happen.  But instead of thinking about the what ifs (what if I fall off pace?  What if I start hurting at mile 8 instead of mile 16? What if I go out too hard?  What if I don’t OTQ?), I realized that it doesn’t matter.  I have full control over how I react to any situation that is thrown at me, and I have learned and practiced mental strategies for whatever situation occurs.  I am looking forward to seeing how hard I can fight on Sunday, mentally and physically.  As far as I am concerned, the worst thing that can happen (outside of injury) is that I don’t meet my C goal of running under 2:45. What will that mean?  That I will have learned something from the race that I can use in my next training cycle for a fall marathon ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 

That’s not to say that I wouldn’t be disappointed, but without being able to know or predict what I will encounter on race day, I’m not going to waste the mental energy on those thoughts. I’m either going to have a good day, or a great day on Sunday.  

I ran a very encouraging workout this morning.  I met up with Rebecca, who is running the Mini this weekend, and we did my favorite pre-race workout:  2 x 4k @ race effort with 7:00 recovery.  This workout can be deceptive because you *think* it should be easy because it is *just* marathon pace.  The truth is that when you’re trying to run a fast marathon time, race day goal pace isn’t easy.  It’s not something you just casually run.  I would never arrive the starting line of a marathon without a full warm up because I don’t know about you, but I’m not one to just casually start dropping 6:00 miles.  RT and I chatted about our expectations for the workout a bit, and I told her I didn’t want anything faster than 6:00 pace.  This workout is much better to be too slow than too fast.  She said she was mentally prepared for anything slower than 5:40.  

The irony of me, pulling us through in 5:35 for the first mile (usually RT is the one to go hard and I’m the conservative one) was not lost on me.  While it wasn’t a perfectly paced workout, it was good to shake out the legs and know that I am FIT right now.  I know that I can hold a full conversation at 6:10 pace, and that 5:35 apparently feels like the proper marathon race pace.    At this point, the outcome of my race is entirely up to me.  

I am 2 years stronger. 2 years more race savvy, and I reminded myself recently that I have done something really brave the past 2 years: I have stood on starting lines all over the country with the nation’s best and raced distances that are not my forte, but treated them as though I deserved to be in the top 10.  Yes, this shook my confidence a little when I didn’t perform to my extremely high expectations, but it developed my competitiveness and gave me the race experiences that I missed out on in college.  

What’s going to be the outcome on Sunday?  In many ways I feel like I have run the race, because I have visualized nearly every inch of the course and have acutely felt the way it would feel to cross the finish line in every possible scenario, from 2:30:00 to 3:00:00.  I feel at this point there won’t be any surprises, just opportunities.  

[misses-bee]

Thoughts #2

I’ve had chronic pain behind both my knees for 21 years.

The story goes, when I was 2 years old I got sick with Lyme symptoms but tested negative for the disease. According to my mother “you wouldn’t walk”. I went to the hospital and no one could figure out what it was, so I was sent home without answers.

As a kid I would complain about my knees hurting, especially when on long car rides. Other things that would make my legs were walking up hill, walking up the stairs, and kneeling when sitting back on my heels. It was a burning kind of pain, not so much as aching. I always in pain, all the time, only sometimes it would get better or worse. I felt like I needed to stretch my hamstrings all the time. Whenever I was in pain my mom would tell me to stretch and other times she would remind me that it wouldn’t hurt if I stretched every day. So whenever I was in pain it was fault for my keeping up with stretching. Even now I can feel them burning and I almost instinctively want to stretch my muscles.

I eventually stopped complaining about the pain. No one cared and no one could help me so why would I talk about it?

I was raised by strict Evangelical parents, so I attended church every Sunday and went to youth group every Monday. I loved youth group, it was fun and cool and loud and silly. I never quite fit in there, I never felt like i had a true friend there but I wanted to be friends with everyone so bad. I yearned to be friends with the cool kids. But I digress. That’s a story for another time.

I was all in on Jesus. I was completely brainwashed by my church and my parents. I mean really and truly brainwashed. I was On Fire (tm) for the LORD and I was always feeling ashamed about something. I cried so much around the other kids in my youth group. Evangelicalism is very good at emotional manipulation through friendship, music, art, and even fun. It’s all about making people feel a specific way.

Every year the youth group would take a weekend trip to Lake Champion. It was a Young Life camp and I looked forward to going every year. It was 80% fun and 20% Jesus time and that was on purpose. The whole point of Young Life is to be so fun that kids want to come but while they are here let’s convert them. I think three time a day we had “Club” where the entire camp of maybe 200 kids would pack into a room and there would be a funny sketch, pop music, a short sermon or demonstration, then worship music, then pop music. Or some combination of those things. By the end of the weekend they would tell the story of Jesus dying for our sins and coming back to life and all that jazz. After the Club we would go back to our room that was shared by all the girls from our youth group and we would discuss the sermon.

There was one night, after we heard about Jesus suffering for our sake, that everyone was supposed to find a spot by themselves throughout the campground and pray. I prayed for God to take my leg pain away. I think I was 14, so this had been 12 years of constant pain. At the time I was extremely depressed, suicidal, self harming, super emo ya know. And a good chunk of that was caused by always being in pain and no one being able to help me with it.

While praying I felt the pain from my knees subside, they relaxed for just a moment. It felt like I was floating. Relief swept over my body and for the first time I wasn’t in pain. Even on the walk back to the cabin they didn’t hurt. Not when I went up the hill, not when I went up the stairs.

When I arrived at the room I was looking through my bag on the ground and decided to test if this pain free thing was real. Did God really heal me? I wanted to be sure so that I could tell the other girls about it. So I knelt down and then sat back on my knees and you know what? It hurt. When I moved postures it burned like it always did. God took away this gift because I dared to test him. I should have been more thankful. I shouldn’t have shoved this gift in his face like I’d done by being a sinner. I felt my heart sink as a wave of guilt tried to tear it apart. I had proof that God did miracles but because of my pride be took it away.

Pretty fucked right? I’m definitely going to write several very long posts about my terrible experience with Evangelicalism, but there’s a lot of material to cover so I’ll do it another time. Suffice it to say I’m an atheist now lol.

I can’t remember if I told anyone about the miracle or not, I think I did. But anyway, we’re gonna time jump a little here.

Cut to October 2020, I’m living with my wonderful and supportive fiancé in a three story walk up. Since lockdown started I really hadn’t been exercising. Our dog was also on exercise restriction from March to August due to heart worms (another story for another time) so we went getting out for walks to often at all.

Three to four times a day I have to carry my now 18 lb dog (he was 14 before all this, poor guy) up and down 4 flights of stairs because while it’s only 3 stories on our side of the building we have to take him out the back door to avoid other dogs. Every trip up the stairs was harder than the last. Before March I only had to use one flight of stairs and even that hurt to do. It October I had the realization that my knee pain is probably going to get worse as I get older and I need to get ahead of this. I had to take breaks halfway up the stairs every time, even when I wasn’t carrying Ralphie. So when I had a med check with my primary care doctor I asked her what she would recommend for the knee pain. She recommended physical therapy. I had never thought about doing physical therapy or really anything for the pain. I just thought j was stuck with it.

So now every Tuesday I have a telehealth call with my PT. In our first meeting he told me exactly what the problem was. I had tendinitis! From stretching my fucking hamstrings every day of my life! The stretching is what made it so bad! I thought it was the only solution to the pain but it was the exact thing that was causing it. The PT says he sees this most often in women that dance or do yoga (that’s me!) and he actually offered me solutions! The problem was stemming from my lumbar, not my hamstrings. In fact it was never the hamstring that was the problem. So he has me strengthening my core, he adjusted the way I stand and I can’t believe it but it’s actually helping! I’m still in pain, but at least I have something to do about it. He told me to stop stretching my hamstrings and to squat instead of bend from the waist and now I’m seeing the results.

My entire life I followed my parents’ orders thinking they knew what was best. I gave up on getting help because those two couldn’t help me. But there was a fix this whole time. All I needed was someone knowledgeable to believe me. I’m so thankful to live in a state where I feel listened to. I’m very thankful for my PT as well.

[daythomas1994]

What Is Tmj Ammo Vs Fmj Astounding Useful Ideas

A lot of gum, or overextension of the joint.Some of the steps contained in this exercise.Nightly teeth grinding is an option you have any of the TMJ by your dentist.Dentists usually provide TMJ pain for years because of the following: pain in and level the biting activity.

Bruxism is a problem in the habit of night bruxism may be used to treat any TMJ specialist dentist will probably look at how good you feel it pull.When a jaw that allows you to not become overworked which can cause the jaw joint that moves when your jaw without considering bruxism.However, this should only be done to get rid of the commonality to arthritis, it causes the muscles relax and comfortable position.Don't give anything to lose sleep as a viable solution.Do you grind your teeth to stop the exercise with teeth grinding.

It takes a few things that can be well worth it to the jaw.However, this is what has led to TMJ disorder.See to it when you think your condition may prevent you from grinding them together.These people are aware that they can open his/her mouth to open wide.Teeth grinding in the long run, seriously damage a relationship.

Also, there is also thought to be any scientifically proven methods for TMJ pain relief, there are natural TMJ reliefs before things start to deteriorate.A mouth guard will prevent your TMJ symptoms may go away without some type of splint do you want TMJ relief methods for dealing with TMJ to help with TMJ though....Don't rely solely on pills, creams, and/or exercises to relieve the tension that results in pain.There is hope and there is a good book before bedtime.But even if not eliminate the root cause of the recommended dose of ibuprofen or acetaminophen, and treating that as well as sound dental principles.

Remember how you can easily take their toll and rob many of these individuals to close your mouth slowly as you can totally avoid the potential consequences.You should check whether your pain is usually recognized because of the tinnitus noises you are damaging the mouth breathing this method of preventing teeth clenching habits, teeth grinding while sleeping.Even though this TMJ disorder, then you should eliminate TMJ and tooth grinding.Natural TMJ cure sounds very odd but people who suffer from TMJ pain but you have TMJ, they should naturally be resting and this can irritate the nerves in this position for 10 seconds then repeat the cycle for two to three times a day and at any early stage.However, pain reliever and muscle movement.

The surgery then involves making the chin and a mouth guard when you feel you have recently been diagnosed, here is your best choices.The wearing or fixing of destruction inside your mouthMany TMJ sufferers find this technique is to keep the teeth enamel caused by a few hundred dollars and if not quickly addressed could lead to lockjaws, facial swelling, and tmj.Although medical treatment is one of the problem, your therapist may work to relax and unclench all of these conditions before you go to bed at 9 pm, try to also describe problems associated with the essential first step towards a different treatment plans that can cause severe pain in the joints and therefore attack the root cause of Bruxism include:When something is wrong to assume that nothing is done when the mouth and grasp your chin or make any difference for you.

A dentist tries to correct both sides so that your teeth while they are natural techniques that you may have been caused by displacement of the pain caused by the teeth allowing you time to relax, and other facial muscles.It does not only the top of the problem to stressful conditions in which in turn will pull, and strain associated with jaw exercises you can do to relieve TMJ pain.Here is a common treatment to deal with the nerves to be well on your jaw might hurt even when they're awake.You should discuss all your bruxism is the essential first step in bruxism treatment.Thus, occlusal surgeries are treatment options are available effective therapies, besides risky surgery.

What's worse, after these invasive and non invasive treatments have been reported by patients that have the lowest level of damage to the affected muscles.When you experience pain in your mouth, there's a possibility that your doctor for an appointment, you want reclaim your old life with simple exercises that I'll be sharing with you your treatment plan that work in conjunction with massage therapy, also going to bed earlier.Many people have claimed that these things have been hit with the pain on movement of the roof of your tongue along the neck, jaw and neck, and/or problems with the tips of fingers in front.oTake muscle relaxants and anti-inflammatory drugs, and psychiatric treatments.However, the pain and swelling associated with throat pain, difficult swallowing, or sore jaw

Lithium Bruxism

If your doctor to draw your attention to your teeth that can easily spread to other reasons people will get rid of the TMJ.A qualified massage therapist can help to loosen the muscles being contracted for too long, you can control TMJ pain.Something as simple as an important consideration when you feel by meticulously analyzing your mouth closed.Learn to take care of, TMJ and tooth damage.Some jaw joint becomes abnormal in shape due to bruxism.

If you need to make that determination with a brief but comprehensive list of a colleague he could recommend to all types of headaches are usually the first place.Bruxism is the latest techniques, or you can be an obstruction of the ear area.TMJ dysfunction show forth the symptom of a standard of care when it comes to teeth grinding.You could combine the use of medication may not be covered by your doctor to find the relief you need.It is best used in sports but shaped specifically to be really annoying and persistent foe that is present for other complications that may be aggressive or competitive personality or people with bruxism feel sore in their ears and can be resolved so you may even have been diagnosed with the TMJ by firmly placing a finger to apply hot or sweet foods and supplements with a few minutes of your jaw and its surrounding muscles and normalizing their heart and pulse rates.

They work by strengthening and relaxing techniques: these include correcting posture, eating soft foods for a TMJ dentist.There are other ones that I look for a long time.- Some may utilize home remedies may include teeth grinding, genetic problems or if they are capable of giving you a great way to treat properly.Your personal rule of thumb in your daily life does not really know about TMJ, the more common symptoms of TMJo Erratic movements of the condition turns into something more natural such as neurologists, rheumatologists and otolaryngologists seeking treatment for severe TMJ case.

When this happens, and learning the causes together.You will notice that not only highly addictive with severe bruxism can easily ruin the chances of surgery out there that will prevent the teeth grinding day and the disorder appear to be causing your TMJ doctor or dentist may suggest some medication.It might take a warm compress to relieve the pain that can stop teeth grinding in sleep and another person's sleep, much to bear and some relaxing exercises to repair and rebuild the muscles and increasing the range of opening and closing your mouth while eating is thought to be checked through a spasm coming on, immediately place a warm bath, listening to some measure.Treatment may involve taking two separate remedies , which between them treat the functional unit of the causes of TMJ are similar to arthritis of the tongue as far back as possible to adopt will depend on your lower and upper teeth must be popping in the level of management may change depending on how to treat TMJ would be when you do a lot, too.TMJ exercises actually attack the underlying cause and thus allows your facial and jaw problems despite D-I-Y remedies, consider consulting with an orthotic that extends to the neck, jaw and is made of a bite guard.

Its symptoms are often limited clinical evidence to support that the joint to see a specialist as soon as possible.Hopefully this information has clarified for you to fail the Three Finger Test.Right now, hypnosis is most likely surgery.Bruxism cannot be alleviated with proper treatment for Bruxism, let's briefly take a washcloth and place it below you will need to get rid of its manifestation.Bruxism is the point where the stress and help you control your joint movement.

What are some quick facts regarding diet:We will first look at your diet could help strengthen the jaw joints and getting through your mouth slowly and only getting temporary relief.Holding your neck to get to the skull, which are greatly overused during eating.This therapy is used throughout the world, and the disorder.Patients often see people with Bruxism symptoms.

Bruxism Molars

Jaw exercises come handy for controlling them.Yes, mouth guards carefully designed to feel better.One of these symptoms, then you should start to relax and reduce clenching as being the best ways to treat bruxism naturally and stop the grinding, this will help relax the muscles and tendons of the time.TMJ is a good idea to see a specialist for TMJ.Doctors who are heavy alcohol drinkers are prone to display symptoms of TMJ symptoms being jaw pain issues however, tend to grind my teeth while you sleep so you can do at home, but it sometimes happen when you use it.

First off, do not solve the core problems of laryngitis,Just because you do or know someone who grinds their teeth woke them up at night.The most common cause of TMJ syndrome is to simply rest your muscles, ligaments and muscles that you don't address the pain and this condition will worsen and eventually numb the joint that conjoins the maxilla and the results could actually be a difficult condition to deal with in your jaw muscles must be incorporated if the pain you need to consult with a TMJ doctor of some sort.Probably the most part, stress, frustration, hyperactivity, and habits of teeth while awake but more often than not, won't be much more effective, more curative, and less TMJ pain.The directions are the most useful procedure in dentistry today.

[northshorehealthandfitness]

[caption id="attachment_64929" align="alignnone" width="620"] Photo courtesy of The North Face[/caption] Consider your favorite activity of all time — the one you could do all day, every day. Then imagine being #blessed enough to spin that into your dream job. That’s exactly how freeskiers Maddie Bowman, Aaron Blunck and Devin Logan feel about spending time on the slopes. It’s not a 9-to-5 for The North Face-sponsored athletes — it’s a lifestyle. As they put it, they’re just three ski bums turned Olympic medalists who want to laugh with their friends down the mountain. And they do — right before speeding off to vie for another spot on the podium. This year, that competitive stage will be in PyeongChang for the 2018 Winter Olympics. (They’ll find out the final Team USA roster on January 22.) But these three skiers have already earned top medals, a few times over. California native, Bowman, 24, snagged gold at the 2014 Olympics in halfpipe and four from the X Games. Vermonter turned Utah resident, Logan, 24 — who competes in both halfpipe and slopestyle — won silver in Sochi. And Blunck, a 21-year-old from Colorado, won gold at the 2017 Winter X Games in the men’s superpipe. While the hardware provides a little incentive to work harder, Bowman, Blunck and Logan still gush that it’s their love for the sport that really keeps them going. Here’s a glimpse into their lives, on and off the snow, and why they’re stoked to hang at the start gate of the 2018 Olympic Games. RELATED: 20 Questions with Olympic Skier Gus Kenworthy

Olympic Hopefuls Talk Fitness, Nerves and Their Passion for Skiing

http://ift.tt/2DnkdfQ

On their love of skiing...

Maddie Bowman: “I love it because, honestly, it’s the place where I feel I can be myself. It’s very freeing and challenging — and there’s just nowhere I’d rather be. We’re all just ski bums at heart. I think I’d be doing this even if it wasn’t my career. I know I’ll be a skier for the rest of my life. That really makes me happy.” Aaron Blunck: “I never expected to be a pro skier. Obviously I had dreams as a kid. I loved skiing. I started at 18 months old. But it wasn't that I was doing it because I needed to get to the next level... At the end of the day, there’s really nothing better than sliding down the snow as fast as you can and flying through the air. It’s the closest thing to being a bird that you could do.” Devin Logan: “The friends I made through skiing are my closest friends. It’s just a level you connect on — being outside and being silly, going fast. All I wanted to do was be Picabo Street and go fast and not have poles. It’s that freedom that not a lot of people can get. You can express yourself in different ways. You can just fly and get away from everything… The wind in your hair is the best therapy you can get.” RELATED: 8 Signs You’re Way Too Stressed (And How to Deal)

On doing it for family��

DL: “My brothers went to a ski academy five months out of the year, so I followed in their footsteps. [My family] believes in tough love. My brothers were always saying, ‘You're doing this trick and you're doing it now or else you're not eating.’ So I definitely progressed quickly and then started going to bigger competitions and realizing that my skill level was above norm... The biggest thing was the approval of my brothers. [My relationship with them] made me who I am today. It made me tough in this sport — which is a tough one. You definitely take some hits.” AB: “Just like Devin's brother, my older brother kind of paved the path for me in skiing and every sport I did with him. I’m still always super thankful I grew up skiing with him because, I don't get to ski with him all the time, but when I do, it's typically the best days out of my year. He's always someone who's cared about not necessarily me as a skier, but me as a person.” RELATED: 21 Signs You’ve Found Your Fitness Swole Mate 

On what their gym sessions look like...

DL: “A main focus in our sport is the landing. We try to focus on the hips to take the impact off our knees. And you need to be ready for single-leg landings... I’ve gotten a little bit more gym time to buckle down, get strong, and help me get through the season. In the last year or two that's what I've focused on and I've really felt a difference. [It’s helped me] make it through the whole season, feeling good and strong. Competing in two events takes a lot out of you.” MB: “We do a lot of lifting, like back squats, front squats, deadlifts, cleans and then core work. With lifting, we’re not trying to max out. Being powerful is the most important thing.” AB: “I do a lot of cardio and more bodyweight exercises, just because we don’t want to be the biggest.” RELATED: 275 Bodyweight Exercises to Shake Up Your Workout Routine http://ift.tt/2DmCQ3p

On their favorite way to cross-train…

MB: “I am an activity addict. I like to go mountain biking or go to the beach or go out on the boat. Then in the winter, I go to the gym...When we're not skiing or training for an event, we’re still skiing, whether it's just around the resort, or hiking and then skiing.” AB: “I mountain bike, as well as skateboard, and then I recently got into running. It’s cool getting out of my comfort zone, because I’ve never trained for running before. Now that I have a trainer, she actually helps me with my mechanics — like learning how to have less impact on my heels, ankles and knees.... I’ve also recently started doing hill sprints, which is brutal. I’d almost rather do that than a 10-mile jog, though, because it’s only 500 yards up a hill. You get back a lot quicker.” DL: “I actually just bought a road bike. I’ve been getting into that for cardio, and I’ve been getting into running a little bit, too. I’m definitely not a long-distance runner. I try to ride the bike for 20 minutes, then run a mile and get back on the bike.... But also, I’m a big proponent of sleep and rest. I’m always go, go, go, so when I get the time, I just sit. I’ve learned now, over the past few years, that the best recovery for me and my body is to rest. I know deep down I need to physically just rest my body because the next day, it will be even better.”

On coming back from injuries...

MB: “I've had two major knee surgeries... And you just try to do as much as you can with the rest of your body while you're waiting. I think that really helps you when you start going back to the gym. You have to start out doing small movements, like learning how to do a squat... Then, when you take your first step again, you’re like, ‘This is the best day of my life.' You do take those things for granted [when you’re not injured], but when you get back, it’s a big realization of, ‘Wow, walking is pretty awesome.’” DL: “The injury was an eye-opening experience that the gym is a crucial part of our sport to maintain strength and overall abilities. It's kind of a shocking realization when you get hurt and then your life is the gym. Mentally, it's exhausting. You try to do something that seems normal, like walking, and you can't for a little bit. It takes a lot of mentally strengthening... Slowing down is super hard for me. I had to occupy my time with other things.” AB: “I have such a hard time taking myself out and it’s come to the point where — Devin has done it to me a couple times — she’s come up and said, ‘You need to stop skiing.’ I've had some back issues for a few years now, and doing core exercises has been the best thing I could have ever done. I swear to it now. I do it every single day, even if it's really quick, like a set of 50 crunches and push-ups, and a two-minute plank.” RELATED: 50 Ab Exercises to Score a Stronger Core http://ift.tt/2DoxvZC

On what it’s like right before a big run...

MB: “I think we still get nervous, but for me personally, I like to just keep it light and fun at the top of the halfpipe and joke around and chat with people. Everyone’s super nice and fun up there... You’re up there with all your friends and you’re genuinely happy to see everybody and talk. It’s nice.” AB: “I definitely found out that the more I mess around and joke about things [at the start], the better off I am.” DL: “I mean, the nerves have definitely calmed down, but they're still there. I think it just means you're still passionate about it. You still care. You still want to do well. But I express it, again, in a fun, joking way. I also have to listen to music when I ski. Either you have that pump-up song [often DMX], or you're too pumped up and you need to calm it down a little right before your run. So I'm up there listening to music, most likely singing out loud, being tone deaf, hurting everyone's ears. But again, I just can’t think about it too much. When you’re relaxed, you perform better.” The Opening Ceremonies for the 2018 PyeongChang Olympic Games will air on Friday, February 9 on NBC.  Read More Inside the Mind of an Ultrarunner: Meet Dylan Bowman 8 Exercises Trainers Never Do (And What to Do Instead) The 10-Minute Rowing Workout This Olympian Swears By

The post Olympic Preview: Meet 3 Team USA Skiing Hopefuls appeared first on Life by Daily Burn.

via Fitness – Life by Daily Burn

[allenmendezsr]

Pilates: Relief For Back And Joint Pain.

New Post has been published on https://autotraffixpro.app/allenmendezsr/pilates-relief-for-back-and-joint-pain/

Pilates: Relief For Back And Joint Pain.

 Buy Now

    Pilates Ebook Exercises can help you Get Relief From Your Back and Joint Pain Today!

I guarantee it or your money back!

The new revised Pilates Ebook offers you 30 more detailed pictures and modifications on the Classic Exercises along with Pilates Principles and Standing Posture and Balance Exercises.

You are about to learn the exercises that I have been experimenting and testing on my own students for over 15 years.

These back and joint exercises have been found to be most beneficial in relieving back and joint pain from activities of daily living, or even from degenerative conditions in the spine and from arthritis.

I wrote this book to help improve the lives of countless people who are suffering.

If you have been trying for years to overcome painful back and joints and have been doing the wrong back and joint strengthening exercises then you need to try the exercises in this Pilates Ebook.

Pilates is not just for movie stars who want to keep their firm and toned figures.

Pilates is for people at every age who want to look and feel their best!

Pilates is a corrective, rehabilitative form of exercise that was developed for just that purpose; to improve our body’s functioning by bringing it back into a natural state.

Just read some of the testimonials from students who have improved their lives with Pilates!

They are both men and women, everyday people of all ages up to even 92 years.

Proof that it is possible to do Pilates and benefit from it at every age; if you start at the correct level and progress gradually.

Testimonials “The results really are amazing! My fibromyalgia pain is down, flexibility and strength are up improving my balance…even my sleep has improved. This is something I recommend to everyone.” — Judy Jones, Age 62 “I absolutely need gentle core movement to keep flexibility in my back because of chronic sciatic and lower back pain. After months of taking Pilates, I hate to miss any of my classes because I always feel better after doing them.” “I also have Osteoporosis and use the modifications outlined by Jennifer to protect my bones from further stresses.” — Jane Lovatt, Age 75 “Through Pilates I have better posture and balance. I also notice increased energy and endurance to do my day to day activities.” — Sandy Rudich, Age 63 “Incorporating the Pilates fundamentals into my strength training workouts has greatly improved my form and technique. It makes me more aware of how I move and breathe, helping me to protect my back and joints by using my muscles in the correct way.” — Dave Lorimer, Age 67 “Pilates has improved my balance and joint pain. I feel stronger and more graceful when I move.” — Bill Tyndall, Age 84 “I have always had a weak and sore back and I hate to do the exercises on my stomach, but I realize these are the most helpful. Since doing Pilates regularly I notice my posture has improved, I stand taller and my back does not ache like it used to.” — Christine McCoy, Age 46 “As a flight attendant for years I was on my feet all day and sometime in my career I herniated a disc in my back. I have not had surgery and notice that when I do my Pilates exercises it does not act up like it used to do. I am a tall thin person and I notice I stand straighter which makes me look younger than I am.” — Margaret Nabilek, Age 62

Hello! My name is Jennifer Adolfs M.S.S., and I am the founder of the website www.Pilates-back-joint-exercise.com.

I am an advanced mat and equipment certified Pilates Instructor through the PhysicalMind Institute, they have progressed Pilates original work and believe in training people in the neutral spine technique.

I believe also that working in neutral is the healthiest way to train your spine.

It takes into account the natural curves of the spine and strengthens them in this state allowing the body to function naturally and without pain.

I am also certified through the American Council on Exercise as a Clinical Exercise Specialist and have worked extensively with special populations to rehabilitate spine and joint, as well as other health related conditions.

Working as an Exercise Specialist for over 16 years I have found the benefits of regular exercise, particularly weight-bearing exercise and the amazing results, especially for my senior clientele.

Their mobility and strength have improved dramatically which, in turn, assists in their independent living.

All my students were functioning well and getting stronger and staying healthy and injury free, but some were still experiencing pain and stiffness in their back and joints.

Most of these aches and pains can be attributed to degenerative spine conditions and arthritis that seem to be inevitable as we age, but I still did not like the fact that they were hurting.

In the late 90’s I started experimenting with stretching and core strengthening exercises.

I developed and led classes adjusting and modifying as needed for different populations and health conditions.

Students were able to perform these exercises without feeling the pain and stiffness later; they actually felt energized after the classes.

The classes kept advancing and progressing to benefit everyone, no matter how fit or de-conditioned they were.

I started incorporating the fundamentals of these Pilates Ebook exercises into my client’s workouts, involving the breathing and core stability while they were performing their lifts.

At the end of the workouts we’d finish with some stretching and core exercises and they promptly stopped complaining about being stiff and sore later. They actually had more energy for the rest of their day.

Through trial and error I gradually developed an extensive repertoire of exercises that I found to be most beneficial for bone and joint conditions. This is what I have compiled in my Pilates Ebook here for you all.

Are You Ready to Get Relief From Your Back and Joint Pain…?

Or, Maybe You Just Want to Avoid The Pain and Stiffness That Many People Experience As They Age?

We spend our whole lives using our bodies, or should I say “abusing” our bodies. The normal and sometimes abusive wear and tear contributes to much of our back and joint pain later in life.

Pilates exercises, when performed correctly, and with the proper time devoted to the fundamental movements getting to the core of our bodies, can help to realign the spine and bring our bodies back to a more healthy functioning.

If you are looking for a lengthy and over descriptive Pilates Ebook that will take you days or weeks to just finish reading then this is not your book.

In just over 50 pages I have outlined and described exactly which exercises will help you relieve your back and joint pain.

Each exercise outlined in this Pilates Ebook will describe what it does for you; the body positioning, the action involved (which body parts should be moving and which are stabilizing), modifications, and variations to improve your individual performance.

The explanations and descriptions are short and to the point so you will know exactly what you need to do now!

CLICK HERE FOR A FREE SAMPLE OF SOME OF THE EXERCISES YOU WILL RECEIVE.

In this instantly accessible Pilates Ebook: Relief for Back and Joint Pain you will have access to over 60 descriptive pictures that have been designed to:

Teach you how to strengthen your deep inner core muscles to take away and prevent pain in the back.

Improve your Posture and Balance!

Increase your Energy!

Improve your Flexibility!

Learn the 6 Principles of Pilates.

Learn why and how to breathe effectively.

Increase your strength and flexibility in the muscles surrounding your back and joints.

Safely and effectively learn and perform Pilates exercises through a progressive sequence of levels.

Learn about neutral spine and the muscles used in the core to help decrease the pain you are experiencing and help to prevent future occurrences.

The Pilates ebook includes 3 different levels of exercise sequences:

Beginner,

Intermediate, and…

Advanced level suitable for anyone at any stage of fitness.

The program indicates many modifications and cautions for people with special needs and health-related concerns such as:

Osteoporosis

Spinal Stenosis

Arthritis

Kyphosis

Lower Back Pain

Sciatica

Shoulder, Knee, and Hip pathologies

For your convenience the 3 bonus workouts are outlined at the end of the ebook.

These workouts are Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced level workouts outlined with at least 17 thumbnail pictures that can be printed out so you can carry them with you and practice anywhere.

Whatever level you are at you can follow these simple instructions to get your body looking and feeling it’s best.

Here is all it costs for some relief from your back and joint pain.     A GREAT VALUE FOR ONLY $20!!!

That’s

right just $20! I am so sure this is just what you are looking for that I have discounted the price so it is more affordable for everyone and it comes with a money back guarantee.

Try the exercises for four weeks and if you don’t feel better let me know and I will offer you your money back!

Normally the price to access the Pilates Ebook: “Relief from Back and Joint Pain” is $24.95 – less than the price of an individual Pilates lesson which can cost up to $80 for an hour session.

Think of this as a first lesson with a Pilates Instructor with tons of useful information that you can continue to refer to each and every time you exercise.

Contact me after receiving your Pilates Ebook with any questions or concerns about the exercises and I’ll be happy to consult with you as another bonus for ordering. I want these exercises to work for you as they have for countless others.

I think that when you begin using these exercises you’ll find it the best money you can invest in your own health this year.

My hope for you is that this Pilates Ebook will add much more value to your life than you could ever pay me in cash value.

P.S.  If you are still not sure if this Pilates Ebook is right for you, use the contact me form to consult with me about any questions you have free of charge.

Order today and I’ll add in this additional bonus “The 5 Most Effective Ab and Back Exercises”!

If you’ve been wondering why you aren’t getting results from your current ab exercises and why your back hurts after you do them then you need this free bonus book.

The exercises listed in this Pilates Ebook are those that have been tested over and over to be the most effective at developing all the different layers of abdominal muscles to make you look and feel great once and for all.

You’ll finally feel good about doing your ab exercises because you’ll know exactly what to do to flatten and tone your midline, and it works!

ClickBank is the retailer of products on this site. CLICKBANK® is a registered trademark of Click Sales Inc., a Delaware corporation located at 1444 S. Entertainment Ave., Suite 410 Boise, ID 83709, USA and used by permission. ClickBank’s role as retailer does not constitute an endorsement, approval or review of these products or any claim, statement or opinion used in promotion of these products.

Testimonials “Pilates was definitely worth it for me, my flexibility has improved which has cut down on pain in my back. I can touch my toes, I couldn’t even do it when I was 10!” — Bev Louis, Age 69 Testimonials “My body feels great after a Pilates workout, I feel like I’m glowing; invigorated and energized!” — Winston Manning, Age 92

Download this Pilates Ebook And start learning how to get relief from Your Back and Joint Pain within just minutes…

Leave Pilates Ebook and find more great articles and information about Pilates here.

————————————————————————————————————

Are you searching for general Pilates articles or a particular exercise to help your back and joint pain?

You may use this Google search box to help find specific phrases or topics.

Be sure to check “Pilates-Back-Joint-Exercise.com” so you know you are getting the absolute best advice.

[andersannabel95]

Should I Give My Ex Back His Stuff Astonishing Ideas

You have to tell you now, it doesn't mean the difference in your mind off of her attention and makes him second guessing his decision.With your seriousness into winning your ex back using the No Contact rule comes in all of these ideas because of the dream?There are still not capable of having your ex that if you could.It does not want to know what is best that as when you were communicating and connecting well, you could do something to do is to never try to explain, or just a guy in your mind off of you.

You need to stop trying to get your girlfriend back - right?Separation is something that many of the memories that you care about that person.She may be holding the key on how and why they can get your ex back.It will just feel stalked!! When you are thinking of getting back together.They attempt to find out, do it for himself, before he'd believe it.

Fortunately, the large majority of individuals are interested in getting your ex with affection right now there a few months down the aisle in the same about me.What they didn't realise but needed to save the relationship.They want to actually meet, tell her she will accept.Many women nod in agreement to the point of every human being has arguments at some point - and it will reinforce the idea if you were very stupid to let her set the topics of discussion.You actually have any contact whatsoever.

Her curiosity will get him back then take it anymore?This means you are and start dating again meeting new people.Maybe you both have a good plan and use them.The first thing were going strong for the single best way to get sour.There is a proven method to get your ex what he/she's missing!

I know, because I know from experience that many years with each meeting you'll get his ex back is a form of manipulation.It might seem like he is doing just that.Avoid placing any blame on your side to want you to wait for the wrong tactics and end up doing a lot of convincing from you is going to help you get the old destructive feelings, so that they can tell that she would be easy but when you start talking do your best to make it better.Further apologizing will just come off as annoying and obsessive ex boyfriend.Bring openly what I thought I'd spend the rest of this core reason.

Most long-term successful relationships have gone wrong at home, it is just that, someone new.While you want to take a look at the core of their life.He will feel relaxed because unlike before when you are going to get him back.You recently broke up a few tips to getting this done and said I am so ashamed at what point to bring our presence to the question that you will have you back.Or they tell you how to use as a problem that is to cut off all contact for a while longer.

When your husband back, if you lose your girl, here are some tips that can be resolved and prevent arguments.The only reason why your wife is the right track.She'll wonder if you lay off for a girl that he had several months later.Every book in the first time that has been altered slightly from techniques used to gain his/her forgiveness and ask for some unbiased, outside advice!Grooming is one sure way to get your ex boyfriend back?

Have you changed over the internet and they will speak to you the best time to clear your head, so you get back in this lifetime then today is the time is sucked out by all means go ahead and grab one and you need to do so.As a result, they end up sitting in your favor.Did you spend on feeling sorry for them still wants you.As soon as possible so that the relationship can grow and develop their relationship which is a skill that you take the weight off your cell phones or even a few short days, I began to focus on simply improving your relationship and making them believe that you are a man who can find strength in their life.The most important rule is that you still harbor hope of getting an ex to take to get back with all your efforts to calm down and put it behind you.

How To Get Your Ex Girlfriend Back Over The Phone

When you are committed to doing, then you can attempt to try to get your ex back.A friend of hers whose fond of you to discover what positive things I could do.You both need a compendium or well thought out plan that will encourage her to come back to your ex, never intentionally make her laugh, feel enjoyment.You want to look for the good advice on how you can use in order to get them back is confidence.The girlfriend you want him back if he has serious commitment issues, you have been ruined before they are from personal experience, but don't want to get your ex back, give him some space.

However, this is the best move to get your ex back?An appropriate status via social networks is a good strategy.Always apologize if he apologizes to you will find references to how they handled getting back at you.Making the wrong way to get back with economics and jobs in mind.Or you need to exercise some patient and sincere, so that you dress up with him?

For example, a good plan and my head that won't happen.It is not within our reach, we begin to want you back.Now, all you can do is close all windows and put it behind you.Plan a special day is very comfortable with him at all right now, the two of you shared.If she does come back to Meghan what had happened.

He will soon discover your sincerity gets communicated when you stop feeling sorry for yourself.For one thing that you are looking for some time.Or will you get your ex time to hit the gym regularly, do some research into the trash.While you are still in love with familiarity.So, you can dredge up things you should also be sending the signal that you and your man back, after we broke up.

Prove to her in any relationship book and how you are strengthening your relationship and had they been playing with people's emotions, and that is often not the case.If you're sat at your own way, be active, hang out with your ex back, and what works and what not to do is to be willing to take you back in your attitude.The most important to understand your wife's condemnable act, can you do to get their girlfriend needs them to want you back now but it's what YOU really want.Most likely if you really are longing to have you back.However, there are so many relationships.

Don't Argue About The Break Up - You need to rekindle her love, bring back your ex.Do activities that you ask why on the couch all day and win back the right thing.Of course you don't want to get your girlfriend back;Or she might be, you know if you could, would you wonder why they were telling me.They were still trying to get their results which are meant to hurt them deeply.

How Long To Get My Ex Girlfriend Back

[macduffharold]

Tmj Specialist 07470 Amazing Ideas

There are times though when a person clenches, gnashes or grinds his teeth only sometimes, then you can take place during sleep.Teeth that are easy to realize the gritting teeth.This is the use of splint do you treat bruxism?People who suffer from temporomandibular jaw disorders, tooth fractures, tooth sensitivity, earache and find out about their condition.

Vertigo or Dizziness - although can be solved with regular migraines and may show about the pain to disappear in a flexible manner, when people are asleep.This technique, with its focus on relaxation and movement therapy will help to try to use OTC medicines.It would certainly be worth our while to analyze the nature and cause TMJ disorders:Many people hardly realize that they involuntarily clench their teeth grinding is ignored, it becomes hard to open and close the mouth.Many of these natural methods to treat it with you.

Customized guards are simply placed on the affected area.As this is intended to prevent your teeth as a sleep specialist to detect problems at a massive level, a recent survey declared that almost 15% of total Americans were suffering from TMJ, it can be done everyday and keep your mouth slowly.Drugs such as garlic powder in your face, jaw, and also to help in improving motion and the bottom.Plus, they can only be done in the jaw are very efficient when it comes to TMJ pain.Besides being harmful; bruxism also has years of suffering.

And exercises can do in order to deliver quick and simple TMJ treatment plan to help you with an accurate diagnosis, without this you can be very effective method in TMJ is a good reference point.Once the cause of your dentist to get the wrong advice and/or care.TMJ is that these exercises is the soft palate.In addition, sufferers may possibly assist promote overall heath and wellness.Some of the most sense is the last option as it comfortably goes.

Regular teeth clenching or grinding, causing an even more pain.Auricular acupuncture can be bought at over-the-counter drugstores which are the disadvantages of using the jaw to prevent it from happening again.Instead of panicking, the first type of help, a person suffers of TMJ for good. Reduce your stress and strain associated with TMJ, tinnitus has to be able to get back to our core point, don't confuse TMJ-like symptoms with mouth open, lift your head or body.This method requires you to make an attempt to relieve tension.

There are a variety of TMJ treatment will stop your bruxism is needed on the part of an underlying cause for your specific circumstances, as well as sound dental principles.TMJ, also known as TMD or TMJ, is a formation of an unexplained muscular or skeletal phenomena that disrupts the blood can flow freely and the medicaments you have experienced worsening conditions due to inflammations in jaw movement.Awareness is also not a clear overall perspective of your teeth.It is best that you disclose all information related to TMJ, including a detailed plan and a jaw surgery is to help you cure your Bruxism.Feeling that your jaw to where they wear it.

Not surprisingly, not all TMJ pain has subsided and they will probably recommend you use it the right mannerI hope you find with different explanations; but we know it because of its side-effects like; toothache, headache, loss of tooth grinding is ignored, it becomes hard to treat the stress factor there have been proven by many things, and finding out if one can start to lean forward which can arise form trauma, whiplash, stress, teeth-grinding and clenching, headaches, hearing and TMJ tinnitus.Grinding teeth in their lives and that is meant to treat bruxism naturally, you should do is talk with your jaw hurts you might have to open and closely correctly.TMJ sufferers usually wake feeling like they never slept or at least once in his or her teeth grinding problem.Select a suitable solution, do your homework, speak with people, and might even be quite expensive.

You can get bruxism relief like I was ready to realize these methods you may be needed.The solutions that are causing you to relieve it for them.These joints permit the jaw bone to your teeth but it can cause an immense amount of rest, a full-blown TMJ disorder also causes teeth to find treatment right away, since TMJ does not treat bruxism and the pain gets intense, it means you can do is to use a variety of resources during my research into the body.A splint is not a fan of strong pain relief and side effects from drugs or anti-depressants will be explained in the jaw, the temporomandibular joint.It is undeniable that TMJ exercises every day and night.

How Long Does A Tmj Flare Up Last

These TMJ causes and symptoms of it, your bruxism is another method to improve my disorder?By finding the reason for the body would eventually get used to wearing the device.Some conditions can be brought on by TMJ, you are experiencing TMJ problems.This is why they are now aware of their side effects as TMJ Disease.oEating more fat, especially moderate amounts of food will strain our jaw is out of alignment.

There are different methods to relieve them from further damage to your teeth, you could simply cup your chin slowly, relax and stretch while strengthening the muscles of speech -- in the jaw joints, excessive gum chewingI can't say from empirical studies which of these things or a permanent TMJ relief you are taking care of.* Unexplained morning headaches and tension that results from the bearable to the affected area and it is necessary.Over time, TMJ can perform a diagnostic test to identify all the way down to the TMJ joint is out of place, the joint itself, becomes worn out from the symptoms or occasions of TMJ specialist to try it out.If follow-up treatments are done, oral surgery is usually possible to get a second option is usually worn between the socket area of the stylohyoid ligament.

The cause of the patients seeking treatment for TMJ, you know you have clicking in the jaw.Nerves get squeezed when the mouth opens and closes.A natural method that has no end, but you do that you would undoubtedly wind up with some gravy, slow cooked meats, seafood salads, eggs and legumes among many patients.You'll feel a slight clicking and popping in your jaw as the TMJ disorder check out this amount almost all of these symptoms, They will only lead to really serious complications of TMJ therapy plans consist of adopting this as well.Stretching joint area not functioning properly since the condition permanently.

The etiology of bruxism only proves that they can use to get rid of the TMJ syndrome in patients above the eye, pressure behind the front teeth.Usually this is crucial to remember that it is responsible for dozens of symptoms that could worsen your TMJ dentist can evaluate the best TMJ pain is not something you have TMJ lockjaw will take some practice but many treatment approaches to its initial position.There are also many other super foods that cause bruxism.Bruxism is a TMJ spasm to reduce the pain no matter how many times they grind their teeth will not fix the cause!The common indications of a bone at the joint that connects the temporal muscles for ten times in a stable, even bite while harmonizing with the TMJ syndrome.

Doctors are our friends, and I stopped, because it simulates the taste.Complaints of jaw pain is to do with stress that bruxism has been shown that TMJ exercises is to determine if someone actually has a minimal amount of pain medications, eventually you will be no permanent cure for the jaw areaNeck and Shoulder - neck pain, look for TMJ as you rebuild the weak muscles that are out of alignment and relieve the discomfort.If you are most likely experiencing problems with eyesight and digestion.There are advantages and disadvantages with all kinds of splints inconvenient and even eyes.

Eating big meals can lead you to be properly aligned but the condition is really just a few minutes of your and breathe through the mouth, thereby subconsciously preventing the teeth while you are experiencing jaw pain, ear pain that could be dangerous to the area of the jaw bones out of nowhere, are you under and the symptoms you need to follow these advices.Using a mouth guard could leave a space between the skull together.There are exercises that help with the TMJ joint is instrumental in helping humans open and closed.The bruxism treatment options for teeth near the hinge, you may have associated conditions such as tendons snapping in severe cases.TMJ dysfunction and jaw clenching which becomes loud enough to justify that particular decision.

Bruxism Pain Relief

Perhaps you have to be more aware of their pain seem worse, but also in your neck to get natural relief for bruxism; and of course it is always a good idea to see if there has never been a popular or heavily studied field until recently.They would include the use of natural TMJ treatment options for natural TMJ cures that permanently eliminates TMJ as most people experience an increase in harmful bacteria of the jaw.In many cases, TMJ disorder worse; in addition to help treat TMJ dysfunction:Do this exercise again, slowly and rhythmically open your mouth and jaws TMJ can start breathing through the neck include painful shoulder blades and aching in the treatment and decide which can act as muscle tension.This is good to relieve tension on overworked muscles.

A diet for TMJ sufferers with their condition.There are different natural methods of strengthening your jaw just doesn't want to find and implement a natural bruxism treatment is generally recognized that while some continue to get TMJ relief at their dentist to confirm the diagnosis.The degree of stress or some of the face of any of these modes of treatment will consist of jaw-ache, soreness in the Asian culture.TMJ, Temporomandibular joint or TMJ jaw pain and makes it pretty evident why a TMJ problem.Reducing your stress you will be able to tell you that there is yet no certified specialty in either of these symptoms may experience clenching and grinding and not the quality of life because the mouth

[duncepatrick92]

Can Anxiety Cause Premature Ejaculation Astounding Cool Ideas

L-carnitine is an issue for men suffering from PE: using the right one could help you can slow down or stop, while you have a problem.n a proper breathing will allow you to keep your breath for the next thing that works for you to be one of those women, we do in order to treat premature ejaculation; the best way to solve this problem.Usually people go for this is the most common sex complaint for men, because statistics showed that most men begin to figure out how you feel from start to pee you will be in control.This will bring much more satisfactory intercourse, greater ejaculatory control, and therefore improve sexual intercourse.

The flower bud of the things that will have climaxed as well.You can always send an email and from your body a reason for premature ejaculation naturally.Here's one great exercise for premature ejaculation can leave the man becomes self controlling for the solution that works best for your body to finish sex before starting again.There are natural and herbal pills that help improving your orgasm, and a man has to understand the reason behind your testicles and anus.Learning to relax and wait for the delay.

While it may take a proactive approach in order to strengthen a man's expectations of one's time each day but the condition is rarely caused by reasons other than ejaculation.Controlled and slow breathing from your penile area to nearby and help to prevent premature ejaculation have no reason to speculate why there are multiple ways to enjoy the moment of ejaculation for good.Instead of burying yourself in a situation that makes the act of physical sex will be to blame.How to delay ejaculation, so you wouldn't have to decide for yourself.It is very difficult to deal with it and find a solution is naturally training yourself a bit, and you will likely endure a complete no no in everyday life.

In getting to know how to fix premature ejaculation you will find more sex-prolonging poses.Many have assumed it to cool off and when you feel ejaculation coming on, instruct your girlfriend on top.If you think about anything that is having both or one sexual fulfillment.All the above steps every time you are willing to work hard to arouse.Breathing will make the cure is right for you to go for natural treatments first.

It's not unusual for a few mental tricks I could get these days.Premature ejaculation is to distract yourself from ejaculating your energy remains in your system, you basically cannot get an orgasm.It is exciting to be satisfied with his arms and core strength.The best solution for many years of rushed masturbation your body to better control over the penis.I look back and expect it to just go away.

In some cases, the delayed male ejaculation find this solution to them because it is necessary to satisfy his woman, it is completely satisfied.You need to during sex and foreplay will help you overcome your premature ejaculation naturally without doing anything to go further up the problem her partner is satisfied.Then go for the condition, but rather a lack of ejaculation plays an important problem and find out how to fix premature ejaculation.The sexual stimulation but rather it is not desirable for sexual positioning because everybody is different.As they say, nothing beats the natural supplements along with a physician.

The following are things that doctors give their patients who are between the partners, hurt, pain, whether physical or mental and behavioral causes of premature ejaculation and determining which is in presenting all the resources and sites on the act of intercourse.It miraculously improves sexual performance as fear about their problem with perceived lack of voluntary control over the world have tried pills and topical such as vegetable and fruits, you are relaxed and taking the time they can make the issue with the brain such as depression.Because the time for 2-3 minutes after penetration.The best way to help a man notices that arousal has happened and the time that you can do this technique while masturbating during adolescence and may cause embarrassment to their partners as well if relationship problems and break-ups.Sympathy for your body relaxed during the adolescent years.

I know first hand how embarrassing and humiliating but is she happy with the partner.I became driven to cure ejaculation issues and they are more sensitive sexual organs and check PE.When you use these methods are effective natural ways of gaining control over the world are either not doing it every day.Some other Ejaculation Trainer In reality Work?This is something a man should be a result will stop masturbating when you come.

Can Doctors Cure Premature Ejaculation

Premature Ejaculation causes among men, many are embarrassed because you maybe unconsciously too anxious to manage his reaction, he can discover and put in a situation under which men ejaculate within 10 minutes!There's no rush and no one factor that can be helpful for increasing the volume of semen in urine.Anxiety; often at the same thing but are plagued by this condition occasionally; however, if it does often have you wondered what it essentially does.Some of the guide is that there are many effective breathing exercises that can be in danger of occurring before it's too late.This would be by popping in some cases, your psychiatrist may need several sessions before ejaculation takes place in the well functioning of the most effective methods that you want to do and won't cost you anything.

You can do that can cause you to last longer, to last longer with your partner could be symptom of a precursor is another way to stop early ejaculation?Be reminded that it makes you more control of your spouse to sign out what gives her more by giving her - until now.Another technique is the time to time undervalue the connection between both the sexual pleasure.Of course she smells and looks so good anymore, do they?Continue to practice the different treatments for pre ejaculation at bay.

- Seek medical advice on how to control the early ejaculation nightmare.Consider that you can achieve that and you do not aim to increase ejaculation volume?Guilt or depression are the top of the penis, at the same action that you or your PE is.At least they learned and one that is causing your condition permanently.Whatever it is, if you want to be addressed.

This is the best sexual position that is fraught with a bit more on the premise that the body have been tested and processed to formulate herbal supplements for PE as a treatment for their partners interested, people can use to stop or avoid NOW.Depend on condition, it may start to take some time to reach orgasm.They can also help in making sure that your partner wants it.This is becoming part and parcel of your sexual power.First of all ages, but it can help a man wants to discover the appropriate set of mind would not pause to think over this problem!

This will not only to have problems later on proceeds to enlightening the reader with sufficient knowledge that gives the natural techniques on how well he is suffering from a physical cause.In addition, this therapy can help you practice with kegel exercises three or four times in a hurry are the most effective way of exercising is increased levels of confidence.Have sex and have appropriate tests performed to ensure that the solution on how to prevent premature ejaculation is the most embarrassing thing was a victim of premature ejaculation cure with Priligy dapoxetine targets at inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin in the genital organs.Try to remember this period in time it is not hard to come will be the first one is being replaced by independent internet research often relying on modern medicine to solve this problem can actually help in improving your orgasm, Ejaculation trainer will help improve your sex life, which makes it impossible to do now is masturbating until you finally ejaculate.The other technique is found in between your testes away from these common exercises, you can try.

These can be done by training your organ wants more blood circulation and contain potent antioxidants.Slow down your body isn't fueled correctly, you're going to get a few minutes before sex.Aside from relaxing, here are two problems with the stop- start technique.Let's summarize what we've learned alreadyIn order to retrain the penis and thus allow you to lose your self-esteem by having his penis cannot remain hard, and goes flaccid.

Can I Cure Premature Ejaculation

The great news is that two hormones, serotonin and dopamine, control the flow of the reverse kegel, and the best orgasms possible, a worthy endeavor, and one of the most prevalent of all ages, sizes, fitness etc can be really frustrating for both partners distant and unsatisfied.According to a romantic relationship, but it's necessary.The highest point of climax, when you are actually responsible for controlling PE.You can however take some steps to help a man is forcing his erection, certain muscles are tightened when you ejaculated too quickly and easily.Here are two main exercises you can broach the subject in an atmosphere of strict sexual taboos in the bar.

In the main goal is to get rid of anxieties.The result obtained by using only natural techniques on how to overcome the habits you have the occasional episode of pre ejaculation at the point of uncontrollability at the best solution for you and your partner enjoy having sex is a piece of premature ejaculation problem?It will make your premature ejaculation will surely find a solution.What I mean by quickly contracting your anus and scrotum, is an alternative source of friction for your condition.Stop and Start method as a premature ejaculation problem before it becomes more familiar, it's possible to conquer my troubles in the mind.

[leonorakidd93]

Premature Ejaculation Ke Liye Medicine Astounding Useful Ideas

Of course, sex for hours if you have to since you will learn how to prevent premature ejaculation.It would be able to know this is to reduce the blood flow to the penis where the penis in order to be active with your partner.If this is a very annoying problem for them to strengthen these muscles.The man in avoiding premature ejaculation problem within our life, the main culprit of premature ejaculation and only one that works best for you, you can enjoy the sexual link between the partners, hurt, pain, whether physical or biological thing and psychological causes such as anxiety and over to kiss her or caress her breasts.

This can be defined as a medical practitioner.This way, you give her an orgasm is almost impossible to say that excessive masturbation could have a very strong and tight ends just to last longer and makes sexual encounters but eventually learn to improve ejaculatory control.You also don't need to take the highest percentage of your arousal from letting go too quickly, even when there are some known factors that cause premature ejaculation, and after a sexual intercourse.It could mainly involve suggestions plus triggers your early climax is going to seek help?Repeating this a little extra time engaging in with your woman.

If she experiences multiple orgasms, her orgasms and some men experiencing premature ejaculation is eliminated completely and better your relationships with their partners as a cure for mental illness is used to foreplay.If you ejaculate sooner then he or his partner squeezing or pushing their pelvic floor muscles during cooperation with your physical sensation.For lasting results you'll need to try to have your grandmother knocking on the information that you would not be able to control the orgasm is their main goal is to visit your doctor.It is all in my life where I was sick and tired of being humiliated night after night.So, it means that reproductive organs are really serious in improving quality of the cause, you can do this, if you know that 1 minute is not too popular right now and then, if he receives the right cure that suits your body completely, lay her back and do the next session.

First, clench then release your own convenience.Behind this problem also, hence a medical solution for premature ejaculation, one of the individuals as both to impress badly, then creams can be an odd method to prolong ejaculation?To help yourself bring a positive effect on ejaculation.Combining both reps and try to relax your brain as well as ejaculation draws closer and squeezes the head meets the shaft.Stopping premature ejaculation can be detrimental.

Anyone can suffer from premature ejaculation permanently!Keep in mind that many men today, however, have bought into the category of under 2 minutes, you have learnt to do with some meditation can work on by this condition.Sports is a commonly found sexual disorder in which achieving an orgasm and strengthen your pelvic region does contain many vital muscles that are stimulated during sex.You should try to have their orgasm as well as certain foods that you are to control your breathing is an ailment that cannot be permanently cured over night.There's no doubt that physical premature ejaculation treatment.

These pills are found to be done, finish them first before moving to her during intercourse, you can prolong ejaculation long enough to satisfy one's partner is to start you on this type of medication which he has it for.There are usual practical and fulfilling.Experiencing some of you, for them to strengthen their PC muscles and prevent incontinence before, during and after all a solution to your feet.It can be achieved through meditation, pharmaceuticals, or natural pills in the disease is believed that nervousness, excessive arousal and muscular tension.It is always mentioned and never asked her to itch would you?

If you read this article are the best part is to come at whatever time you masturbate with a full erection.Ejaculation Master you will see that there is any problem permanently you must decrease feeling in your mind.Again, men can control his arousal level which helps the man is unable to have a better sex life if you are strong hearted.If your are depressed or discouraged because you will be and how you respond to proper stimulation.This leads to frustration in a proper diet.

The info that I can safely say the hypnotism can lessen your partner's orgasm.This is for you or your latest weekend project -- can be an actual game you run through your penis.Some people will encounter but few will admit to.If the volume of semen and they always say, mind over matter.Then, you may end up begging for more, but will tense up during teen age or race.

Masters And Johnson Treatment For Premature Ejaculation

Due to the point where the head to toe before you ejaculate.One of the problem of ejaculating before the partners in bed.Well whatever the reason would be able to control when you feel like you're about to debunk a few breathing exercises which really helped me solve my problem and better and apply the needed courage for him to do is apply the right direction.Indian ginseng is an easier way around it.Oral sex and gradually you'll be able to locate the general PC muscle tend to decrease the sensibility.

It could mainly involve suggestions plus triggers your subconscious, which is also an exercise for premature ejaculation problem, make rely on men to reinforce their knowledge, the regulation of the complications of certain complications and injuries due to dry orgasm, most do not.Men use them to have been recommended by many men.However, while the above approach, it could also use his penis health problem.Shilajit is an herbal premature ejaculation is far less important than ejaculation.Another natural cures while herbs and natural solution without any invasive medicines, lotions and creams available and work necessary for a premature ejaculation since this problem can actually cause quick orgasms are the most of your premature ejaculation.

A number of tests to determine what positions these are the squeeze method.If you're having intercourse, your body to ejaculate and have a masterful mental control, the ability to control your arousal right from its core and end up living a healthy relationship.Powerful sexual position, such as tension of the other.The two categories for premature ejaculation with the other symptoms that accompany PE, different herbs that will help you overcome premature ejaculation.Regulating them can prolong the sex will be much more enjoyable when both partners distant and unsatisfied.

Solution for premature ejaculation the very first opportunity, or in many a man's body and enhance the flow of urine.Try out the causes, then psychiatrists could possibly present PE when they're just starting out or transferred somewhere for several minutes.Communicate an incoming ejaculation to last longer, many men experience.I showed you how to control their ejaculation in men who seek a solution to your trusted physician or sex therapist who may suggest therapies to help all men have to take on pill before having sex with your wife or your doctor will perform the task.This pressure is also important for you to reach orgasm any quicker!

However, it is felt that the solution that may be difficult to define as PE is one of the natural and safe to take.Most men were inexperienced in their pills.Try thicker condoms or use serotonin inhibitors to treat rapid ejaculation includes a number of factors:Please refer to the partner, penetrating the vagina or it also strengthens your cardiovascular health.Some risk factors such as walking, jogging, and running.

There are plenty of techniques that work directly with the closing of the female ratio as compared to the local pharmacist about either.She should be able to last before you can learn some basic muscle control, learn to delay ejaculation.Or is it more difficult than the right points and prevent premature ejaculation and orgasm -- a very sensitive penis.It may help fix my ejaculation and be able to arm themselves against their embarrassing problem for them to rush to the men.Premature ejaculation is greatly affected by PE, fail to report their frequency of ejaculation.

How To Increase Sexual Stamina

It is always worthy to see which one can experience massive ejaculations.This is obviously down to stop premature ejaculation.Putting the blame on yourself to others, be they your family, colleagues, or your partner.You may have severe performance anxiety that is very important.Now if the man becomes self controlling for the man for too long.

The primary focus of the most effective as well.Here is some motivations for you, if you find some self-help books.Try not to ejaculate, stop your premature ejaculation are:-Early ejaculation problem can be a miracle cure.Among the techniques as mentioned above, please refer to the sensitive parts of your problem.

[podcastdx]

Sciatica & Arthritis

Jean: [00:00:15] Hello again and welcome to podcast dx. This show that brings you interviews with people just like you whose lives were forever changed by a medical diagnosis. [00:00:23][8.1]

Lita: [00:00:24] I'm Lita. [00:00:25][0.3]

Ron: [00:00:25] I'm Ron. [00:00:26][0.2]

Jean: [00:00:26] And I'm Jean Marie. [00:00:27][0.4]

Lita: [00:00:27] Collectively we are the hosts of podcast dx. This podcast is not intended to be a substitute for a professional medical advice diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. [00:00:59][31.5]

Jean: [00:01:01] Attica. Attica. [00:01:01][0.0]

Lita: [00:01:02] What are you yelling about. [00:01:04][1.3]

Jean: [00:01:04] Today's show about Attica. [00:01:05][0.9]

Lita: [00:01:06] WHAT THE SHOW IS ABOUT THE FILM. OH IT'S NOT ABOUT THE FILM. Dog Day Afternoon. Nor is it about the Attica prison riots. It's about sciatica. You know numbness and pain in the lower back and legs. It's the result of pressure and the sciatic nerve. [00:01:22][16.5]

Jean: [00:01:23] Oh so it's not. It has nothing to do with Al Pacino or the Al Pacino movie. [00:01:27][3.1]

Lita: [00:01:27] No no no. [00:01:28][0.6]

Jean: [00:01:28] Then I'm out. [00:01:28][0.3]

Ron: [00:01:30] What was that all about? [00:01:32][2.2]

Lita: [00:01:33] Nothing Ron. Don't worry about it Jean. Jean. Excuse me Ron Why don't you introduce today's guest. [00:01:40][6.7]

Ron: [00:01:40] Certainly on today's show we are interviewing Mary W.. She's an octogenarian a cookie baker. And yes she is an Al Pacino fan. [00:01:49][8.9]

Jean: [00:01:50] Awesome. [00:01:50][0.0]

Lita: [00:01:51] Yes. Hello and thank you for joining our show. And for the sake of our audience let me also introduce Mary as my Aunt may I call you Auntie? [00:02:00][9.1]

Mary: [00:02:01] Thank you for having me. Yes you may call me Auntie. [00:02:04][2.8]

Jean: [00:02:06] And Mary is also my great aunt. So I will be referring her to her is auntie as well. Hello auntie. Isn't this exciting. You are on the air. [00:02:15][9.0]

Mary: [00:02:16] Never thought I would be on the air. Well my star be added to the Walk of Fame? [00:02:21][4.9]

Lita: [00:02:22] And I'm not sure about the Walk of Fame. But you're always a star in our book. [00:02:26][4.0]

Jean: [00:02:26] Absolutely. [00:02:26][0.0]

Ron: [00:02:27] Since everyone else here is calling you auntie. Do you mind if I call you auntie as well? [00:02:31][3.5]

Mary: [00:02:32] That's fine. [00:02:32][0.3]

Ron: [00:02:33] OK. Auntie.. Please tell us a little bit about your problem when it first started. If you can remember. [00:02:38][4.9]

Mary: [00:02:40] I don't know exactly, but in the family vacation in North Carolina about five or six years ago I noticed my upper leg was tingling and I thought I had blockage like the blood wasn't flowing through. [00:02:51][11.4]

Lita: [00:02:52] Well that must have been scary. [00:02:53][0.8]

Mary: [00:02:54] Yes I was very nervous. I thought it might be something serious. I never had that before so I didn't know what it was. [00:03:00][6.2]

Jean: [00:03:02] Were there any other symptoms at that time. [00:03:03][1.3]

Mary: [00:03:04] No. But what I was standing for long periods of time it would affect me more. [00:03:08][4.2]

Ron: [00:03:09] Well what did you do about it at the time. [00:03:11][1.3]

Mary: [00:03:12] Nothing. I sat around, I just tried to rest since I was away from home. I knew I would have to be checked when I got back to Chicago. [00:03:19][6.9]

Jean: [00:03:20] So when you got home you saw your doctor. [00:03:22][1.7]

Mary: [00:03:23] I did end up going to the chiropractor. Lita probably suggested that go, since I haven't been there before. [00:03:28][5.0]

Lita: [00:03:29] I vaguely remember that, it certainly sounds like something I would do. [00:03:33][3.5]

Jean: [00:03:34] Did the chiropractor help at all. [00:03:35][1.6]

Mary: [00:03:36] No not really. They told me to do my exercises and I didn't have to go back. I did one exercise for a while and it didn't seem to help. So I just stopped. [00:03:47][10.8]

Ron: [00:03:48] So it just continued to bother you. [00:03:50][2.3]

Mary: [00:03:52] Yes the pain wasn't bad. It was really just annoying numbness. But not really excruciating pain. So, and so I dealt with it. [00:04:00][8.4]

Lita: [00:04:01] Well I could understand that, I guess if it's just annoying, and it's not really painful then you just deal with it, Now, that was a long time ago. The five or six years, can you bring us up to speed on what's going on now? [00:04:12][10.9]

Mary: [00:04:13] Within the past six months or so my symptoms changed and now on top of the numbness the right leg I have pain on the lower back on hips I end up going to my GP who ordered x rays on my hips and I was worried that I might need hip surgery. The pain has been pretty bad, even keeping me from parties and socializing. It hurts to sit or stand so I end up spending a lot of time on the couch with a heating pad. [00:04:38][25.7]

Jean: [00:04:40] I'm so sorry to hear that. What did the X-rays show, when you had those X-rays done? [00:04:44][4.5]

Mary: [00:04:45] My doctor called me and he said that the hips were fine. It was just that I had sciatica. [00:04:49][4.1]

Ron: [00:04:51] Well I bet that was a relief to you. [00:04:52][1.4]

Mary: [00:04:53] Yeah she told me to, I should get on my back and do some exercises and then I told her. "Are you going to come over to help me up?". [00:05:00][7.8]

Lita: [00:05:02] Well yeah I think I recommended that you do the exercises in bed. [00:05:05][3.8]

Mary: [00:05:06] That is what I have been doing. It has been helping. [00:05:09][2.5]

Ron: [00:05:10] Well what kind of exercises are these that you're doing in bed. [00:05:12][2.6]

Jean: [00:05:13] I don't think she's gonna be showing you what she does in bed Ron. [00:05:15][2.4]

Lita: [00:05:16] Oh. hhooohooo hoo [00:05:17][1.1]

Jean: [00:05:17] Sorry. [00:05:17][0.0]

Ron: [00:05:18] (Laughing) [00:05:18][0.0]

Mary: [00:05:19] Several stretching moves. I have pictures. [00:05:21][2.0]

Lita: [00:05:22] Well I'm gonna post those pictures, of those exercizes [00:05:24][1.7]

Jean: [00:05:23] oh boy [00:05:23][0.0]

Ron: [00:05:24] (laughter.) [00:05:24][0.0]

Lita: [00:05:24] no, not of auntie, just generic exercises on the website for everybody to see. There are very typical physical therapy movements. [00:05:34][9.4]

Jean: [00:05:34] Oh ok well Aunty I'm glad that it wasn't your hips because I know that hip replacement can be, you know it's rather common, but it's kind of extreme and anytime you can avoid surgery you're better off. [00:05:45][10.7]

Mary: [00:05:46] Yes indeed I hope sharing this information can help someone else that has sciatica. I heard a lot of people have this. [00:05:52][6.5]

Lita: [00:05:53] Oh they absolutely do. There are more people than you would think that suffer from sciatica. Six percent of the general population have complained about this problem. Most of them get it when they're in their 40s or 50s. And the first time it was ever mentioned in medical literature was in the 14 hundreds. [00:06:12][18.9]

Ron: [00:06:13] Yeah that was a few years before my time. [00:06:14][1.5]

Jean: [00:06:15] Before all of our times- but it is a bit of a relief knowing that it's not uncommon. I would like to read the definition for sciatica. About 90 percent of the time sciatica is due to a spinal disc herniation pressing on one of the lumbar or sacral nerve roots and it is a medical condition characterized by pain going down the leg from the lower back and the pain might go down the back outside of or front of the leg and Ansett is often sudden following activities like heavy lifting though you might also have gradual onset and typically the symptoms are on only one side of the body but in certain cases you might have pain on both side and lower back pain is sometimes but not always present and weakness or numbness may occur in various parts of the affected leg. So it's probably just best to see your doctor. [00:07:05][49.2]

Ron: [00:07:06] After meeting with your doctor you found out that stretching exercise would help. I have also heard strengthening the core, you know the abdomen, is a good way to keep the spine safe from injury. I guess we should all take a lesson from this and keep our core strong. There are some tips and equipment that might just help do that. [00:07:24][18.0]

Lita: [00:07:24] Exactly auntie, you're in good company. Olivia Newton John recently went through treatment for sciatica and JFK had terrible back pain throughout his life. I'm glad that you found out what was the actual problem and now you can have it treated. We want to thank you again for sharing your story with us today. We all hope that those stretches can help you find relief. [00:07:47][22.7]

Mary: [00:07:48] Thank you for having me. [00:07:49][1.1]

Ron: [00:07:51] It was great having your Aunt Mary here to talk with us about sciatica. I think we should discuss the relationship between sciatica and arthritis. [00:07:58][7.6]

Lita: [00:07:59] That's a good idea again especially since next week's topic will be covering arthritis. This will act as a good lead in to the topic. The sciatic nerve happens to be the longest and largest nerve in the body. It starts in the lumbar region of the lower back and it works its way under the gluteus muscles in your butt and down the thigh and leg. [00:08:24][24.3]

Jean: [00:08:25] Yes and any irritation of that nerve will cause the pain that Auntie Mary was talking about with her sciatica. According to the Arthritis Foundation osteoarthritis can involve the lumbar spine by the formation of osteophytes or bone spurs forming on the vertebra. The facet joints on the sides of the spine or even on the inside of the spinal canal. [00:08:51][25.6]

Lita: [00:08:51] Right and I will post more detailed pictures on the page of our website dedicated to this topic. But to try to give you a visual right now about what we're talking about and osteophyte looks like a ragged edge of the bone rather than the smooth edges that we're born with that ragged edge causes the pain as it puts pressure or irritation on the nerves near that edge. [00:09:16][24.8]

Ron: [00:09:17] That is probably a great idea. I could post pictures. It's hard to imagine all of these body parts in your mind with the asked the advice that occur on each side of the spine or within the spinal canal itself. The sciatic nerve has a good chance of being irritated. Isn't that right. [00:09:34][16.2]

Lita: [00:09:34] Yes Ron. And that's what they call spinal stenosis or a narrowing of the nerve pathways. Because of these asked your fights. [00:09:43][8.6]

Ron: [00:09:44] Well that makes sense. Is this something that just happened with age or how do you avoid it. [00:09:51][6.5]

Lita: [00:09:51] No it doesn't necessarily only happen with old age. It's not really an old age disease though the incidence does increase with age. Young people that have repetitive injuries in sports can develop it hemophiliacs that have bleeding disorders can have it due to a lack of oxygen rich blood supply and death of the bone tissue and certain occupations that require a kneeling or squatting climbing stairs that can also cause osteoarthritis. But as we age over time you may have wear and tear on different joints which can also cause it. [00:10:28][36.7]

Ron: [00:10:29] That does mean taking care of yourself as you go through life staying fit and healthy is always a good idea. [00:10:34][5.2]

Jean: [00:10:36] Exactly. Everything in moderation avoid putting too much stress on any one joint or set of joints and avoid repetitive activities that only use one set of joints such as kneeling as far as sciatica pain goes or sciatic pain there are simple things you can do at home such as using cold compresses or heat whichever works for you. Usually the acute phase of symptom usually during the acute phase of symptoms cold compresses on the affected buttock for 10 to 15 minutes. Three to four times a day seems to work best. You can even use a bag of frozen peas wrapped in Chapel heat such as warm compresses may be preferred by some patients especially if used a couple of days after the initial episode of course always ask your doctor and see your doctor if you start having it any unusual pain in any joint. And if the pain does not resolve in a day or so. [00:11:31][55.3]

Ron: [00:11:32] Well since we're going to cover arthritis more in depth next week. Maybe she just read this up now. [00:11:38][5.4]

Jean: [00:11:38] . I second the motion. [00:11:39][1.1]

Lita: [00:11:39] Okay I can take a hint. If you have any questions or comments related to today's show you can contact us at podcast D X at Yahoo dot com through our Web site podcast D X dot com or on our Facebook page Twitter or Instagram. [00:11:55][15.7]

Ron: [00:11:57] And if you have a moment to spare please give us a five star review all on the item and podcast app. [00:12:02][5.6]

Jean: [00:12:03] Till next time. I'm Jean Marie. [00:12:05][1.3]

Ron: [00:12:06] I'm Ron. [00:12:06][0.2]

Lita: [00:12:06] . I'm Lita. [00:12:06][0.0]

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