#the one solution actually more expensive than therapy

[heylabodega]

24 hours in I can confirm that having my own space has in fact fixed me acne healed crops thriving etc

[olderthannetfic]

I've just read an article (in Gazeta Wyborcza) about a very popular series of books among young teens in my country, Poland, called "Rodzina Monet" (Family Monet). The author gained popularity while publishing on Wattpad lol. The article basically said that it's problematic because these books are read by young girls, even 10 years old, and it glorifies violence. Plus it just isn't well written - there were some fragments in the article and yeah it's not well written lmao. A woman in the comments said that her daughter is reading this book and asked if she should forbid it. Since no one answered her, I replied that I don't think forbidding the book is a good solution and suggested talking to her daughter about it, showing her the article and asking what she thinks about it. But I don't know anything more about that situation, for example how old the daughter is. I don't think I'd worry if my child were to read this book, I read trashy stuff too. But I started wondering if maybe there should be some control in such a case? The thing with the books from what I gathered (I haven't read them) is that they are about a 14yo girl, who suddenly lost her mother and grandmother, is sent away to US from Britain where she starts living with her 28yo (handsome) stepbrother and his 3 (also handsome) brothers. She lives in a beautiful villa since the stepbrother is super rich. He's also cold and distant and doesn't understand that she has issues with food (she has some kind of eating disorder). Some of the things he and his 3 brothers do can be described as domestic violence but they apologize, buy her expensive stuff and are all adult handsome men. Yeah it's a young adult fiction. The thing is that it's just not well written so none of the bad behaviours is commented upon.

--

Sounds like typical godawful id trash that people eat up. Making a rule against it will just make it more tantalizing.

It would be far more valuable to kick any worthless partners out of one's life and demonstrate not putting up with shit to a tween girl than to ban her from reading trashy books.

One could always try buying her something better, but IME, people who try that always do it wrong: they buy books that are better written, yes, but the vocabulary and sentence structure are a thousand times harder, there's zero iddy wish fulfillment, and the plot is something fucking depressing and supposedly edifying.

Readers can smell a tryhard "your taste is bad" gift a mile away.

I think it's also important when trying to find replacement trash to understand what the kink actually is. Why is it age gap? Well, have you seen 14-year-olds? They're awkward and covered in zits. Of course the protagonist is young like the readers and the hotties are older.

More importantly, why is it abusive? Absolute idiots will be like "Because society taught girls wah wah wah wah wah", but the actual reason is obvious if you've read trash romance for adults:

It's so the love interest(s) can be in the wrong.

The self inserty protagonist of this type of story has very little power. Not only is she usually younger, but she's poorer, a fish out of water in a new situation, etc. The way she gets power is by the love interest doing something absolutely horrible, realizing they have erred, and then groveling forever. Their guilt is an effective way to manipulate them. And yes, retail therapy is usually the next step from this particular trash classic all the way back to The Flame and the Flower.

You can try giving a teen girl a book about a teen girl action hero who is awesome and whose love interest likes her because of that... But if the reader doesn't feel awesome, she's still going to prefer a book about a loser with a destined, fated love or a misunderstood woobie whom other characters have to grovel to after not initially realizing she was special.

You can't fix self esteem by handing someone a book they don't identify with and telling them their id is wrong. And if self esteem does improve, that doesn't mean the lizard brain is going to switch trash fiction tastes anyway.

One can try leaving other fun books around, but that's about the most that could be helpful.

[5feet-of-anxiety]

I know it's pretty unhelpful to offer unsolicited advice to donation posts but for those in the US who are going through a hard time I do want to at least make sure people know some options they may have available to them that have helped me and friends out over the year.

Call everyone you pay bills to and ask about hardship plans or assistance options. Try and avoid any long term reduced payment plans but short term are generally fine. One or two month deferments are fine too. If it's a long term (1+ years) sudden situation then ask about settlement options. It's not the best for your credit but it's better than late payment reports ending up in a charge off.

Do not use a DSC unless you have a lot of stuff in collections/different accounts to pay and don't have the time or energy to deal with them yourself. Dsc's charge you to settle on accounts usually one by one as accounts fall more and more delinquent. You can do that yourself. If it's already charged off save it for later

Don't wait until savings are gone to ask for these assistance options. The minute you don't have income reduce your expenses as much as possible.

Unless it is an expense you are 95% you can pay off without issue do not take out a loan

Apply for unemployment the same day you lose a job and keep up with the paperwork. I've lost out on potential unemployment earnings 3 different times because of how confused I get from it so don't be afraid to call and ask for help or explanations.

Car auctions can be your friend for a vehicle . Police auctions are not great but see if there are any other auctions nearby and you can generally get a car for the same price as a down payment. If you have car knowledge great if not try and bring someone that does. Even if you don't check that it starts, pop the hood and make sure nothing's missing, and look up the car model for common issues.

Need a job fast and can't stand fast food? Call centers are always hiring. Like any job they do suck and some are worse than others but they tend to pay more than minimum wage and they're not physically demanding if that's an issue. Also try storage facilities as they tend to have benefits and may provide housing or at least a discount on a storage unit if your living situation demands one.

This isn't important financially but it's something that affected me for a long time. But if you're feeling lonely and looking for a community or even just someone to connect with then do participate in book clubs, low cost classes or social events, strike up conversation with others at the parades, bars/clubs, library, store wherever. Even if it's just a connection in passing it will enrich you. And if you don't put yourself out there those connections will be harder to come by.

Therapy isn't cheap and journaling isn't a replacement but it can cost less than 2 dollars and it at least helps to get the thoughts and feelings out somewhere.

Goodwill sucks. Look for smaller donation shops a lot of them do actual community outreach.

That's all I got and this is not a list of cure all solutions that will work for everyone or solve problems 100%. These are just things that have either helped me in the past or I wish I would've done differently. There's a lot of tips out there and it sucks to live in survival mode like that but always choose what's best for you.

[monsters-conquer-the-world]

Ghostbusters: Franchise Rights

This is a weird stream of consciousness thing that is both me critically reflecting on Ghostbusters in 2023, and also sort of reinventing it with a proposed infomercial. Why this all rushed into my head this afternoon I'll never know.

“Who ya gonna call? Ghostbusters” is a catchy lyric and a fun in-universe slogan for the freelance ghost catchers, but it’s also a truncated set-up and punchline. “Uh oh I have [crazy problem x]! I know, I’ll call [crazy problem x]busters!” It’s a goof on what crazy times we live in, and how New York City really is the city that has EVERYTHING. As time goes on, the problems of the world get stranger and more unpredictable–new problems mean new solutions that can be sold for a premium… enter the Ghostbusters. 

I started playing around with the set-up and punchline of Ghostbusters. Movies and TV shows about exorcisms and spiritual combat with the supernatural have been consistently HOT for the last 10 or 15 years. The Conjuring and Insidious movie series both come to mind. Even still, nobody else besides the Ghostbusters are out there doing Secular Humanist ghost removal. What if you’re not Catholic? What if it turns out that there aren’t as many rabbis trained to fight dybbuks as the movies would have you think? What if an exorcism is just too damned expensive? 

Who ya gonna call?  Ghostbusters!

But maybe you’re still not convinced. Maybe you can afford the fancy Roman Catholic Exorcism deluxe package with all the trimmings.  But please know, the majority of exorcisms end with the possessed dying of dehydration after days or weeks of what is essentially torture. And it doesn’t matter how many tarps you put down, that room will NEVER smell the same again. Grandma’s possessed by Xlliczik the Heretical Serpent of Cosmic Malignance and you’re pretty sure she voted for Trump twice, but that doesn’t mean you want to KILL her! …and permanently ruin your guest room.

Who ya gonna call? Ghostbusters!

So what do the Ghostbusters do differently? They trade in science, not superstition! Their patented Ghost Grabber™ energy lasso system safely, quickly, and cleanly guides unwanted apparitions out of your home and into the Ghostbusters’ patented Ghost Trap™ portable containment unit. Kids, it’s like a spooky PokeBall! And it’s up to the Ghostbusters to catch ‘em all when you call! 

Who ya gonna call? Ghostbusters!

But what if you or a loved one is possessed by a screaming, 6-headed Victorian child with teeth for eyes and eyes for teeth? Ghostbusters can solve that with science too, thanks to our new Ectoplasmic Therapy Treatment. Postively-charged psychomagnatheric ectoplasm safely and painlessly encourages the devil, demon or faerie to release its victim, allowing us to then capture the entity with our Ghost Grabbers [this should be accompanied by a corny animated graphic showing the pleasant corporate version of hosing someone down with psychically-charged ghost goo, forcing a little devil to pop out of the person being hosed down]. Ectoplasm or “slime” is safe and easy to clean up, since it simultaneously somehow exists as both a viscous liquid and a harmless (SPECIFICALLY NOT ODOR-LESS LOL) smoke-like gas. Ghostbusters guarantees that every canister of Ectoplasm is 100% positively charged, thanks to a powerful, proprietary system that combines cutting edge parapsychological methods with feel-good dance hits of the 70s, Mister Rogers reruns, and aromas such as fresh-cut grass and homemade chocolate chip cookies. 

Smash cut to an unconscious-looking man slumped in the corner of his destroyed living room, in the center of a massive wall-to-wall-to-floor-to-ceiling splatter of swirling, thick, multicolored, translucent, smoking slime. He suddenly (jump-scaringly) snaps awake and gives a thumbs-up with alarming but seemingly genuine joy and enthusiasm. “Thanks Ghostbusters! I feel great! …Better than I’ve ever felt in my life, actually! …I love y–”

Who ya gonna call? Ghostbusters!

Did you know that the Ghosbusters patented Ghost Grabber energy lasso system works on MOST supernatural entities? That’s right, the Ghostbusters can handle a lot more than Casper and his shitty freeloading friends! Thanks to our safe, reliable particle accelerators, neutrona wands and muon cannons, we can easily wrangle:

Ghouls

Goblins

Golems (also Constructs and Homunculi) 

Great Old Ones

Not-so-Great Old Ones

Gods

Gozerians

Gremlins

Graboids

Spooks

Specters

Shades

Slimers

Sprites

Skinwalkers

Zombies (Certified for both Graveyard and Voodoo varieties)

Zuuls

Imps

Banshees

Yokai

Kaiju (premium pricing applies, limited availability)

Demons

Animated Skeletons

Orbs

Pixies

Disembodied Voices, Heartbeats, etc.

Lycanthropes and other sundry were-persons

Ogres (Certified for all layer densities)

Poltergeists

Poultrygeists

You but from a different dimension/timeline

Leprechauns 

Cryptids

Cryptkids

Cryptkeepers

Devils (Includes Jersey subspecies)

Liches (get stitches)

Fiends

Extraterrestrials

Phantoms

Phantasms

Nosferatu

Yesferatree

Incubi, Sucubi, Whateverthefucubi

Apparitions

Doppelgangers 

Revenants

Fierce Critters

Flat Woods Monsters

Mothpersons 

Chupacabras

That Son of a Bitch Sasquatch 

Dybbuks

Domovois

Tulpas

Pah-Wraiths

Space Ghosts (available on East and West coasts)

Astral Projections

Elves

Bugbears

Jackalopes

Time Travelers

Trolls

Wights 

Blights

Deadites

Cenobites

Chimeras

Mummies

Angels

Vampires

Hobgoblins

ERIC

Will o’ the Wisps

Won’t o’ the Wusps

Wendigos

Witches

Wizards

Warlocks

Warios

Slendermen

UFOs

Atlanteans

The Loch Ness Monster (try us you little fuck)

(this list would scroll by WAY too fast, naturally)

If you got it, we’ll get it! Our staff is uniquely qualified to assess and identify whatever being or beings are hiding your keys and whispering your name to you in your dead uncle’s voice when you’re alone in the dark.

“With both kids in sports after school and my husband working nights, the last thing I had time for was a basement full of gnomes! They seem cute until your wallet “magically disappears” one day and any time you ask them if they know anything about it they turn invisible. I know I didn’t order 3 dozen little pointy hats.” 

A happy, cleancut, generic Ghostbuster hands the lady her wallet and holds up a smoking, shaking trap. “Worry ‘gnome’ more! We’ll put these little guys away where they can’t cause any more trouble.”

The Ecto Containment Unit is a clean, sustainable, humane way to house the various entities captured by the Ghostbusters. “Those gnomes thought they were tough stuff in your laundry room, but they’ll cool their heels in the Ecto Containment Unit. It generates and maintains a self-contained pocket dimension capable of binding the space-time psychopatterns of corporeal and non-corporeal supernatural beings.”

[Cheesy graphic/computer animation of three gnomes being locked up in an old timey jail, sharing a cell with a mind-breakingly terrifying entity, maybe the frowny demon from the earlier Slime animatic or maybe just a jumble of eyes, teeth and fingers]

Who ya gonna call? Ghostbusters! We’re ready to believe you!

I wanted to fit in a warning-label type gag about how Ghostbusters strongly urges you not to think about the Slime while receiving Ectoplasmic Therapy Treatment, because the Slime is so empathetic and mood-sensitive that you might make it upset. And if it gets upset to the point of becoming negatively charged, it can start spawning/attracting/summoning the ghosts of serial killers and evil gods and stuff. I think they’d blaze through this super fast in audio-only, like in medicine commercials when they blast through all the horrifying side effects before you can process what they said.

For some reason Ghostbusters shit-talking exorcisms and trying to sell themselves as a safe, secular, science-based alternative popped into my head and struck me as weird and funny. I liked the idea of bringing Ghostbusters more in line with the satire of Robocop crossed with the sincere lunacy and uncomfortable weirdness of I Think You Should Leave. Tim Robinson has a lot of “frequent customer of the Ghostbusters” energy IMO. Some of the stuff I wrote I could practically hear in the cadence of schlubby 80's Bill Murray, which IMO is much different from post-2000s "cool guy" Bill Murray.

It’s also fun to think of a Ghostbusters organization that includes some of the strange, slime-heavy shenanigans of GBII and the Video Game. GBII revolves around mood slime and the Game came up with really cool ways to incorporate slime blowers with the proton pack, including a fast, seemingly harmless way to undo possession–blast ‘em with happy slime! I also pulled some ideas from the animated show and tabletop RPG from back in the day. Even in the ‘84 movie they’re dealing with beings way beyond simple ghosts, so it makes sense to me that they’d be sort of a catch-all “weird shit patrol.” I always thought of them as that anyway.

Instead of doing the Star Wars/Halloween “legacy sequel” stuff, Ghostbusters IMO could stay fresh and relevant by focusing on the thesis-joke of the original movie (instead of the admittedly wonderful minutia): we live in a crazy world with crazy problems, so damn it we need crazy solutions! And hopefully the jokers selling us this shit are on the up and up!

Who ya gonna call? Ghostbusters!

[firespirited]

Got screwed by LaPoste again. Flatmate woke me up to pay €11: more than the cost of the item with postage: I'd already paid import taxes, it was tracked so they could have emailed me for the €3 custom fee, it had a CN22 that said both these things but it was folded inwards so their shoddy machines didn't scan it.

A few years ago this would have ruined half my day. But I've been doing whatever therapy technique it is to take your strong emotions and break it down into every single component and examine every facet until it's something you understand, can accept and form solutions

Here's a little peek at what comes out after lots of uncomfortable moments of digging down:

ANGER because this is ethically wrong and entirely avoidable:

If they'd bothered to open the CN22, i wouldn't have to pay. As is I was presented with losing the item and reorder (with wait time) or hand over the money. Their corner cutting on personnel led to this.

Customs fee was actually €3. The extra €8 is a handling fee for laposte. If your parcel has tracking, customs contact you by email and you pay online. I did it last week for the Japan parcel. I was not sent an email for this.

None of that €8 handling fee goes to the postie who has an extra five minutes to make up for. I wouldn't mind if it was a tip, we cash-tip regularly for difficult deliveries.

There's no receipt and most people pay in cash so an unscrupulous postie could ask for whatever whenever. Half of my spam is claims from various delivery companies claiming my parcels are held up and need money, they opened a terrible can of worms

Laposte is not great at what they do and have not operated as a public service for a long time now with massive inflation on the cost of sending stuff. A postcard stamp (in country!) will set you back $1.6

RESENTMENT because I was extremely strict about hobby money.

A €11 loss would have meant two yarn or partial reroots to make up for it. Possibly selling one of my personal collection. At least four hours of work.

Every single supply and unexpected expense like parcel loss or extra fees came from the hobby fund which would be in the red if it wasn't a current sales moment. (My first rotary tool was bought with hobby money even though it had non doll purposes for example.)

I knew at the time that it was unhealthy thinking but hadn't found an alternative or ways to mentally unblock.

IMPOTENCE:

recourse is nearly impossible the post office system is designed that way: no receipt and they can claim bad formatting of the CN22 masked the barcode. It's always something. They sent my australia parcel to austria, billed me, i opened a case and checked in every month and nothing.

poverty mindset: if you've ever felt the sting of removing an item from the conveyor belt to afford the total, you know that someone else's small change is something big and important and painful. Even once you have some money it doesn't go away: donating to others is easy, being cheated by a system is awful.

Solutions:

As much as possible, I don't use LaPoste and their extortionate prices for sending to France and the EU. My two posties get regular tips and cash gifts at Christmas but I don't use the post office unless I absolutely have to. Mondialrelay or Point to Point get my money whenever possible. That feels good and makes losses feel less bad.

I treat unexpected expenses like a lost parcel, disgruntled client or new fees as a tip to myself. I put in the work, did everything I could and something out of my control happened. The expense is marked down but cancelled out from my personal kitty. I have been inconvenienced: I'm not going to let it hurt or work it off.

Hobby supplies that are multipurpose are a third category. I was putting glues, chemicals, thread and needles under expenses when I use them for all sorts of repairs.

More importantly: the hobby money spreadsheet became a guideline not a business expenditure book.

Since about 2019 I've also been trying to integrate the idea of the joy of the hobby having its own cost and reward built in:

If i make no money back from a €30 gunky bundle of dolls, there was still €30 worth of enjoyment in fixing them up. The experience of practising even if it comes out all wrong is also valuable. And you often get a tutorial out of it 😁 (see my "mistakes I make so you don't have to" tag)

There was a time before handicap benefits where every cent counted but even then we all managed to make tough choices so we could save small amounts of 'cushion' money - We'd all learned to be so cautious that the cushions went mostly untouched until benefits hit and something unlocked despite still being under the poverty line: the cushion had gone from €30 (100 if we had a good series of months) to €300 emergency funds and no medical expenses were paid out of pocket (as opposed to upfront with a potential refund later) and that made all the difference.

But also a big change was the mindset:

Normal people's unwinding experiences often aren't free even if it's just eating your own snacks at a local bit of grass.

Really throwing out the idea that hobbies should be monetized (that part was hard to unlearn, not just because it was so prevalent but because of shame at not "having a job"- i know now that my full-time job is to keep this body alive and I get maybe 3 hours max to not be about surviving)

Even in poverty you deserve treats because those make priceless memories. Hobby time is valuable because it's what's makes us human not just productivity/survival machines.

-----------------------

Anyway I've also been trying to apply this to my rejection sensitive dysphoria, knowing I'm going to lose Lily soon, frustration with how slow core muscle rebuilding is taking, as well as the very real fear of alienating my sister by accident or just clashing needs (NGL I spiralled most of the day when we had the odd confrontation last week).

but I'd rather break down something less personal in public. ^^;

Here's hoping this little thing that would drive me batty from feeling powerless, which now doesn't sting as much helps someone

[allthoseotherworlds]

Ugh, vision therapy makes me so angry.

For those who are not familiar, vision therapy is basically the idea that you can do eye exercises to fix certain conditions, mostly eye related ones.

Some of the more obviously scammy vision therapy stuff comes up in situations where it's pretty clearly never going to fix the thing it says it will fix- for example, eye exercises will never make you less nearsighted because nearsightedness is caused by the shape of your eyeball.

But I mostly see it come up in strabismus communities, and it's especially frustrating for me there.

(Strabismus is misaligned eyes - one eye pointing forward and one pointing in or out, for example. It can cause double vision, vision loss in one eye, and/or lack of depth perception)

The thing that makes it so frustrating in strabismus spaces is that there is some evidence that some vision therapy can help with some specific types of strabismus, as far as I can tell. But I haven't found evidence that it can help with other types of strabismus, such as the one that I have, and some people have reported that it makes things worse for them.

It's also expensive and not generally covered by insurance, or not covered very well.

When I first sought help for my strabismus, the optometrist I saw did try to get me to do vision therapy, which I declined because it was expensive, time consuming, and I didn't think there was enough evidence that it would help in my specific situation. She also prescribed me bifocals that did absolutely nothing, but acted very friendly and understanding and knowledgeable.

I eventually did get help that was actually effective - prism lenses and then eventually surgery, which is helping so far but there's always the risk I'll need prism again in the future because we don't really know why strabismus happens in some cases.

But I feel so bad when I see people saying things like how they're paying $1,000 a month for more than 2 years for their kid to do vision therapy and it isn't working.

They're under significant financial strain because they want to do the right thing and provide appropriate medical care for their kid, and it's being offered by people in regular optometry places that give you your normal eye exams, so it seems trustworthy.

But at the end of the day it's $1,000 a month for something that, as far as I can tell as a lay person, seems pretty controversial among experts and even if it might be helpful I think people probably should have more context than they're getting about that.

It just seems frustratingly easy to take advantage of people when it comes to medical conditions that don't have clearly understood causes and where all of the methods of treatment are at least a little bit risky and uncertain. Particularly when the current gold standard is surgery, which people are understandably wary of.

I'm not judging or frustrated by anyone who chooses to do vision therapy - like I said, it can be helpful for some specific situations. But I am frustrated at people trying to sell it as a one-size-fits-all solution without providing any appropriate context and while charging people exorbitant amounts of money for it.

(Disclaimer that I'm not a medical professional and this is not medical advice. I'm just a person with strabismus who has looked things up on the internet and spoken to multiple doctors about this stuff)

[the-romantic-lady]

I don't really like that they want to focus on the causes they are passionate about, it's way too activist for me. It's like the vegan people who go to grocery stores and dump milk on the floor. Or the stop oil lunatics who block the road and people can't get to hospitals. The energy is exactly the same "the cause I am passionate is important everything else doesn't matter".

TBH the causes they are passionate about are very elitist causes. Yes yearly years is important but there's very little some parents can do. People are living in a col crisis, both parents have to work sometimes more than they wish, and have their children in childcare for more time of the day than they wish. They can't spend as many time with their kids as they would like, they have work, sometimes commute, they have housework. Sometimes it's just not feasible even if they wanted to. Then in comes someone who is the privileged of the privileged. Who has 3 homes, none of which she paid for. Who has house staff, a full time nanny and barely works, to lecture people about how much the early years of your kid is important and how you should focus so much energy and time that you just don't have on that. Without actually offering any practical solution might I add.

Then we have the mental health one. Yes mental health is important, but how talking about how important it is help anyone? Like so many people that I know would like to go to therapy but can't afford it. Or if they live in a country that does have a public healthcare it's incredibly hard to get a therapist because the line of people already wanting is too big, there's never enough professionals to meet the demands. People could not heat their homes this winter, the food is more expensive by the day, the cost of property is going up so much that people can't afford to have housing. For anyone this is horrible for mental health, working yourself to the bone and you still can't have your basic needs met, and if you can there's not much left for anything else. You feel like you get stuck and nothing you ever do is going to help. What are they doing to help people have a better life so their mental health improves? Yep, nothing.

Then we have the climate change thing. Yes Earthshot is an amazing idea, I loved how it focused on getting solutions to the problems. But like the first step to help the issue is REDUCE. And I'm not one to say people shouldn't fly, but there are things that are just unnecessary. The Queen went to Sandringham by train, but William is always going by helicopter. If it was safe and good enough for the Queen, why isn't for him as well? It's very hard to take anything he says about how important is for us to care about climate change, when he can't even give up one of his luxuries that serves no purpose. This is not a trip to a vacation once in a while, or a work trip that is necessary.

What it bugs me the most is that even if Earthshot does provide solution for the problem it focuses on, their initiatives in general do absolutely nothing concrete to help anyone in the UK. It's not like the Edinburgh Awards or The Prince's Trust that actually offer things to the community. They help young people, small businesses, what do W&K foundation do besides help themselves learn and talk about things?

On top of that, they feel like they are too good for the boring engagements, it's not enough impact to their taste. Like bitch what impact your lectures have? If it helped anyone you would have stopped talking about mental health, it's been years and you are in the exact same place.

Cutting a ribbon is not below them. And they should do it. This should be their main job. The UK is not paying their security bill so they can follow their passion, it's for them to serve them, they are glorified public servants they should serve the community not just worry about their own interests. How many activists receive public funded security just to follow their passion? Yeah no one, because that's not what the job is about.

I don't agree with this completely. I do think they need to stop thinking of themselves as activists but the public complaining is part of the problem. Their pre-2017 engagements were considered blank and not big projects. So they went this direction which I am not a fan of.

I do see the importance of their causes though. Early Years is important in a time when children will be raised by daycares and technology. Part of her earlier work has been to spend time with them, take them to nature, and socializing with other parents. The unfortunate truth is that many parents don't value this anymore. It's not about how many homes, nannies or money you have. My parents were pretty much always poor and that didn't stop my mother from giving her all to us sisters. It's because she understood the importance of raising children, giving them time and attention among other things. On the other hand, I have family that have children whose children go from school to daycare to a day home. Society is disregarding the family and the upbringing of children and we can't look away. Early years emphasizes this once more to slow down for children and I stand behind the message.

I am less interested in climate change and all but I think the solutions and award system is good. Although you do have a point with the lack of focus on Britain. But William is supposedly launching a homelessness initiative so I hope that is promising and a cause I care more about.

There needs to be a balance. There is nothing wrong with Catherine visiting schools and nurseries but then she should work more to do other things. They need to expand but their current projects are not bad imo.

[arvencacklethorn]

I've had debilitating symptoms for what appears to be (trying to test for/prove it has been it's own kind of hell) me/cfs for at least.. oh gawd.. the past decade, maybe even since I was ill one particular time as a child. I'm 25 now.. no proper diagnosis, and it's tricky enough to even have a doctor consider the possibility because I'm "so young."

Last January I got covid.. all my previous fatigue symptoms got (and stayed) worse, plus some new *features* like extra breathing difficulties at all times, especially if I laugh/talk a decent bit, or have otherwise existed that day. I hadn't realized I had covid til the respiratory issues it caused hit me like a truck delivering bricks- I had figured it was just a really bad fatigue flareup til then, with the awful body aches, fever, chills, muscle weakness so bad that I couldn't lift my blankets or move my head without pain and pressure like my head could explode. I thought I'd just REALLY overdone it by a small family visit in cold weather... bcs that's kinda how my body does things if I "overdo," like going for a long walk, or staying awake too long, being out in the cold at all, standing up/still too long, or exercising more than the tiniest bit. I just expect a day-week of misery after doing a complete action of any strenuous degree.

Doc's solution to my, and I cannot emphasize this enough, *severely debilitating* post exertional symptoms? "Graded exercise therapy," and I tried to do that for a time, until yet again my symptoms got permanently a bit worse.

I'd given up on clear diagnosis for the most part, docs wanted to test for everything else under the sun first, the expense and pain that all brought.. all for something I've been so often told there's no treatment for. It just doesn't seem worth it- so I've just been trying my best to manage and keep careful of certain limits.

If there are *finally* ways to definitively and effectively detect illnesses like me/cfs and long covid, and *finally* some kind of treatment to actually improve symptoms.. maybe it'll be worth it to try that path again.

Full Transcript at the link; 3-minute listen.

Quote:

By taking biopsies from long COVID patients before and after exercising, scientists in the Netherlands constructed a startling picture of widespread abnormalities in muscle tissue that may explain this severe reaction to physical activity.

Among the most striking findings were clear signs that the cellular power plants, the mitochondria, are compromised and the tissue starved for energy.

"We saw this immediately and it's very profound," says Braeden Charlton, one of the study's authors at Vrije University in Amsterdam.

The tissue samples from long COVID patients also revealed severe muscle damage, a disturbed immune response, and a buildup of microclots.

"This is a very real disease," says Charlton. "We see this at basically every parameter that we measure."

[lilianlintherapy]

Why More Couples Are Turning To Online Therapy For Relationship Support

For people nowadays, living with a partner is not always easy, and creating a healthy relationship can be a problem. Lack of time, insurmountable working hours, endless time spent driving, and life stresses leave little time for the couple. For this reason, quite a number of relationships seek online relationship therapy to find solutions to various issues that may affect their marriage. The advancement of better online health services makes it easier for individuals and couples to have the best online couples therapy. That is why more and more couples turn to couples therapy online in the UK and other online formats.

1. Convenience and Accessibility

You will realize that one of the most common factors that make couples seek relationship therapy online is flexibility. Availing professional help has become easier since couple therapy can be done online. This eliminates the need for couples to travel and conflicts with two busy schedules, enhancing the possibility of therapy sessions.

Whether a person has paid employment, family caregiving duties, or any other responsibilities, online couples therapy, distinguished in the UK, means they do not have to deteriorate the quality of therapy they get because of time limitations. These include which you can simply log in from your living room, your office or any place of your choice.

2. Privacy and Comfort

People feel more at ease when speaking and sharing something new in their own space as opposed to some clinicallike office space. In cases where the couple may be shy or reluctant to share their problems physically, online therapy allows his/her problems to be solved online.

Affordable couples therapy services conducted online are equally as private and professional as couples therapy done in person, so the couples do not feel awkward during any of the sessions.

3. Access to Skilled Therapists

This makes relationship therapy online to also be convenient in that, a couple can have more skilled therapists to choose from without having to compromise because of the distance. The online setting brings together therapists who would otherwise be inaccessible to consumers in their localized geographical locations, a rural area, or those who would rather work with a specific therapist whom they admire.

For instance, couples therapy online in the UK ensures that people determine their compatibility with experienced therapists who work specifically in the field of relationships, irrespective of geographical distance.

4. Flexibility in Scheduling

The advantage of online therapy, people can schedule their appointments at their convenience since they have different working hours or even in different time zones. The beauty of seeing an online therapist is that most of the professionals work during weekends, late evenings and later into the night. This flexibility allows couples to spare time without actually having to set time aside to attend therapy sessions.

5. Cost-Effective Solutions

Unfortunately, relationship therapy on the Internet can be less expensive than face-to-face therapy most of the time. Online platforms do away with costly office space or rents, as well as in-person meetings with clients; hence, therapists can charge considerably less for sessions.

Conclusion

The need for the best online couples therapy remains high as couples look for easily accessible, convenient, and private help for their relationships. Couples therapy online by Lilian Lin Therapy is also a convenient option no matter where you and your partner are – in the UK or any other country, you will be able to find a couples therapist that meets your needs and preferences. With the advantages of too much convenience and privacy availability of professional therapists, couples prefer online therapy to be their primary source of relationship support in 2025.

[superbhideoutpeace]

Cleanliness Specifications: Exactly How Hygienic Are Porta Potties in Reality?

Introduction

Portable bathrooms, frequently known as porta potties, have become a staple at exterior events, building internet sites, and various areas where conventional plumbing is either inaccessible or reckless. Nonetheless simply how hygienic are these systems actually? The concern of cleanliness standards in mobile bathrooms has really set off conversations amongst people, event organizers, and health and health professionals alike. Understanding the cleanliness and wellness levels of porta potties is essential for any specific aiming to make use of these facilities. In this message, we will absolutely dig deep right into the globe of mobile shower rooms-- finding their cleanliness standards, managing typical concerns, and providing understandings right into usage and maintenance.

Sanitation Criteria: Simply exactly how Hygienic Are Porta Potties in Reality?

When it refers to health requirements, porta potties commonly acquire combined evaluations. Many people believe that these mobile units are normally unclean as an outcome of their nature. Nonetheless, the fact exists somewhere in between.

Understanding Portable Toilets

Portable commodes are created to be short-term treatments for waste administration. They come outfitted with conventional services like a commode seat over a holding container full of a chemical solution meant to reduce the effects of smells and break down waste. This system allows a degree of hygiene that can properly supply big teams when managed properly.

Regular Upkeep is Key

The cleanliness of a porta potty mainly relies on exactly just how well it is maintained. https://hackneyrenters.org/new-york/ Regular cleaning timetables can make a considerable distinction in smell control and total health and wellness. Companies generally service these systems daily at events with high website web traffic and even much more regularly if demand be.

Chemical Treatments Matter

Most mobile restrooms make use of chemical therapies that help manage microbes growth and reduce smells effectively. These chemicals play an essential task in keeping tidiness levels within the unit.

How Much Is Portable Restroom Hire?

One of the very first questions people ask when considering porta potty solutions is about expenses. The expense can differ extensively based upon a number of variables:

Location: Costs could vary depending upon your geographical area. Type of Unit: Requirement units are much more inexpensive than premium or ADA-compliant models. Duration: The dimension of time you need the leasing likewise affects pricing.

On standard, you can expect to pay anywhere from $75 to $150 for a basic device per day.

What Can I Use In contrast to a Porta Potty?

If you're looking for alternatives to porta potties, take into consideration options such as:

Restroom Trailers: These provide an even more glamorous experience with running water and flushing toilets. Temporary Structures: Some firms supply short-lived toilet facilities that look like standard bathrooms. Composting Toilets: Eco-friendly options that make use of all-natural processes to harm down

[sbanimation]

The Future of Learning: How Virtual Reality Training is Transforming Workforce Development and Education

Virtual reality (VR) training is one innovation that stands out in an era where technology is advancing quickly because of its revolutionary effects on professional development and education. Virtual reality (VR) training is transforming the way we learn and work by providing previously unheard-of chances for skill development, knowledge retention, and real-world application. It does this through interactive experiences and immersive simulations. We'll look at the advantages of VR training, some of its current uses, and what this innovative technology has in store for the future in this blog.

VR Training's Advantages: Enhanced Motivation and Engagement Conventional training techniques are frequently uninteresting and boring. Conversely, learners are enthralled with VR training due to its immersive and interactive experiences. Virtual reality training not only enhances learning enjoyment but also boosts motivation and engagement by immersing users in realistic scenarios. Increased engagement frequently results in a deeper comprehension of the subject matter and improved memory of the information. Risk-free and Secure Learning The ability of VR training to replicate complex or high-risk situations without any real-world repercussions is one of its biggest benefits. For example, emergency responders can train for disaster scenarios without the risks associated with live drills, or medical students can practice surgical procedures in a virtual operating room.

Affordable Instruction VR technology can require a significant initial investment, but in the long run, it can be less expensive than traditional methods for training. Organizations can reduce their overall training costs by cutting back on the need for travel, physical equipment, and instructor time. Furthermore, VR simulations are easily updated and reusable, providing a scalable solution for continuing training requirements. Tailored Education Programs VR training is adaptable to each learner's needs and learning style. VR environments can be tailored to provide a personalized experience that matches the learner's pace and skill level, in contrast to training programs that are designed to fit all needs. Because of its flexibility, each participant is guaranteed individualized instruction that meets their unique needs, resulting in more successful learning outcomes.

Increased Retention of Skills and Performance Comparing VR training to traditional training methods, studies have indicated that the former can result in improved performance and longer-lasting skill retention. Because virtual reality is so immersive, students can hone their skills in a realistic environment, leading to better performance in real-world scenarios. Virtual reality (VR) training reinforces learning and improves participants' ability to retain information by appealing to multiple senses and offering instant feedback. VR Training's Current Uses in Healthcare VR training is used in the healthcare sector to improve medical practice and education. Medical students can study the human anatomy in three dimensions, surgeons can rehearse intricate procedures in a risk-free setting, and therapists can use virtual reality to assist patients with exposure therapy and rehabilitation.

Engineering and Manufacturing VR training is used by engineers and manufacturers to model how machinery and equipment will operate. This eliminates the need for actual machinery and enables staff members to become acquainted with intricate systems, practice troubleshooting, and learn safety procedures. Moreover, VR training lowers mistakes and boosts general productivity. Virtual reality training is a major advancement in the methods by which we approach learning and growth. It is transforming education and workforce training in a variety of industries thanks to its capacity to deliver immersive, captivating, and risk-free learning experiences.  We can anticipate that VR training will play a bigger and bigger role in helping people get ready for success in the contemporary world as technology develops.

[heartcareconsultants]

How Much Does Endovenous Thermal Ablation Cost?

Learning about the possible expenses associated with endovenous thermal ablation is interesting. It could be that you are considering this treatment for varicose veins, and it’s a financial perspective you want to know.  

So let us look at where endovenous thermal ablation is, what it costs, and which factors make the costs of endovenous thermal ablation. 

Endovenous Thermal Ablation Costs 

The minimally invasive technique called Endovenous Thermal Ablation technically known as EVTA can cure varicose veins and Venous Insufficiency. 

In this, heat energy is applied to ‘shut off’ the affected veins, while catering for blood circulation in better veins. 

Due to the efficiency and lesser recovery time connected with this procedure, it is preferred over conventional surgery. 

Factors Influencing Costs

When considering the cost of Endovenous Laser Ablation in Philadelphia, several factors come into play:

Location: The fees for the treatment can differ greatly depending on the zone in which the hospital is located. Service costs may be more needed in a large area of operation as compared to a rural country.

Healthcare Provider: Some practitioners and facilities may be expensive because of the healthcare practitioners’ expertise level and the healthcare facilities’ services and equipment.

Insurance Coverage: Different EVTA prices can lead to substantial amounts of money being paid directly by the patient. Also, patients might face unexpected expenses if their insurance policy does not fully cover this procedure.

Extent of Treatment: The cost of EVTA depends on how severe and extensive the veins involved are. Complex treatment options will always be more costly than others as they often require using higher input, including time.

Typical Costs in Philadelphia 

Consultation Fees: For an initial visit to the vein specialist in Philadelphia, the patient can be charged anything between $100 and $300. Sometimes, the first meeting will not be charged, or that little amount will be subtracted from the actual procedure amount.

Procedure Costs: The charges that patients have to pay for EVLA vein treatment in Philadelphia are between $2,000 and $3,500 per leg. This price also embraces the procedure, the local anesthetic, and all the follow-ups that relate to the procedure.

Additional Costs: Some are compression stockings while others are medications that a patient is advised to use after the procedure has been done.

Is Endovenous Thermal Ablation Worth It?

Endovenous thermal ablation is a very effective treatment for varicose veins or venous insufficiency. It offers significant benefits such as:

Minimally Invasive: Endovenous thermal ablation is one of the minimally invasive procedures in that it only requires small incisions and does not require long hospitalizations. It promotes faster healing and less post-surgery pain than other customary surgical methods.

High Success Rate: The therapy effectively treats varicose veins and venous insufficiency, which contributes to its high success rate. Many patients experience substantial enhancement in vein function and general blood circulation, hence making it a viable solution for these problems.

Improved Quality of Life: Many patients who have undergone endovenous thermal ablation often notice a significant improvement in their quality of life. The procedure helps relieve pain and discomfort caused by varicose veins, allowing patients to resume normal activities without much difficulty or trouble.

Insurance Coverage and Financial Considerations

Insurance coverage and finance are also critical aspects that must be considered while deciding on a specific treatment. Health insurance for EVTA is different. It depends on an insurance plan, but if diagnosed patients require treatment for symptomatic superior varicose veins, it may offer a partial payment. Before deciding on a course of action, one should consult his or her insurance carrier and find out the details of the given insurance plan and possible additional costs.

Benefits of Endovenous Thermal Ablation

It is performed with small or without skin lesions, which results in relatively short stays in the hospital and allows the patient to be engaged in ordinary activities soon after the treatment. A large number of patients report reduced pain and discomfort during and after the operation as compared to conventional surgery. It has advantages and benefits that the patients will be able to realize after investing in the EVTA method, including reduction of the symptoms which include pain, swelling, and discomfort as a result of varicose veins. In addition, apart from the capacity to boost circulation and reduce future health risks, EVTA affects your quality of life positively.

Final Words

Based on the outcomes in terms of costs, endovenous thermal ablation (EVTA) is one of the valuable treatment methodologies for varicose veins with a significant association between the initial costs and long-term valuable characteristics. Even though the procedure may be costly, the ability to have a speedy recovery, low chances of complications, and enhanced quality of life contribute to the reasons why patients with varicose veins opt for treatment.

Click here to learn more about the Heart and Vascular Care Consultants.

[termitestreatmentone]

Five Benefits Of Expert Kissimmee Termite Treatment

Expert termite treatment in Kissimmee uses several notable advantages that residents ought to take into consideration. Listed here are actually five vital benefits:

Efficient Removal as well as Prevention

Specialist Kissimmee Termite Treatment are actually extremely efficient in both dealing with existing termite infestations and protecting against potential ones. Pest control specialists utilize innovative techniques as well as products that are actually certainly not normally readily available to customers. These treatments target pests at their source, making sure comprehensive elimination. Furthermore, professionals may administer preventative solutions including dirt procedures and hindrances, lessening the danger of potential attacks dramatically.

Experience and Experience

Termite control experts in Kissimmee possess comprehensive knowledge and adventure in handling with a variety of termite varieties popular to the place. They are actually qualified to pinpoint signs of pest task, analyze the degree of infestations, and figure out the best necessary treatment methods. This expertise allows them to cultivate tailored treatment plans customized to the specific necessities of each home, guaranteeing reliable and long lasting end results.

Protection and also Wellness Considerations

Expert termite treatment Kissimmee prioritize safety and security for each homeowners and also the setting. Insect control firms in Kissimmee follow meticulous guidelines and make use of items that are actually permitted for home use. They also take preventative measures to minimize visibility and threat throughout treatment. Unlike do it yourself procedures, which may involve dealing with possibly hazardous chemicals without correct understanding or defensive gear, specialist services make sure safe and also effective pest control.

Cost-Effectiveness

While the preliminary cost of qualified termite treatment Kissimmee might seem to be greater than do it yourself alternatives, it usually verifies to become much more cost-efficient down the road. Experts deliver comprehensive options that address the origin of the pest concern, lessening the likelihood of reoccuring infestations. This may spare residents coming from the expenditure of recurring repair work and also duplicated therapies connected with useless do it yourself approaches.

Comfort

Perhaps among one of the most useful perks of expert termite treatment is actually the peace of thoughts it uses to homeowners. Knowing that their home is actually defended versus harmful termites allows residents to enjoy their home without consistent fret about potential damages. Professional services commonly include guarantees or even assurances, providing peace of mind that any unpredicted termite concerns will be actually quickly dealt with at no additional expense.

Lastly, qualified pest treatment in Kissimmee offers home owners a detailed as well as reliable option to termite attacks. From efficient elimination and prevention to experience, security, cost-effectiveness, and calmness of mind, these companies provide considerable benefits over do it yourself methods. By spending in professional termite control, individuals can guard their homes from the terrible results of pests and also ensure a safe as well as safe residing setting for many years to happen.

All American Pest Control

1101 Miranda Lane, Suite 131

Kissimmee, FL 34741

(321) 337-0919

Kissimmee Termite Treatment

[azbreasts-blog]

Myth BUSTers: Do Breast Enlargement Pills and Creams Work?

Breast enhancement products promise an easy, non-surgical way to increase breast size and improve firmness. But do they work? Are there risks? Find out here.

Breast enlargement supplements and topical products have gone viral for promising to increase breast size and improve firmness without going under the knife. With multiple options available on the market, from herbal supplements to creams and oils, more people have been wondering about their effectiveness. Do these products actually work? Are they safe? Read on to find out.

Why Breast Enhancement Pills and Creams Have Gone Viral

"How can I get bigger breasts without surgery?" is the question that leads countless individuals to explore cheaper, non-surgical options.

As social media continues to promote women with "perfect" bodies – usually the result of photo and video filters, which can look convincingly realistic thanks to AI technology – the pressure to resemble an hourglass continues to grow. For many unwilling to undergo breast augmentation surgery, they resort to exploring products, such as breast creams, serums, lotions, and pills, that make big claims without the science to back them up.

Go on Amazon or eBay and do a quick search for 'breast enlargement cream' or 'lift and firm breast cream.' You'll encounter dozens of products, most of which have 5-star reviews from "real buyers" claiming that their breasts got bigger and firmer.

After reading thousands of positive reviews, even the most skeptical women might wonder, "Do breast enlargement products work?" If you're wondering the same, please finish this article before making your next move.

Disclaimer: The focus of this article is breast enlargement pills and creams as cosmetic options for breast enhancement. It does not cover gender-affirming care or medical interventions such as hormone replacement therapy.

What Are Breast Enhancement Products?

These "alternatives" to breast augmentation and breast lift surgery have two popular types: pills and creams. Let's discuss their claims and the ingredients they commonly contain.

What Are Breast Enlargement Pills?

Breast enhancement pills are oral supplements designed to make the breasts bigger and firmer. These pills contain ingredients that manufacturers claim to stimulate breast growth. Companies instruct users to take these supplements daily for several months to achieve noticeable results.

What Are Breast Enlargement Creams?

Companies advise applying breast enhancement creams (and other topical varieties) directly to the breast area once or twice daily. These products contain most of the same active ingredients in breast enlargement pills, but in this case, the skin absorbs them.

Claims

The companies behind bust enhancement products make several too-good-to-be-true promises to their target consumers. Common claims include:

Bigger boobs: The most appealing claim is that these products can magically increase breast size, often by one or more cup sizes.

Improved firmness: Many products also claim to address breast sagging and enhance firmness, providing a more youthful appearance.

Natural ingredients: Using herbal ingredients is a major selling point. Companies market them as safer and more holistic than synthetic chemicals.

Non-surgical solution: These products are heavily marketed as a non-invasive substitute for breast augmentation and breast lift surgery. They appeal to countless women who want to avoid the expenses, risks, and recovery time associated with surgery.

Common Ingredients in Breast Enhancement Pills and Creams

These products typically contain:

1. Phytoestrogens

Many breast enlargement products contain phytoestrogens, which are plant-derived compounds that imitate estrogen in the body. Along with the hormone progesterone, estrogen plays a role in the development of female breasts, hips, and other secondary sex characteristics.

Common phytoestrogens used include:

Fennel seed: A flowering plant often included for its purported estrogen-like effects.

Fenugreek: An herb believed to naturally promote breast growth and wider hips.

Wild yam: A plant thought to support hormone balance and breast growth.

2. Hormonal Supplements

Some pills include hormonal ingredients or precursors to hormones, such as:

Estrogen: A category of sex hormone in charge of the development and regulation of the female reproductive system and secondary sex characteristics.

Progesterone: A sex hormone involved in female menstrual cycles and pregnancies.

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA): A hormone precursor that may influence breast tissue growth.

3. Other Herbs and Roots

In addition, often found in these products are plants with presumed abilities to make the breasts larger and firmer. The most commonly used ingredients are:

Blessed thistle

Dandelion root

Dong Quai

Hops

Kava

Pueraria Mirifica

Saw palmetto

Are Breast Enlargement Products Safe?

We won't break it to you gently – the answer is no, not officially.

None of these products have FDA approvals, meaning regulatory authorities cannot guarantee their safety and quality. Users, especially those with existing health issues, may risk their lives by taking pills or applying products with harmful contents.

Furthermore, without proper regulation, there is a risk of contamination or adulteration of breast enlargement products. Users may be unknowingly exposing themselves to allergens, pollutants, and low-quality ingredients, which can have adverse health effects.

What Are the Side Effects?

Here are some of the possible side effects of using breast enhancement supplements or topical solutions:

Hormonal imbalances: Many of the above ingredients can disrupt the body's hormonal balance. Exposure can lead to irregular menstrual cycles, mood swings, weight gain or weight loss, and other hormonal-related issues.

Allergies: Individuals can have allergic reactions to certain ingredients in breast enlargement pills and creams. Common symptoms include redness, itching, and swelling at the application site. In severe cases (e.g., in people allergic to dandelions), it can lead to a potentially life-threatening allergy known as anaphylaxis.

Skin irritations: Using topical creams may cause skin irritations, especially in individuals with sensitive skin. Symptoms can manifest as redness, dryness, or peeling skin.

Health problems: The dangers of increasing hormone levels in the body are very much worth noting. For example, did you know excess exposure to estrogen and progesterone can raise breast cancer risk? Non-menstrual vaginal bleeding is also a side effect that can occur from elevated hormone levels, along with aches and pains in different areas of the body.

But Do These Products Work?

Despite the waterfall of positive online feedback, not enough research proves the effectiveness of non-surgical breast enhancement products. Moreover, not all online reviews are real, as some companies may fabricate them to enhance their product's reputation and appeal. An analysis by Fakespot, a fraudulent-review-detection service, revealed that 42 percent of 720 million Amazon reviews in 2020 were fake.

And ultimately, the potential risks and side effects are not worth it, especially since the products might not even work.

Is There a Safe and Effective Breast Enhancement Option?

Breast augmentation by board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Aldo Guerra and Dr. Scott Ogley is the safest and most effective breast enlargement option. For sagging and skin laxity issues, a breast lift with or without implants is the safest and most effective choice.

We understand that your reason for exploring alternatives is to avoid surgery. However, surgery is safer than using untested and potentially harmful breast enlargement pills and creams.

Achieve the shape you want without compromising your health. Schedule a FREE consultation today – we are happy to answer your questions about patient safety.

[writerelliejackson]

Healy Review: An Expensive Scam Disguised as Wellness Technology

The Healy wellness device has been making waves on social media, especially Instagram, where it is marketed as a groundbreaking solution for various health issues. But does it truly live up to its claims? In this Healy review, we dive deep into the science, or lack thereof, behind this popular gadget.

What is the Healy Device?

The Healy device is a wearable gadget that purportedly uses microcurrent therapy and Individualized Microcurrent Frequency (IMF) programs to promote health and well-being. Users attach it to their bodies, and it supposedly emits frequencies that harmonize their bioenergetic field.

The Claims vs. Reality

Healy’s marketing material boasts a wide array of health benefits, including pain relief, improved sleep, and enhanced mental clarity. However, a critical look at these claims reveals a significant gap between what is promised and what is scientifically proven.

Scientific Scrutiny

Upon examining the evidence, it becomes clear that the Healy device’s claims are not supported by robust scientific research. The principles of bioenergetic harmony and frequency therapy lack validation in peer-reviewed medical literature. Most of the testimonials and endorsements come from anecdotal experiences rather than controlled clinical trials.

The Placebo Effect

One possible explanation for the positive feedback from some Healy users is the placebo effect. When people believe they are using a beneficial device, they may perceive improvements in their health due to their expectations rather than the actual effectiveness of the product.

Regulatory and Ethical Concerns

There are also concerns regarding the regulatory status of the Healy device. It is marketed as a medical device in some regions without the stringent testing and approval typically required. This raises ethical questions about the responsibility of promoting such products without solid evidence of their efficacy.

Conclusion

In this Healy review, we’ve uncovered that while the device has gained popularity, it falls short in terms of scientific backing. Consumers should exercise caution and seek out more reliable, evidence-based health solutions. The allure of quick fixes can be tempting, but it’s crucial to rely on proven methods for maintaining and improving health.

Before investing in wellness gadgets like the Healy, always do thorough research and consult healthcare professionals to ensure you are making informed decisions about your health.

[tavarillasgalen]

I was thinking today about therapy and meds and why I never had much success with them, but personal training is helping me leagues more. Like, I kind of justified the cost of personal training half-jokingly like "it's therapy!" (but half the cost of therapy... which, how yikes is that lol, that something seen as such a luxury like personal training is cheaper than therapy and meds). But... it's true.

Because yes, I've struggled with depression and suicidal ideation and anxiety and disordered eating since like... I don't even know. Since I was 12, maybe? So, with all of that, you would think, well, obviously you need meds and therapy. But the thing is, I tried so many different meds. I went to so many different therapists. None of it helped much, and more often than not, they made it worse. Which is so fucking frustrating, because it's like, I'm trying all the things people say you should do, why aren't they working?!

But personal training is different. And I think the reason why is because so much of my depression is circumstantial. Like, if you don't really have friends or a life, like, no shit, you're going to feel depressed and purposeless. Because I always come so alive when I have things to look forward to, people to interact with. And yeah, therapists can be all, how does this make you feel, what do you think you can do about this, but why pay twice as much as I do for personal training for someone to tell me that when I can just... work on it myself.

Like, the training gives me something to look forward to 2x a week, it forces me to interact with other people, it forces me to challenge myself and what I think I can do, and it gives me confidence in being like, wow... I can do all these things. It helps with food, because if you don't want to pass out while training, you gotta fuel your body.

And so because of that, my anxiety has gotten so much better. My relationship with food has gotten so much better. I'm overcoming my social awkwardness. It gives me goals to work towards. It makes me appreciate my body and everything it does for me.

And then when I'm at the gym on my own, I can sit and process things so much better. Like, things I can do in order to give myself stuff to look forward to. Things I can do in order to put myself in situations where friendships can be made, like joining a pilates studio after my personal training contract is up. Things I can do, basically, to change my circumstances, so that I have things to live for.

So, I'm like, it's definitely an investment, but... it's an investment that's actually paying off in so many different ways, while therapy and meds were an investment that I lost so much money to because they did not work for me at all and tended to make things even worse. And I think if you find something that gives you a reason to live and slowly builds your confidence and all this? That's priceless.

Anyway. Sometimes I feel bad about having chosen to do this, because it is expensive. But then I remember all of this, and I'm so glad I did. Because like I just said, better an expensive thing that actually helps you with your issues than an even more expensive thing that does nothing for you, even if the even more expensive thing is the one that society claims is the correct solution.