#special risks insurance

[chhesss]

Benefits of Special Risks Insurance for Niche Businesses

Special risks insurance is essential for niche businesses facing unique industry challenges. Here are the benefits of choosing specialized coverage:

Introduction

Niche businesses operate in specialized markets with distinct risks that standard insurance may not adequately cover. Special risks insurance offers tailored solutions to protect against industry-specific challenges.

Coverage Advantages

Special risks insurance provides coverage for risks such as regulatory compliance, supply chain disruptions, and technological failures. Policies can be customized to address specific operational vulnerabilities and ensure comprehensive protection.

Case Studies

Businesses in sectors like technology, healthcare, and energy have benefited from specialized coverage. Case studies highlight how specialized insurance mitigates risks, supports growth, and enhances resilience in competitive markets.

Choosing a Provider

Selecting an insurer experienced in niche industries is crucial. Providers should offer expertise in assessing unique risks, developing customized policies, and providing responsive claims management.

Conclusion

Special risks insurance is a strategic investment for niche businesses seeking comprehensive protection. By addressing specific industry challenges with tailored coverage solutions, businesses can mitigate risks effectively and foster sustainable growth.

[businessinsurancecanada]

Special Event Liability Insurance: Protecting Your Event from All Risks

Planning a special event can be a lot of work. From selecting the perfect venue to coordinating vendors and guests, there are many details to consider. But one detail that should not be overlooked is event liability insurance. Special event insurance provides protection against unexpected risks that could potentially ruin your event or cause financial losses.

What is Special Event Insurance?

Special event insurance, also known as event liability insurance, is a type of insurance that provides protection against unexpected risks that could occur during a special event. These risks can include property damage, bodily injury, and other unexpected incidents that could result in financial losses for the event organizer.

Special event insurance policies can be customized to meet the unique needs of your event, and can include coverage for things like cancellations, weather-related losses, and more.

Why Choose CHES Special Risk Insurance for Your Special Event Insurance Needs?

As one of the top insurance companies in Canada, CHES Special Risk Insurance has the experience and expertise to develop customized special event insurance solutions that meet the unique needs of your event. We work with some of the largest insurance carriers in Canada to provide comprehensive insurance coverage that protects you from all risks.

In addition to our customized insurance solutions, we also offer exceptional customer service. We believe that building strong relationships with our clients is essential to providing the best possible insurance experience. That’s why we take the time to get to know our clients and their events, so we can provide tailored insurance solutions that meet their specific needs.

Partner with CHES Special Risk Insurance

If you’re planning a special event and need event liability insurance, look no further than CHES Special Risks Insurance. Our team of experts will work with you to develop a customized insurance solution that meets the unique needs of your event, and our exceptional customer service ensures that you’ll have a positive insurance experience.

Contact us today to learn more about our special event insurance products and how we can help you protect your event from all risks.

[chucklechampion]

evening dedicated to The Horrors

[damnyousubdermalirritants]

UPDATE: NOVAVAX NOW AVAILABLE!!!

Hi everyone, it's been about a year since I posted about updated COVID vaccines and it's time for another update if you are in the US:

THE BRIDGE ACCESS PROGRAM IS ENDING!!!!

If you are uninsured or your insurance does not cover covid boosters, please schedule a new booster appointment before the end of August because the Bridge Access Program (the way the government will still pay for your booster) ends in September. The updated mRNA boosters from Moderna and Pfizer are available now. Go Go GO!!!

Shitty, I know! If you can call your congressional reps, the FDA, the CDC, whomever to tell them you want this program to continue/be reinstated, that would be great. Also, while you're at it, call the FDA to tell them to expedite the approval for the updated Novavax booster (3017962640).

The new Novavax vaccine is designed for the JN.1 strain which is one of the most recent mutations of the virus going around. If you have insurance and can afford to wait, I highly recommend getting the Novavax booster when it becomes available.

We are currently in the largest Covid summer surge since 2021

If you haven't had a booster in the past six months you are essentially unvaccinated. New strains with different spike proteins keep evolving faster than vaccine development and distribution can keep up. All that said, getting Covid is not a moral failing. If you do feel sick, take a rapid test! If it's negative, test again a day or two later. It is better to know than not to know. Here's a refresh on how to take a rapid test correctly:

If you do get Covid, it is worth getting on antiretrovirals within the first week of symptoms to reduce the overall viral load your body has to fight. If your insurance doesn't cover Paxlovid or Remdesivir, here are other low/no-cost ways to access it:

If you get sick, rest radically even after you stop testing positive on rapid tests. Avoid exercising for at least eight weeks after the fact to reduce the risk of developing long covid.

Regardless of your vaccination status, masking with a KN95 or N95 respirator (or equivalent standards in your country i.e. FFP2/3 in the EU) is the most reliable way to protect yourself and others. If Covid protections are a financial burden, there is likely an active Mask Bloc near you doing free distribution of respirators and tests that would be happy to help you. Here's a global map of them from covidactionmap.org

Some quick tips: if you're wearing a bi-fold mask, flatten the nose-bridge wire completely, then mold it to your nose on your face for a better fit. The best mask is the one that you will actually wear regularly to protect yourself. I really like the selection of styles, sizes and colors from WellBefore:

As school is starting, getting you and your family boosted is one of the best things you can do to protect yourselves. Masking is perhaps even more important. If you can advocate for updating and regularly changing the HVAC filters at your local schools to MERV-13 or higher to keep the indoor air cleaner, that can also make a big difference. Better indoor air quality in schools helps protect kids from illness, allergies, wildfire smoke, and more per the EPA's website.

These are steps you can take to improve air quality at home as well. Corsi-Rosenthal boxes are low-cost and highly effective for cleaning the air indoors.

Here's a map of clean air lending libraries for getting access to air purifiers for events from cleanairclub.org

[theambitiouswoman]

Wealth Building: Money Topics You Should Learn About If You Want To Make More Money

Budgeting: This means keeping track of how much money you have and how you spend it. It helps you save money and plan for your needs.

Investing: This is like putting your money to work so it can grow over time. It's like planting seeds to grow a money tree.

Saving: Saving is when you put some money aside for later. It's like keeping some of your treats for another day.

Debt Management: This is about handling money you owe to others, like loans or credit cards. You want to pay it back without owing too much.

Credit Scores: Think of this like a report card for your money habits. It helps others decide if they can trust you with money.

Taxation: Taxes are like a fee you pay to the government. You need to understand how they work and how to pay them correctly.

Retirement Planning: This is making sure you have enough money to live comfortably when you're older and no longer working.

Estate Planning: This is like making a plan for your stuff and money after you're no longer here.

Insurance: It's like paying for protection. You give some money to an insurance company, and they help you if something bad happens.

Investment Options: These are different ways to make your money grow, like buying parts of companies or putting money in a savings account.

Financial Markets: These are places where people buy and sell things like stocks and bonds. It can affect your investments.

Risk Management: This is about being careful with your money and making smart choices to avoid losing it.

Passive Income: This is money you get without having to work for it, like rent from a property you own.

Entrepreneurship: It's like starting your own business. You create something and try to make money from it.

Behavioral Finance: This is about understanding how your feelings and thoughts can affect how you use money. You want to make good choices even when you feel worried or excited.

Financial Goals: These are like wishes for your money. You need a plan to make them come true.

Financial Tools and Apps: These are like helpers on your phone or computer that can make it easier to manage your money.

Real Estate: This is about buying and owning property, like a house or land, to make money.

Asset Protection: It's about keeping your money safe from problems or people who want to take it.

Philanthropy: This means giving money to help others, like donating to charities or causes you care about.

Compounding Interest: This is like a money snowball. When you save or invest your money, it can grow over time. As it grows, you earn even more money on the money you already earned.

Credit Cards: When you borrow money or use a credit card to buy things, you need to show you can pay it back on time. This helps you build a good reputation with money. The better your reputation, the easier it is to borrow more money when you need it.

Alternate Currencies: These are like different kinds of money that aren't like the coins and bills you're used to like Crypto. It's digital money that's not controlled by a government. Some people use it for online shopping, and others think of it as a way to invest, like buying special tokens for a game.

[mayfly-stampede]

why is Vash distant with Meryl and Roberto?

(warnings: long post ahead, ep 5-8 spoilers, Trigun maximum manga spoilers)

after saying they were friends

after he insisted in looking them inside the worm and risked his life to save them

After all that…

“They’re not my friends”

(Yes, that broke my heart too T_T)

what happened?

Well, we have to accept Vash has met and helped and saved A LOT of people in his life cause (SPOILER) he has lived many, MANY years.

In the manga, he meets a lot of people in his adventures and we don’t know if he sees them again (even though we know they’re worry about him and are waiting news from him). Rosa in TS is a reference to this. She met Vash time ago and talks with him like a good friend.

But Meryl and Roberto are just another two more he just met like many others before them. Have they done something important for Vash that makes them more special to him? …Not really.

Maybe in the car when Meryl is worried about Vash not eating in three days…and we know him, he could pretend to be asleep but actually is aware of everything. He could heard her…

nevertheless he says goodbye to them really easily. Specially cause he is going to confront his older brother and doesn’t want anyone to get hurt, just like the friend he lost the day before.

And now he is distant with Nicholas too (SPOILER) cause after he defended him, he killed Rollo.

Clean, one shot…Impressive.

Who is Nicholas really? Why is he following Vash?

What if getting Nicholas away from the reporters and letting him believe Meryl and Roberto are not special to him is the best chance to keep them safe?

And when he reunites with them again, he is genuinely surprised and maybe worried like “I just got you out of my typhoon life and now you are here again??”

That reminds me all the moments in the manga when Vash recognizes he just can’t get rid of the insurance girls following him everywhere.

He is under their supervision to avoid disaster…but that gives them more like a passive role where they are just there keeping an eye over Vash.

at the beginning, the girls just follow him like Meryl stampede and Roberto are doing right now, and like Vash ‘23, Vash in the manga doesn’t interact too much with Meryl and Milly when they just met (he hides from them actually).

In 98’ anime, he asks them to stop following him when his situation was too dangerous for them.

And even though they’re good fight partners, Wolfwood is the only one who can fight side to side with him, so they have more adventures together most of the time without the girls.

Maybe that’s why we feel a cold relationship with Meryl and Roberto, cause Vash is always fighting and running…

And when Vash ‘23 sees them again he doesn’t have time to talk. He has to protect them and the other people in the sand-steamer, defeat the Bad Lads and then go back to help Nicholas, who actually does have a heart and has someone to protect, so he can’t be that bad…

And now that he knows they helped him in the sand-steamer all we can do is wait and see if their relationship evolves…

[shih-coulda-had-it]

totally reasonable development to the American Dream plan, don't even sweat it

(and the 24+ sentences i owe to the pollers)

Toshinori bounces on his heels, feeling lighter than air with the anticipation of tonight’s activities buzzing along his nerves. He’s dressed in a dark hooded sweatshirt, denim jeans, and the sneakers Gran Torino had bought specifically for their high-quality rubber soles.

And speaking of, Gran Torino should be up on the roofs somewhere…

The front door to the Midoriya apartment opens, and Izuku slips out after a hasty farewell to his mother, which is paired with a lackluster promise to stay safe. Toshinori manages a single jaunty wave before Izuku shuts it, and then his attention is turned to give Izuku’s outfit a critical once-over.

“You don’t have any other shoes?” Toshinori asks, contemplating the red hue of his successor’s sneakers. The rest of the clothes are appropriately sturdy and dark in palette.

“No? Sorry…”

“Eh, it should be fine. There shouldn’t be a lot of traffic up top anyway. Come on, let’s move!”

They make their way to the stairs, but to Izuku’s obvious confusion, Toshinori leads them further up.

“Yagi-san, you said that this was going to be a special Basic Physical Fitness Training session,” the kid says. “Can I ask… who thought of it? You, or Gran Torino?”

“Oh, this is totally my idea,” says Toshinori breezily. “I know the beach clean-up is the ultimate goal, and it’ll stay as your focus before high school, but I realized today that there are some experiences that you just can’t replicate as a holder of One for All! Experiences that even our Quirkless bodies can manage!”

They head higher. Izuku gets more nervous, but gamely follows Toshinori up the fire safety ladder.

On the roof, Gran Torino greets them with a curt, “Boys. This is the stupidest thing I can imagine for you two to do, in the stupidest place possible.” He’s sitting on the ledge, and as Toshinori requested, two lengths of steel pipes are leaned up next to him.

“Musutafu’s perfectly safe,” Toshinori counters. “And with you here, Gran Torino, there’s minimal risk of, well...”

“Falling to your deaths?”

Izuku squeaks. He quivers beside Toshinori, and when Toshinori glances down, Izuku is staring at the pipes, aghast. “What are we doing, Yagi-san?”

“We,” Toshinori says with great dignity, “are training in the great art of parkour. The pipes are insurance for safety, supposing we see real trouble that a pro-hero won’t get to in time.”

“Legally speaking, vigilantism,” Gran Torino interrupts.

“But we’re not going to get caught.”

“Which makes you juvenile delinquents.”

“Gran Torino,” Toshinori complains, feeling delightfully young and unburdened now that he’s gotten accustomed to Torino’s incredible, mellowed-out approach to training Izuku. What trauma? What spars? Toshinori at fifteen didn’t know anything about that, and Gran Torino at his current age looked nothing like the pro-hero who haunted the end of his high school career!

“I’m enabling you, aren’t I?” the old man shoots back. “Don’t I get to express my own opinions?”

“Is it really safe, though?” Izuku asks.

“Of course!” Toshinori picks up a pipe, hefts it, and tosses it over to Izuku, who catches it while wearing a thoroughly beleaguered expression. Then he grabs the other. “Listen, Midoriya-kun. If it’s really going to be a year until you get One for All, then the American Dream plan can afford to be a little flexible! You want to be a U.A. student, right?!”

“R-right!”

“Then we can’t just train your body!” he cries, lifting the pipe like a torch. “We’ve gotta train your willingness to get into a scrap!”

A little more wobbly, Izuku repeats, “R-right!” And because his successor is more polite, Izuku turns to Gran Torino and executes a little bow, adding, “Thank you for letting us do this, Gran Torino! And for keeping an eye on us!”

Torino sighs.

[eahtheramblings]

Something I really want to explore more in my rewrite is Ashlynn and Apple’s relationship, or more so why Apple doesn’t understand why she’s rebelling.

While the canon version of eah uses the perrault version of the story, i like the idea of using the versions where the mother of cinderella dies and becomes the tree instead for two reasons. Firstly because it can be twisted to fit the whole happily ever after narrative. If a story ends with someone getting a happily ever after but then the person dies when the next generation plays out the story, it becomes hard in universe to view that as an actual happy ending. But if every Cinderella becomes a tree? Then that can be twisted into seeming like one.

Picture this, Cinderella’s kingdom is a heavily forested, nature invested one, who’s main exports are agriculture/lumber and whose art often revolves around natural subjects like plants and the seasons. Nature is practically worshiped here. And in this kingdom you have your queen who just had a child, and you all know that in 15-20 years she’s going to die. But it’s ok, because her soul will go on to nurture and inhabit a tree! A plant that can live for literal centuries. And it’s not like she’ll be truly isolated, her daughter and her will be able to interact on some level, and since the cinderella story has been told so many times she’ll be buried in a specially guarded graveyard near the castle, that looks like a lush enchanted forest with all the tree’s of the past Cinderella’s to keep her company. Most royal celebrations like weddings take place here, so neither mother or daughter will have to think about how she’s missing her daughter's big life events. And truly, isn’t it an honor? To become a tree in a kingdom where they are the main progenitors of its way of life, to deliberately sign your death warrant to insure that the kingdom will always have a fair and healthy queen, saving them from the risk of having a ruler who can die at any time? For CInderella to join the nature that she so loved in life? A truly happy end, yes?

And secondly, when you take into account Apple's fear of the unknown/death, this becomes all the more extreme. In Apple's eyes, Ashlynn lucked out when it comes to having a destiny with no loose ends. Sure, Apples going to live happily ever after, but she doesn’t know when she’s going to die or how, as some Snow whites in the past have lived long lives and died of old age whereas others have died early into their reign, happy, but early. Ashlynn on the other hand has her entire life mapped out for her. She knows exactly how long she’s going to live, and when she ‘dies’ she gets to inhabit a tree for what could be thousands of years. There is no uncertainty with Ashlynn’s life, she will be a servant, she will go to the ball, she will live happily ever after and she will die in a known time span of 15-20 years and become a tree who then helps her daughter achieve happily ever after. For someone with control issues like Apple, this is an ideal scenario.

Heck,, I could also see this playing into Duchess’s hatred of Ashlynn, because they're like 2 sides of the same coin. Sure, they both become something non-human because of their destinies but Ashlynn gets time before that. Ashlynn gets a prince and the ability to raise her daughter to adulthood if she holds on long enough. Duchess ends her story as the swan, and will have to leave her daughter to be raised by the grandparents of her dead prince. She is lucky in Duchess’s eyes, because she gets the family and future that Duchess is doomed to never truly have.

[autos-official]

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[wishcamper]

On Nesta and Alcoholism

I’ve seen a couple takes recently saying essentially “Nesta is not an alcoholic bc xyz”. The spirit it’s said in is usually supportive of her and based in countering the way the IC dehumanizes and stigmatizes her, which is great AND there are some common stereotypes about alcoholism that can deter people from seeking treatment or realizing their alcohol use is hurting them. Alcohol is the 4th leading cause of preventable death in the United States, and ~11% of people over 18 qualify for an alcohol use disorder every year.

Creds: am a currently practicing counselor with specialization in addiction treatment

So a few basic points on problematic alcohol use:

Risk exists on a spectrum from no risk to imminent fatality. Most users fall in the middle. We have a very narrow portrait of what alcoholism looks like in popular media, especially in women, and it’s almost always the most severe end of the spectrum.

Use does not have to be 24/7 to be risky. Binge drinking, as defined by 4+ drinks for afab people and 5+ drinks for amab people in one drinking episode, has just as much potential for chemical dependency and damage.

A person does not have to be chemically dependent (“addicted”) or have cravings to have an alcohol use disorder, nor does everyone with an AUD go through withdrawal.

Using alcohol as a tool for emotional regulation, sleep, social anxiety, etc outside of rare occasions qualifies as problematic use. This kind of drinking is, unfortunately, very socially acceptable.

Problem drinking is progressive, and tends to get worse without conscious choice or effort to change

You can have a dysfunctional relationship with alcohol without having an AUD. You can have an AUD while still being a fully functioning person on the outside.

Risky or problematic use is often a symptom of a deeper emotional wound, which should be treated with care and seriousness even if someone doesn’t meet the criteria for an AUD.

They don’t have the DSM in Prythian obviously, but for us mere mortals here are the criteria. A person only needs TWO to qualify for a diagnosis:

As a clinician, I usually look for a few hallmarks.

Alcohol is one of or is the primary strategy a person uses to regulate emotion and stress, or is a common way someone rewards or incentivizes themselves

Alcohol is an important “character” in at least one sphere of someone’s life and they feel the absence when it’s not there, eg. social activities all center around drinking, essential part of dinner/sleep routine etc

The client has feelings of shame or guilt around drinking, choices they make while drinking, or the consequences it’s had in their life. oR they feel a defensiveness about their drinking and distress at the idea of stopping.

Anyway, that’s my PSA. I would diagnose Nesta with an AUD, but I would also diagnose her with PTSD, and also diagnosis is a horribly flawed system that allows people to access their insurance benefits. I guess I just want to say that you don’t have to look like the media version of alcoholism to be concerned about your drinking or to deserve quality treatment. If you’re concerned, help is available.

[businessinsurancecanada]

What Does Product Liability Insurance Cover?

Product liability insurance is a crucial form of insurance coverage for businesses that manufacture, distribute, or sell products. This type of insurance provides financial protection against lawsuits and other claims that may arise from the sale of a product that causes injury or damage to a customer. Whether you are a manufacturer, distributor, or retailer, product liability insurance can help protect your business against the costs of legal defence and settlements or judgments that may result from product-related claims.

- CHES Special Risk is one of the top insurance companies in Canada that offers product liability insurance. With their team of experienced insurance professionals and their commitment to providing their clients with the best possible coverage and customer service, CHES Insurance is the right choice for businesses that need product liability insurance.

- In addition to product liability insurance, CHES Special Risk also offers a range of other insurance products and services, including all risks insurance and special risks insurance. These types of insurance can provide additional coverage for your business, helping to protect against unexpected losses and other potential threats. Whether you need coverage for your physical property, your employees, or your business operations, CHES Special Risk can provide you with the insurance solutions you need.

In conclusion, product liability insurance is a must-have for businesses that manufacture, distribute, or sell products. With this type of insurance, you can protect your business against the costs of legal defence and settlements or judgments that may result from product-related claims. If you are looking for the best product liability insurance coverage in Canada, CHES insurance is the right choice. With their commitment to providing their clients with the best possible coverage and customer service, CHES Special Risk is one of the top insuratop insurance companies in canadance companies in Canada.

[sickwhispers]

hii could I request some rodger x reader..

QUITE THE CHARMER

Pairing: Rodger x reader

Relationship: romantic

Warning: none

Type: headcanons + drabble

"Y/n?" Toodles stands behind you, a curious look on her face as you turn around to face her. It wasn't unusual for her to ask you questions out of the blue, especially when the team was able to relax for a bit after another run, considering she was always such a curious little thing. And, you never minded answering. "Why does Rodger call you his sweetheart?

To say you were shocked was an understatement

Sweetheart?

Sure, you've heard him throw the word around before

But, usually he kept that sort of nickname saved for when you two were alone

And, most of the time, you had always assumed it was just something having to do with his overall persona

Referring to you as sweetheart in front of others, though?

That was new

He was always the type to be gentle with you, and maybe even a little protective

He cared for the others, there was no doubt about that, but he seemed to be more cautious when you or toodles were teamed with him

An airhorn hidden in his pocket, purposely messing up during an extraction, keeping extra tapes in case dandy were to sale aid

All things he did in case you two were in trouble

In full honesty, he knew he wouldn't forgive himself if you were to get hurt during a run

Along with him putting himself at risk for your safety, he usually preferred you to hide during rounds

Even if you weren't always so fond of it

He knew you wanted to help at times, but he'd sleep better at night knowing that you were safe and sound

"Alright... you two stay here. I'd rather you hide them lose another one of those hearts." He whispered, his voice barely audible to anyone besides you and toodles as he gently takes her out of his arms and into yours. And, the second she's handed over, her arms quickly wrap around your neck, holding onto tighter then you've ever felt before.

You open your mouth to speak, attempting to protest against what felt like another one of his commands. But, you didn't get far before he had already begun shushing you. "Don't start with me now."

"Toodles?" He starts once more, turning his gaze from you and onto the little girl clinging to you. It almost amazes you. The way his tone went from something akin to disapproval and worry, to something much more softer. "I need you to be brave, alright? Be a big girl and keep them safe for me."

"Got it, rodger!" She says, a little two loudly then what you and rodger were comfortable with. Quickly, rodger turned around, using his one eye to scan around the area. And, once taking notice of the lack of footsteps coming their way, shifted his gaze back over to the both of you.

"Thank you, toodles. Remember, shh..." her head nods in reply to what rodger had said, holding up a finger to her mouth as she copies the same shushing sound he had made.

He wasn't made to distract, and the heavy breathing that seemed to attract every twisted in the area was proof of that, yet..

At the same time

He couldn't help but jump into action

He knew how risky it was, and at most times he'd prefer to think of it logically

He was the logical person of the group, he was a detective

But, he felt almost embarrassed at how many times situations he's out himself in just to insure your safety

Now, if you weren't in danger, and he was able to think straight before reacting, he usually went with the more refined ways to insure your safety

Most of the time

If a twisted was headed your way, and hadn't noticed you yet, then he'd prefer to throw something in the opposite direction and away from you

But on those special occasions where he felt there was little to no time, he wouldn't hesitate before throwing himself in front of you

If he was able to reach you, that is

[scientia-rex]

Hello, I appreciate your medical posts very much and having seen a post the other day where you said migraine was in your areas of special interest, I'd love to ask a related question. You talk about bodies and medicine and patient experience etc in a way that makes a lot of sense to me and I'd trust your take.

I have chronic migraine. I'm currently at 100% pain days, with varying severity. Very hard to pin down what is prodrome, the main event, and postdrome as it's all blurred into one. My migraine team want me to reduce painkiller usage (currently dihydrocodeine and paracetamol daily, and ibuprofen maybe every other day on top) due to rebound headache. I want to cut down because they're fucking expensive and I'm scared for my liver and kidneys. But I literally can't cope with life without them. I went off them for four months a few years ago and the pain was so severe and so debilitating I was the most suicidal I've been in my life. Without painkillers I can't get to the toilet unaided, rarely leave bed, even more rare to leave the house. It's hell. And that's not even considering the effects on everyone around me who has to pick up to care for me.

So what do I do? The way I see things, I need something to help the pain improve before I can use less painkillers, but the longer I go on trying to find something that works and not getting there, the more I think maybe I'm wrong in that. I know a bit about how codeine based painkillers can reduce your pain tolerance / pain baseline. I don't think it's an addiction issue because I've been at the same (over the counter) dosages for 4 years now. I just want to do all that I can to be better, but I also need to be alive to be better. I am stuck.

TL;DR - If you have any thoughts on the relationship between chronic migraine, painkiller use, preserving quality of life while finding a treatment, and increasing the chances of a treatment working, and where on earth the balance between all that lies, I'd really like to hear them.

Again, I absolutely appreciate if you can't answer this, don't want to etc. Giving advice online is notoriously tricky and all that. But a big thank you for your time in reading, and all your weight and exercise posts especially which make me feel so much better about my body. Wishing you all good things! 💖

I won't speak to your case directly, since I'm not your doctor, but here is my personal algorithm for escalating treatments for migraine (note that "abortives" in this case means something you take after a migraine starts to try to end it, while "prophylactic" means a daily treatment you take to reduce likelihood of developing a migraine):

-OTC combination of magnesium, feverfew, and butterbur, taken daily

-Triptans (insurance will usually demand patients fail at least 3 to cover a more expensive treatment)

-High-dose NSAIDs (as abortive treatment given risk of rebound headaches if used daily)

-Daily topiramate (insurance will always demand this is either failed or there's a clear contraindication)

-Daily calcium channel blockers

-Daily beta blockers (higher dose than used for anxiety or low-grade arrhythmias)

-Daily anti-epileptic medications (such as Lamictal)

-Monthly anti-CGRP monoclonal antibody injections (Aimovig or Ajovy; expensive so insurance will demand you've failed some or all of the previous meds)

-Abortive anti-CGRP orals (Nurtec or Ubrelvy)

-Abortive ergotamine, usually Migranal, a nasal spray (very expensive and must be repeated 15 minutes after initial dose regardless of whether symptoms are improving or not)

-Prophylactic Botox (I believe this is every 3 months, must be done in the office of a trained and licensed professional, usually but not always a Neurology provider)

-Sphenopalatine ganglion blocks (done by dripping lidocaine far back into the sinuses to reach the sphenopalatine ganglion, again in the office of a trained and licensed professional)

-Cephaly (transcranial magnetic stimulation at-home device), expensive so insurance hates covering it

Now, one of my newer tools, and my current personal favorite, is a greater occipital nerve block--easy and fast, low risk, and I've had about 90% success with my patients in aborting current headaches. Effects seem to last 3-4 weeks in most cases and since it's straight lidocaine (you don't have to include steroids, though you can) you can do it as often as needed. I generally do this in my office, but I did train one patient's spouse to do it at home given how frequent their headaches. The pharmacy lost their fucking mind about letting an outpatient have lidocaine. I don't know why.

I currently manage my pretty awful chronic migraines with a combination of monthly Aimovig, as-needed Excedrin (the combination of caffeine, Tylenol aka paracetamol, and aspirin is effective for many people but is a real risk for causing medication overuse headaches, the more official term for bounce-back), as-needed Ubrelvy (I can sleep after taking Ubrelvy but not Excedrin so it's a good option), and roughly monthly greater occipital nerve blocks (I teach my trainees to do it using myself as a subject). I wouldn't mind trying the Botox but it's a PITA to get in to see our only local Neurology provider and since my migraines are relatively well-controlled (probably 1-2 headache days a week right now) I don't think it's worth the effort.

I also really got a lot out of this lecture, so give it a try.

[codecicle]

genuinely so upset over the government just deciding to screw people over for fun. what's the point of giving out specialized medicine to immunocompromized/at risk people if you're not even gonna cover it insurance-wise. BROTHERRRRRR?!

[hrh-princessanne]

It is with great sadness that we announce the Magic Millions Festival of British Eventing at Gatcombe Park will not take place this year.

Despite great determination from the organising team, the current economic climate has made it unviable for the event to go ahead. Following the adverse weather experienced at Gatcombe last year, which led to the abandonment of the event, and due to the ever-increasing costs associated with operating on a green field site, it has made the event unfeasible to run.

Event Director, Peter Phillips comments, “It is with a heavy heart that The Festival, which has played a significant part in the British Eventing calendar since 1983, cannot run this year. The event has also been a huge part of my family’s lives and those of many others for 40 years.

“It has built up a large community that has enjoyed and celebrated The Festival each year. I would like to thank everyone who has been involved over the past four decades; our sponsors for their unwavering support, the large selection of trade stands and arena entertainment and our spectators who have loved coming to Gatcombe to watch the world-class equestrian sport from the famous Park Bowl.”

Event Chairman, Captain Mark Phillips adds, “The horse trials at Gatcombe and more recently the Festival of British Eventing have been a major part of my life for over 40 years when The Princess Royal and I first had the dream. The dream became reality, and with it, many special memories of the many riders, horses, volunteers, sponsors and spectators all of whom massively contributed to the history of the horse trials at Gatcombe Park.

“It’s truly a great sadness that the original model and indeed the sport has changed so much. Since Covid, costs, particularly insurance, have risen so much that the numbers no longer add up. It is an end of an era, the next 40 years of the sport will be different, let’s hope it can be equally special.”

Rosie Williams, Chief Executive of British Eventing said, “It is incredibly sad news for everyone involved in the sport. My focus this year is very much going to be on how we can implement a strategy that works for the sport going forward. We need to do everything we can to find a way to support our organisers, landowners and stakeholders to make events at wonderful venues like Gatcombe become viable. We will work hard as a governing body to assist in any way we can for the financial risk and burden to be minimised so that we can welcome Gatcombe, and others like it, back into the calendar.

“We will continue to be ongoing in discussions with Peter and the team at Gatcombe and will also be, as a matter of urgency, discussing a tender process for the national championships which will need to find a new home for this season and going forward.”

[transgenderteensurvivalguide]

how do I get top surgery if I’m not non-binary/transgender?

like. I’m fine with how I am. I’m agender, but I don’t mind being perceived female. but I would like to not have boobs.

thanks!

Lee says:

Just to define some terms for folks who may not be as familiar--

The word "non-binary" is an umbrella term that is inclusive of (but not forced upon) anyone who does not fully identify as solely male or female 100% of the time. So if you're agender, you can call yourself non-binary if you want to.

Similarly, the word “transgender” is an umbrella term that is inclusive of (but not forced upon) anyone who does not fully identify as the gender they were assigned at birth 100% of the time. So if you're agender, you can also call yourself transgender if you want to.

You don't have to identify as non-binary and transgender if you don't want to, but both terms are labels that you are more than welcome to apply to yourself if you find them useful when seeking surgery.

I am genderqueer, and I also identify as non-binary, transmasculine, transgender, and transsexual. During my medical transition, I was very open about my identities to the mental health providers who wrote my letters of support for gender-affirming surgery, and I didn't have any issues getting my surgeries as a result of my gender identity.

Unfortunately, I know that there are many therapists and surgeons who aren't particularly knowledgeable about gender-expansive people and that can result in more gatekeeping when trying to access gender-affirming surgery for some folks with less luck than I.

Location can also influence this-- I live on the East Coast so I had more options than someone in a rural area of the South, for example, so I could be pickier and had more choices of providers to see.

It's still possible to get surgery, but it can just be a little more difficult which means you have to be a self-advocate and fight for what you want, which sucks but you gotta do what you gotta do to get the care that you need.

Research Surgeons:

Start by researching surgeons who specialize in top surgery or chest masculinization. While many surgeons have experience with binary transgender men, it's essential to find a surgeon who is understanding and respectful of your reasons for wanting the surgery.

Reading posts on Reddit and joining top surgery Facebook groups is a good way to learn from and connect with former patients who have had surgery with that surgeon is really helpful in getting information about what their experience was like.

Some surgeons do not require a letter of support from a mental health provider, removing a requirement that can be a barrier for some people seeking surgery, but that can mean that your insurance will not cover surgery as having a letter of support is often a requirement from insurance companies.

Insurance companies will only cover top surgery if it's deemed medically necessary, which means you need to be diagnosed with gender dysphoria and/or have back pain related to your chest size and/or need a preventative double mastectomy for cancer risk.

If you're pursuing surgery for what insurance companies would deem purely aesthetic or personal reasons, you might need to pay out-of-pocket, so if the reason you don't want to have boobs is because of gender dysphoria then focus on that when you're speaking to your providers.

2. Research mental health providers:

Local LGBTQIA+ community centers often have resources and lists of affirming therapists in the area. They might also offer support groups or counseling services directly.

If you're comfortable, you can also ask friends, family, or members of local or online LGBTQIA+ communities for therapist recommendations.

Once you have a list of potential therapists, contact them and ask them about their experience with agender clients, their approach to therapy, whether they are willing to write a letter of support for top surgery and what their process is for that, and any training they've had related to gender diversity.

Ensure that the therapist is licensed in your state and look for reviews or testimonials about them online-- multiple bad reviews from trans folks about them is a big red flag.

If cost is a concern, inquire about sliding scale fees, insurance acceptance, or low-cost therapy options. Some therapists offer reduced rates based on financial need.

And yeah, if you really want to you could just straight-up lie and tell them that you're a binary man and say what you think they want to hear since it's not like they can peer into your brain to see that you're actually agender. But if you have to tell the therapist and/or surgeon that you're a binary trans man to get the letter/get the surgery date then maybe those aren't the providers who you really want to be working with anyway.

So I personally wouldn't recommend just outright lying to them, but I do recommend being thoughtful and strategic about how you present yourself. Don't start off by saying "I’m fine with how I am, I don’t mind being perceived female, and I’m not non-binary/transgender." That doesn't explain why you need this surgery.

Instead you should say that you're [transmasculine/agender/applicable label] and you've been out for [insert number of years], you feel that the next step in your transition is top surgery because you know that would be happier without breasts because having them makes you feel [insert specific unhappy feelings] and that affects your life in [insert ways that it affects you] and you've felt this way about them for [insert] number of years and you're confident that this is the right choice for you and will put your on the right path for your future, etc.

We have a post on getting a therapist here, and our top surgery page has more information on the general logistics of seeking top surgery because it's pretty similar process regardless of your specific gender identity.

It's essential to make decisions that align with your comfort, well-being, and identity, and only you can decide what labels you want to present yourself with. If you are well-informed, have a support system, and choose a therapist and surgeon who respects and understands your reasons you will end up finding the right path for you.

Good luck!

Followers, feel free to add on with your experiences if you identify similarly to anon.