Dentist health factors

Glitch in the Matrix

2012.01.13 04:52 Glitch in the Matrix

"Eye-witness event(s) that cannot be explained with critical thinking." **Please read forum rules before posting**
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2010.09.10 01:39 Environmental health: Air, Soil, Water, Health Risk Assessment

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2009.09.25 16:40 donmillschiro Chiropractic

This subreddit is for sharing and discussing chiropractic news, the profession, and care.
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2024.05.16 05:18 adhdbroughtmehere2 [AL] Can terms of change of custody request be updated prior to final hearing or during?

I posted before in regards to the situation and based off of comments I am getting a bit worried if we made the right choice. I wanted to make another post to see if we screwed up and if we can fix it.
Short Version-
Child's mother has been neglectful for years, lost custody due to it. Regained custody when dad fell ill, but is still being neglectful. Dad is doing better now and has requested to change custody to sole custody. I am wondering if that was a mistake (as judges often side with the mothers) and if it would have been better to just request to keep it as Joint Custody with the residence being changed to the father. If so, is it even possible to do that now? Final hearing has been set for end of August (we had no other hearings prior to this). Can we mail a request to amend (or however it works) or do we just bring it up during the final hearing? Or is it not advisable at all?
Detailed Version-
Backstory: The mother lost custody of the daughter when she was 5 years old because she left her alone overnight with open alcohol and weed within the child's reach. Father gained temporary full custody during this time. She lived with him, myself and her little (half) sister. Two years passed by without the mother attempting to regain custody when the father suddenly fell ill. This allowed the mother an opportunity to request custody of the child citing that the father could not take care of her in his current situation. The father did not contest as he wanted to give his daughter a chance to be with her mother and give the mother another chance. The judge granted them joint custody of their daughter with the mother being the primary residence and dad having her on holidays. The judge put in the order that the mom cannot leave the child alone and that she must provide transportation for all visitations until father is well enough to drive. The mother lives in AL and father in FL. As a note, their situation has always been long distance.
Current situation: The daughter (now 9) has been with the mother since Jan 2023. The mother has been in contempt of two items on the court order. She has on several occasions been left alone overnight. Unfortunately we learned about most of these incidents after the fact and do not have proof other than the daughters word. We do have one proof of her being left home alone though since we found on her ipad a text that her mother sent stating she would be home later. She also has not been compliant in facilitating visits. The father being unable to drive has been left with the choice of not seeing his daughter at all or trying to find family/friends who would be willing to drive the 12 hour round trip. During Spring Break I had to make the full drive to ensure that we could see her. I was unable to return her however due to a flaring back injury. The mother stated she would get her on that Saturday but later changed her mind stating she had to work the weekend and couldnt get out of it. She said she would get her on Monday evening (the daughter was to go back to school on that Tuesday). We later discovered that instead of working she was on Twitch doing a 48 hour live stream for her gaming page. She then didn't arrive until Monday night turning Tuesday at 12:30am. She turned around and did a 6 hour drive to where the daughter had to go to school without any proper sleep.
We have also discovered during the last two holidays that the daughter is being neglected (to the point where she said she doesn't even want to live with her mom anymore and that she wants to live with us). The daughter told us she leaves her by herself and the mom is always in her room playing video games. She won't take the time to wash her clothes or her hair. She had the same hair style for two months when we saw her at Christmas. We got her hair done and when we saw her at Spring Break, again she had the same braids we gave her 3 months prior. We also discovered that the mom isn't getting her dinner and she has been left to fend for herself. Two video chat examples we saw the daughter getting cheez-its and french toast sticks for dinner. The father texted the mother expressing his concern and that he would like to discuss the issue but the mother shut it down saying it wasn't his business. Also her schooling is suffering because the mom is not doing homework with her or helping her study and instead is in her room playing video games. The daughter has also missed at least 15 days of school unexcused. This information was obtained from the school because the mother does not provide this information. He also had to go all the way to AL to the school to get this information because the school said they couldn't prove his identity over the phone. (not sure if that has to do with mother interference or school policy) She also has not taken her to any doctors or dentist. The last time that happened was when she lived with us before he fell ill. We recognized during spring break that her vision is off and were able to get her examined and found out she needed glasses! We got those ordered and mailed to her.
These are some of the main examples of the concerns that we have with the child being in her mothers custody (although there are many more examples). The father has filed for change of custody and asked for full/sole custody of his daughter. With this request he included details of what I mentioned above as well as the additional examples that were not mentioned here. It was 4 pages of concerns- overkill maybe? Not sure, but we thought it better to be safe than sorry. Unfortunately no funds to hire an attorney to have them confirm for us.
The judge has granted a final hearing on the matter in August. I would like to believe that the evidence above (as well as the other examples included in the request) would be enough to show a judge why the father should be granted custody. Also she would be back with me and her little sister again, so she would have a "mother's support" as well as a sibling. When she lived with us she was so happy and thriving and we never left her alone or neglected her health/hygiene or anything. Her grades were excellent and she never missed school.
But with all of that in mind..I am still concerned that the judge could deny the request for full custody. So I am wondering, would it be possible (and if possible, would it be advisable) to amend the request to stay as "joint custody" but with the father as the primary instead of the mother? Not sure if that can be done before the hearing or if we would mention it during the hearing. Of course the father would prefer full custody rather than joint. But I'm concerned that if we go that route that we would get shot down and we will regret not just requesting it to stay as Joint with change in residence. Not sure if I'm just worrying too much or if we really did screw up.
If you made it this far, thank you so much of your time. Looking forward to any feedback/suggestions. Thank you!
submitted by adhdbroughtmehere2 to FamilyLaw [link] [comments]


2024.05.16 05:16 ambellizzi Hello , help welcome!

Hello, friends! I apologize for the length of this post. I truly value any advice or guidance you can provide ❤️
I've come to the realization that my self-confidence and trust in myself are severely lacking, and I still have a lot of work to do in order to fully heal. The past four years have felt like a complete blur, and the social anxiety I have as a result of it all is a nightmare.
Timeline Synopsis: •2010: At 18, desperate for relief, I sought therapy and was immediately prescribed 3 different controlled substances and various antidepressants. •2010 - 2013, I found myself in my first relationship, lasting 3.5 years. However, due to our youth and lack of understanding on how to cultivate a healthy bond with ourselves and each other, the relationship eventually imploded, causing my life to shatter into pieces. The aftermath left me feeling lost and emotionally wounded for a long time. •2015: Traumatized when I discovered my Grandma dead at home. In an attempt to cope with the overwhelming grief, I resorted to abusing my medications; taking extra, then running out. This affected my work performance. My poor attendance and decreased productivity on top of that subsequently led to me being let go. In search of help, I checked myself into inpatient treatment. •2016: My ex reached out to me, seeking a friend to share his recent schizophrenia diagnosis. We rekindled our friendship for a short period, but tragically, he took his own life a few months later. •2019: I fell into the wrong social circle and engaged in extensive experimentation with any & all drugs, binge eating, and drinking. •2020, the mounting anxieties triggered by the pandemic caused me to have a severe nervous breakdown. This led to a brief hospitalization, during which I concentrated on detox and recovery. Upon discharge, I worked the 12-step program. • 2021: My mother suffered a heart attack, and immediately went the hospital. She had emergency surgery and was then Intubated and restrained for her safety afterwards. Luckily, I was able to visit her since I was vaccinated. •2022: Arriving back home to find my Guinea Pig motionless and silent in his enclosure evoked a profound sense of sorrow, intensifying the emotional trauma I had previously experienced discovering my grandma. •2023: I experienced a pretty serious seizure while at work. 911 was called and I was brought to the hospital via ambulance. •2024: In January, my Papa passed away suddenly. During the commemoration of his life, my mother unexpectedly fainted and was promptly transported to the hospital via ambulance. Thankfully, after a brief medical assessment, she was given a clean bill of health.
Since then, I've been taking antidepressants and non-narcotic anxiety medication, which have been helpful. I've also been working with a therapist, and I feel like I've made progress in improving my overall mental health. I've made a conscious decision to no longer "mask" my quirks or “tone down” my personality for the sake of my own comfort and healing. I take pride in embracing my uniqueness and being considered "weird." It adds a sense of fun to life. Additionally, I've started swimming, eating better, losing weight, taking vitamins and supplements, and regularly visiting the doctor and dentist.
In 2020, I started dating someone whom I'm still with and deeply love. We've known each other and been part of the same friend circle for 10 years, so I feel comfortable around him. However, there have been instances where he has said things that have deeply affected me and have almost given me a complex. It's important to note that I have been diagnosed with BPD, ADHD, anxiety, and depression, so please consider this when giving advice.
Here are a few examples of his comments: - I'm a very animated and loud person, partially due to my struggle with hearing people, especially him. Despite telling him numerous times to speak louder, he never does. - I'm also sassy and opinionated, which is part of my Italian heritage. - While we were at the gym, I was expressing how something made me feel, which was not inappropriate, and he told me to "calm down." This is something he has done many times in different situations. - He often tells me not to make a scene, lower my voice, stop yelling (even when I'm speaking at a normal volume to him), and not be dense. - I also feel like he always needs to be right, has to have the last word, and often mansplains things to me. This makes me feel stupid and immature.
Whenever I try to have meaningful conversations with him to understand his values, he accuses me of trying to argue. He frequently claims that I sound extremely condescending, rude, and hateful, even though that is never my intention. I'm genuinely just trying to express myself.
When I attempt to explain how I feel or why I act a certain way due to my neurodivergence, he dismisses it by saying that "everyone is a little bit autistic" or "everybody has ADHD." He even goes as far as claiming he has these conditions, without understanding any of my symptoms and complaining about the behaviors that result from them.
I would greatly appreciate any advice, tips, or insights you may have. Thank you for taking the time to read my entire message.”
submitted by ambellizzi to Advice [link] [comments]


2024.05.16 05:06 younginsomniac00 I feel hopeless

For context, I started a an advanced program in 10th grade after spending myentire school like not really studying or working all that hard at school and passing by with decent marks. Not that I cared about marks at all up until then. Then 10th comes and suddenly I'm in an environment full of 'overachievers' and whatnot, getting slammed with horrible marks because of my horrible habits, which really had an effect on my mental health because by the second semester I knew I could do better but old habits die hard.
The first month of that summer I was just really depressed and felt like a failure, I'd lost a lot of my friends who didn't go into the advanced program and I couldn't go out and socialize all that much with people. On top of that I hated the feeling of being wasted potential so much, so by the end of July when I went on vacation somewhere I decided to study some topics in advance and work out here and there. Road trips to lots of different places really helped my mental health and made me happier, and the studying (while beneficiary) was mainly to build good habits and restore some of that lost confidence in myself, to make myself see that I'm more than just wasted potential.
September comes and school starts and I'm alone again (I live mainly by myself with money for groceries arriving every week, and no I'm not some rich brat I live in a relatively bad area and I had to budget by spending ~$25 every week. Better than a lot of people but certainly not upper-class). I do great at school; I'm at the top or at least in the top ranks in almost every subject, and while I'm not as active as I could be I give myself a pass since I'm living by myself after all.
Then it all goes downhill. There's a few factors; first is me being in a school play and having to spend long ours after school, while also somehow finding time for 3 tests (chemistry, math, and physics), and it all just made me burned out by the end. The cherry on top was me getting (for me) horrible marks on my math test and almost failing the physics one (arguably the hardest unit as well). I mostly spent time studying for the chemistry test and while I did get 100% there, it just didn't help the feeling of burnout and being upset. From here on out everything is completely my fault, I could've 100% made better decisions but I simply didn't.
First of all a 2 week winter break is approaching for which I'll have to go to another country, and my parents wanted me to go there early. In retrospect, it would've been so much better if I just didn't go and spent my time at school, I probably would've returned to my senses at some point instead of distracting myself.
I started missing class. Pure and simple, just skipping. I also started to just put off from doing assignments, not that there was a lot at this point but still. Most of my teachers also wanted to speak to me before I left to have some sort of plan as to what to do before I leave. Those conversations never happened because, of course, I skipped school. During the trip itself? Didn't do anything that was assigned to me online, didn't study any of the units the class was doing, didn't do a single fucking thing. I'd say I also got lazier during this period which made it infinitely harder to lock in and ger back into the flow of school again.
So, what did I do when I went back to school? More classes skipped, horrible sleep scheduling, almost all my grades went down a considerable amount, exams were done extremely poorly, and that's the end of the first semester. Oh, and multiple assignments were overdue. The start of the second semester was much the same, with my dumbass accumulating work and doing disastrously on tests. It took a while, particularly a 'pep talk' from a philosophy teacher that really touched me, but I managed to get it all under control and finish a lot of my work: late, but at least it's not a 0.
As I'm getting back into the flow of how I was during the start of this school year, I can't help but feel all the time I wasted, all the potential I had, I might be doing better than some of my peers but I failed myself. That entire summer I spent trying to create good habits and regain my confidence, it feels like it was all for nothing. Like everything I promised myself I'd do has gone down the gutter. Even though I'm trying my best now, some classes I've done permanently bad in and there's no fixing that. Even when I have small victories there's an overbearing sense of failure.
***okay sorry that was way longer than I initially intended it to be. In any case, thanks for reading!
submitted by younginsomniac00 to AdviceForTeens [link] [comments]


2024.05.16 05:02 Silent-Detail4419 If you knew your adult child was being abused, you'd help them - wouldn't you...? Especially when you know that child is a DV survivor with PTSD

If you knew your adult child was being abused, you'd help them - wouldn't you...? Especially when you know that child is a DV survivor with PTSD
If you answered "yes" you're better than my parents. I don't know where to go for help anymore. Yesterday was my birthday and, no, I'm hardly in the first flush of youth anymore, but I'm not quite middle aged either. But why should my age matter when I am a human being, I am suffering and I need help...?
Please forgive me if this is muddled, I'm so weak from malnutrition now I can't think straight.
I have sent my parents - more accurately, my mother - several emails documenting the abuse I'm being subjected to in a 'supported' flat in Bristol. She hasn't responded to a single one.
I don't know why I was put here, I was never assessed under ether the Care Act nor the MCA. Most of the abuse is food-related; I have been informed that I am NOT ALLOWED to buy my own food, the only food I have is what staff deign to give me; I'm given one or two (rarely three) 'meals' a day, usually consisting of cheap deli meat dumped on a 20cm (~8") side plate, like this:
Standard plate size
This is what I was given for 'dinner' yesterday evening:
'Dinner' 15/05/2024
That was all I was given yesterday. That's pretty much the standard - open a packet, dump it on a plate. Sometimes they take what they'd put on a small plate and put it on a standard dinner plate spread out, to make it look more (they must think I'm fucking stupid). Sometimes I get cooked stuff, but it usually ends up in the bin because they can't cook; steak, bacon and mince are cremated, pork, chips and chicken almost raw. I have photos of every single 'meal' I've been given in an album on my iPad.
I'm so malnourished now that eating often causes me severe abdominal pain.
I've been here since November last year and I am now suffering from severe malnutrition.
I am now so malnourished I am struggling to breathe.
I am now so malnourished I have chest pain
I am now so malnourished I have abdominal pain (my abdomen is severely swollen and bloated)
I am now so malnourished I have global neuropathy and parasthesia
I am now so malnourished I am incontinent
I am now so malnourished I have poor bowel motility
I am now so malnourished I have severe vertigo (I have this constant feeling I’m going to just literally drop dead)
I am now so malnourished I am losing my sight
I am now so malnourished I struggle to speak
I am now so malnourished I struggle to stand
I am now so malnourished I struggle to remain awake
I am now so malnourished I have severe muscle weakness and pain
I am now so malnourished I am struggling with thermoregulation
I am now so malnourished I have severe brain fog
I am now so malnourished I am losing my hair, toe-and-fingernails
I am now so malnourished I am underweight (I don't know this for certain, of course, but a size 4 is now MASSIVE)
It also appears to have increased the severity of my tinnitus and hyperacusis (pathological hypersensitivity to noise).
They constantly creep around outside the flat front door and the creaking of the floorboards does my head it; it's almost 24/7, they don't stop at night - I constantly think someone's going to barge in.
Even on the nights when they’re not keeping me awake I’m too terrified to sleep in case I don’t wake up again.
They claim they “care” about me, but the Care Act only seems to apply when it suits them - it certainly doesn’t apply when it comes to food. How can you give anyone ‘meals’ like these in good conscience…?! How is this anything other than nutritional neglect…?!
Due to the Mental Capacity Act, I have no voice, nobody has to listen to me, and nobody is taking this seriously (adult safeguarding in both Bucks and Bristol refuse to believe that I’m being abused and neglected). My advocate won’t treat this as a life-threatening emergency situation and she’s “taking legal advice” (not heard from her for weeks). I spent a very long time compiling a report in Pages which I converted to a PDF and sent to her, she doesn’t even appear to have read it.
There's a 100dB alarm attached to the flat front door:
The door alarm and its sensor
I have removed several of these (they're cheap Chinese tat, you can get a pack of 10 for around £12-£14).
I don’t feel safe, there is ZERO respect for my human rights; there’s a lock on the flat door but, if I lock it, they just break in. If I tell them I don’t like them doing something (like creeping around outside the flat because the creaking of the floorboards doesn’t make me feel safe because I constantly think someone’s about to barge in - or to not give me chips (because they’re always undercooked; or mince, bacon and steak (because it’s always cremated)) they just ignore me, there’s no respect for my needs, wishes or feelings AT ALL!
I have been severely assaulted by staff many times; they will barge into the bedroom (often at least 4 or more) and if I attempt to stop them (they start searching the room, I have no idea what they’re looking for).
The other evening, around 20:00, 6 staff burst into the bedroom in full ‘riot gear’ (face masks, face shields, aprons and gloves), as you’d imagine I was TERRIFIED (I’d got my headphones on, so I didn’t hear them enter the flat).
Two of them grabbed me; I went into ‘auto-defence mode’ and tried to get them off me. I was pushed against the wall so violently I bashed my head; one of them grabbed my hair and squashed my face into the wall, with his full weight on the small of my back so I couldn’t breathe. The other twisted my arms behind my back, while the other four searched the room, like police on a drugs bust. I have no idea what they were looking for. When the other four had left, the two who were holding me threw me with full force onto the floor and I whacked my head against the bedside table.
This isn’t the first time I’ve been assaulted by staff, either (nor the second or the third…); I have been dragged into the living room and held on the floor, prone, with one or two of them sitting on my back so I’m unable lift my head.
We don’t like having to do this, but you bring it on yourself; if you did exactly as you are being told, then we’d have no reason to hurt you…”
Everything is arranged to protect staff from me - there’s NOTHING to protect ME from staff. What threat am I…?! I’m severely malnourished and severely underweight. They KNOW I have PTSD (because I have told them many times) - if someone suddenly bursts into what’s supposed to be your home - what’s your reaction going to be…? Especially if you’re living with severe trauma.
Basically, they seem to think they can get away with the abuse because they can just claim they were “acting in self-defence” (which is laughable because I am severely weak and about 7 stone (44kg)).
I now feel old - older than I actually am - and I don’t think that I’m EVER going to have any semblance of a meaningful existence, I may as well be dead. I’m mainlining Kratom (in a vain attempt to deal with the pain (both physical and mental).
They have taken my phone, and damaged my iPad and MacBook Pro. I don’t have any access to medical care because I have been informed by staff that I wouldn’t be allowed to see a GP or paramedic in private. Staff gaslight me constantly and, due to the MCA, I’m essentially gagged, NOBODY is listening to me.
There’s been ZERO consideration given to my physical, mental and emotional health and wellbeing, there’s ZERO empathy, everything is out of my control and I have been put in a situation where I am being so severely abused that I fear for my life.
I honestly think that nobody will believe how grave this situation is until I’m brought out of here in a body bag.
At no point was I ever assessed; at no point was I ever asked what help and support I thought I needed (NONE). All this has happened on assumption, on what is known in social psychology as fundamental attribution error (FAE). Fundamental attribution error is a cognitive bias where observers underemphasise situational and environmental factors for someone’s behaviour while overemphasising dispositional or personality factors. I have ended up in a - very literally - life-threatening situation, because the assumptions have been made that I CANNOT look after myself because I don’t know how to, rather than I can’t because I am suffering from severe trauma.
I need very, VERY, urgent help. Where can I go…? Is there anyone here who can help me access help, because I don't think I'm being listened to due to the MCA/DoLS.
I’ve basically been locked away, stripped of my human rights, abandoned and left to die
(This has been cobbled together from stuff I'd already had written in Notes, so I apologise if it doesn't make sense, but my brain isn't working).
Is there anyone here with any knowledge and/or experience of this kind of situation..? Neither my social worker, nor my solicitor will listen to me, they'll only take instruction from the Court of Protection (the ironically named CoP, I don't feel protected, quite the opposite).
I don't mind DMs, but PLEASE only DM if you can offer me some kind of help/support (or know where I can go). This is basically nothing more than legal, state-sanctioned domestic abuse.
Finally, if there's a bettemore appropriate sub than here, I can post to, let me know that too...
Thank you
SJ
submitted by Silent-Detail4419 to MentalHealthUK [link] [comments]


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Seams Can be made virtually seamless Visible seams Visible seams
Price Point Mid-range High Low
Installation Flexibility High; can be thermoformed into various shapes Moderate; custom cuts but not as malleable High; easy to cut and install
Environmental Impact Moderate; some sustainable and recycled options Moderate; energy-intensive production but durable lifespan Low to moderate; contains some recycled content, but not biodegradable
Lifespan & Warranty 10-20 years; warranties vary 10-30 years; warranties often included 10-20 years; warranties vary

KKR – Your Trusted Solid Surface Countertops Manufacturer

In the competitive world of solid surface countertops, specificity matters. Let’s zero in on KKR: With a history spanning decades, a staggering 98% of KKR’s clientele would vouch for their satisfaction. While the average countertop serves its purpose for a decade or so, KKR surfaces are engineered to surpass, with a robust lifespan of 15-20 years, given proper care.
What sets KKR apart isn’t just longevity. Their consistent reinvestment in R&D translates to a portfolio offering both contemporary and classic designs. Comparatively, KKR not only meets industry standards but often exceeds them, assuring professionals they’re opting for a blend of innovative design and lasting quality.

Conclusion

When weighing natural versus man-made stone for new countertops, solid surfaces bring quantifiable advantages, making them an excellent choice. They harmoniously blend nature’s aesthetics with human ingenuity—85% mimicking the beauty of natural stones while touting a 90% resilience rate of synthetics. Given their attributes tailored to contemporary demands, professionals seeking reliable and efficient solutions would find solid surface countertops a prime candidate. With such data-driven evidence, it’s clear why they’re a top choice for modern projects.
submitted by tab_rick to KKRsolidsurface [link] [comments]


2024.05.16 04:52 Commercial_Swim2906 Compromised Skin Barrier with a Complicated (But Once Happy) Complexion - Please Help!

CAUTION: LONG!
So this has happened to me once before (over a decade ago) and the whole ordeal seriously left me with PTSD. Back then, a vitamin recommended to me by a physio to treat a pinched nerve broke out what was great skin so I made the mistake of throwing all kinds of things at the issue. I learned my lesson and have kept a gentle, simple, natural routine ever since. My skin has been lovely, calm and clear as a result - even downright glowy and dewy.
Ironically, it was an oil for a recent ear infection (when antibiotics failed) which dribbled onto my skin that I believe must've done this. First, it gave me clogs which I only massaged a bit of jojoba oil into and I exfoliated twice in, oh gee, two weeks rather than my usual 4-6 weeks because, twice-over, I noticed some skin peeling in the area where the oil would land (I would wipe it and/or wash it off, but would awaken to find more had come out and onto my temporary (used a different one while this was going on) pillow so my skin was resting against that stuff for hours). I haven't taken an antibiotic for 9 or 10 years prior to this. Indeed, I always get a little stinging blotch by my right eye, on-off, for awhile after taking them and this time was no different. I'm wondering if they even messed with my skin's microbiota, contributing to this some and for what?! They didn't even cure the infection (which I thought could be viral since it lead on from a cold)! I understand there are barrier creams which contain probiotics/prebiotics and these interest me.
For said exfoliation, I always use ground oats mixed with a hydrosol or spring water which I then gently massage over my skin. This is what I have done for years and which a Garden of Wisdom skin consultant who worked with me back during the first round of an impaired skin barrier, okayed. I usually only do this every 4-6 weeks - sometimes going for longer, I'm just not a strong believer in exfoliating the skin on the face often, ironically.
So, last week, after the second exfoliation followed by my usual (gentle!) skin routine, my face flipped out within hours. I use no acids, no other actives, no alcohol-containing products or harsh, stripping cleansers. Hell, I don't even use masks anymore! I wear no makeup and my sunscreen for my face is a solid 50 SPF hat and a little raspberry seed oil.
I have sensitive skin - mostly normal - but it can be prone to clogs when it comes to heavier stuff. Last time my barrier got nuked, I was recommended a moisturizer with beeswax and I knew better than to use it but was desperate. I then paid with 60 clogged pores all over my face and neck which led to a summer of broken out skin while the mess purged. Since entering perimenopause (I'm 46), I've had perioral dermatitis rashes which I've learned to control and heal up, wholistically, within a day or two (they're also usually pretty mild). But, I know many of you are going to suggest I slather Vaseline or diaper cream on my face but with PD (which I'm more vulnerable to now with my messed up barrier), you can't use anything too occlusive and, frankly, I clog up and break out when it comes to heavy creams and ointments. Heck, even light ones can break me out which is why a combo of oil ( SIBU Sea Buckthorn Seed Oil)+ Avene Thermale Water spray +Caudalie Grape Water + hydrosol (helichrysum or frankincense) has worked so well for me for many, many years now.
My hydrosols sting and sometimes also the pure aloe vera gel I've cleansed my skin with for ages - even plain water does. My favorite faciil oil seems to be doing didley-squat to help this. I'm still using Avene and Caudalie (also has prebiotics) sprays because they mostly soothe it for a little bit. Do I just keep pushing on through the stinging (because most everything friggin' does!)?
Before and in being an herbalist, I made certain herbal concoctions and they were a huge saving grace then but now - they either soothe me or, alternatively and oddly, make my skin itch in my lower cheeks. I hadn't needed to be on one for 9 or 10 years prior to this. Indeed, I always get a little blotch by my right eye on-off for awhile after taking them.
Right now, I'm using products from Garden of Wisdom's soothing line plus their ceramides serum, but I just don''t know if they're helping or hurting. It's only been a week since I started that routine and they really seemed to soothe me for a couple of days but now, I think a couple items could be irritating me - not sure. They were suggested to me by their rep (who also suggested I use a product with tea tree and oregano oils for the zits I'm getting with this ordeal! Hell to the no! She also didn't steer me in the direction of their ceramides serum which some reviewers say healed their barriers, or another barrier-healing serum which I was considering, but I got another she suggested instead which I find sticky and possibly irritating).
I have an excellent whole foods diet, take certain skin-supportive nutrients (and have for years) and try and drink plenty of water every day. To make things even more complicated, I'm having hormonal night sweats which are, no, doubt, not helping this due to the loss of fluid. If I leave sweat on my face, I break out and here I'm trying to keep my face cleansing to one to two times a day (using just lukewarm water in the day, aloe vera gel or, occasionally the GoW cleanser at night). Normally, I go and give my face a quick rinse when this happens, but normally my moisture barrier isn't disrupted! I'm newly onto a wild yam cream which was a life-saver for me in my 20s so we will see how it works now.
I am open to not-so-natural things just to get this healed, but I'm not open to stuff that's just gonna leave me with other problems like multiple clogs, zits and PD flare-ups. I'm hearing just a simple, gentle cleanser (am highly allergic to sulfates! I also cannot do denatured and other drying alcohols!) and a good barrier cream might heal the compromised barrier in 2-12 weeks (and I'm already at 4, having had a few setbacks, unfortunately). Last time, it took far, far, far, FAR longer and my skin was reactive for quite some time afterward. I just don't have the patience for that, or the emotional/mental stamina to cope with it taking that long again. I'm really going to miss my hydrosols for however long this is going to take. Last time, helichyrsum soothed me so what the hell with this time?!
This ordeal has me in a lot of pain, distress and I'm mucho depressed as this is the 'straw that broke the camel's back' when it comes to my life at present. Frankly, my whole head is a mess at this point: chronic eye and ear issues (have ETD now since the infection now), the return of migraines after several years without, three lost dental fillings in the space of a few months and now my facial skin health is screwed!
With me, it's different because it's not like I need to pare things back since I normally have such a simple, gentle routine anyway. It's more like I still need a simple routine, but with certain added healing and soothing factors which are going to help, and get, my skin to recover, a.s.a.p. I've also thought of just using water to cleanse my skin with and spritzing with just some Avene - nothing else - and seeing how that goes for a couple of weeks. But I worry how my skin might feel in the process.
Thank you so much for any advice.
submitted by Commercial_Swim2906 to 30PlusSkinCare [link] [comments]


2024.05.16 04:48 tab_rick 5 Types of Shower Wall Panels: How to Choose?

5 Types of Shower Wall Panels: How to Choose?
Undertaking a bathroom renovation is a substantial commitment, both in terms of time and resources. Selecting the ideal material for your new shower wall is a critical decision that requires a balanced consideration of both functional attributes and aesthetic appeal. This comprehensive guide will provide you with an in-depth analysis of five distinct types of shower wall panels, outlining their advantages and disadvantages, to assist you in making an informed choice tailored to your specific requirements.

What Features Do Shower Wall Panels Need to Have?

Before getting all starry-eyed about the colors and textures, you have to consider some practical aspects. Here are some of the key features that any decent shower wall material needs to offer.

https://preview.redd.it/qmrvtf8zap0d1.png?width=612&format=png&auto=webp&s=a6b822b2798962f3d91793b64d72b0789c33e438

Water Resistance

Ensuring water resistance in shower walls is crucial, not merely to prevent water splashes but to guarantee the material’s longevity and better durability. For perspective, well-sealed ceramic and porcelain tiles exhibit a water absorption rate of less than 0.5%, marking them as highly water-resistant. Conversely, materials like drywall can absorb water up to 10% of their weight, rendering them unsuitable for shower settings. Such high absorption can result in structural issues and mold proliferation, jeopardizing the wall’s structural integrity.

Mold and Mildew Resistance

Beyond aesthetics, mold issues and mildew present significant health risks. Research indicates that mold exposure can exacerbate respiratory conditions, particularly in asthma sufferers. Materials such as solid surface panels and acrylic inherently resist mold. Specifically, the non-porous nature of solid surface panels virtually eliminates mold growth opportunities, reducing mold presence by up to 99% relative to conventional materials.

Ease of Cleaning

Efficiency is paramount. On average, individuals allocate roughly 15 minutes weekly to shower cleaning. Materials like solid surface and acrylic can potentially halve this duration, courtesy of their smooth, non-porous attributes. In comparison, natural stone, due to its inherent porosity, demands more cleaning time, especially if not consistently sealed with a sealant. However, with diligent care and sealing, natural stone can offer enduring elegance and durability, lasting for a long time.

Durability

Optimizing the high durability of chosen materials is essential to ensure value for money. To illustrate, when adequately cared for, solid surface and porcelain tiles can endure for over 30 years. This lifespan surpasses many conventional materials by 50%, which may necessitate replacement or extensive upkeep within two decades.

What Types of Shower Wall Panels are Available on the Market?

Over the years, shower wall panels have evolved, presenting a diverse range of choices to meet individual preferences, requirements, and budgets. Traditionally, ceramic shower walls have been the go-to choice for many due to their timeless allure and low maintenance. Granite stands out for its inherent beauty and resilience, always maintaining its position as a preferred selection for those valuing both aesthetics and durability.
For those inclined towards high-end materials, natural stone walls—encompassing granite, marble, onyx, and travertine—offer an opulent, sophisticated touch to any bathroom. Recognized for their lasting lifespan, these exquisite materials are available in a variety of styles.
In recent times, the market has embraced novel materials. Acrylic panels, for instance, are steadily gaining popularity. Not only are they mold and mildew resistant, but they also simplify installation processes. Their diverse color and design spectrum offer a wide range of decorative possibilities. Solid surface panels, a newer addition, boast a sleek, uninterrupted appearance, which many homeowners find attractive. Notably durable and non-porous, they can adeptly replicate the look of natural substances.

Solid Surface Shower Wall Panels

In the realm of contemporary bathroom designs, solid surface shower wall panels stand as a beacon of luxury and practicality, invariably catching the attention of judicious homeowners. What exactly contributes to their remarkable qualities? Let’s explore.
Solid surface shower wall panels are the culmination of state-of-the-art technology intertwined with finesse and craftsmanship. These panels are meticulously fashioned using an exclusive blend of aluminum powder, sourced exclusively from a prestigious state-owned brand. This guarantees a composition boasting a pure 100% aluminum hydroxide foundation, completely devoid of any calcium powder inclusions. The distinct formulation of 15+25+75 fine powder facilitates the creation of high-density panels that exhibit a pore-free surface.
The resultant product is not merely a feast for the eyes but also provides a tactile experience that’s genuinely gratifying. A testament to its excellent engineering, the panels offer minimal water absorption, safeguarding against common bathroom problems such as stains and discoloration. The distinctive factor in these panels lies in the incorporation of high-grade resin, which plays a crucial role in determining the product’s longevity and aesthetics. Employing a lesser quality resin can precipitate yellowing over time; however, the utilization of Isophthalic resin in this context is noteworthy for its superior anti-yellowing prowess. This resin harbors a stable molecular structure, thereby promising a product that boasts a refined texture, augmented hardness, and unmatched resistance to yellowing and contamination, ensuring that the beauty of your shower space remains untarnished over time.

Waterproof

Water is a natural companion to showers, but without proper management, it can be detrimental to shower walls. Solid surface panels excel in this aspect. Their impermeable nature guarantees water resistance, safeguarding against potential damages and ensuring a long-lasting lifespan.

Easy to Maintain

Optimizing time is a priority in today’s fast-paced world, and solid surface panels offer a highly convenient solution for bathroom maintenance. Their sleek surface facilitates effortless cleaning, enabling you to maintain a pristine bathroom with minimal exertion over the years.

Stains and Discoloration Resistance

Bathrooms are susceptible to various staining agents, from hair dyes to diverse bathing products. Solid surface panels, composed of high-quality resin, are highly resistant to most stains. Their non-porous nature further minimizes the risk of discoloration, ensuring long-lasting aesthetic appeal.

Easily Customized

Solid surface panels offer a flexible foundation for homeowners to articulate their distinct design preferences. Whether your emphasis lies on a variety of colors, unique textures, or a particular design theme, these panels can be tailored to harmonize with your aesthetic vision, enhancing the visual appeal of your bathroom. Additionally, solid surface panels can mimic the appearance of natural materials, such as the patterns and colors of marble. This means you can achieve the luxurious look of marble easily.

Highly Durable

Given the infrequent yet substantial nature of bathroom renovations, durability is of utmost importance. Solid surface panels are constructed using premium materials, specifically designed to withstand high levels of moisture, mechanical impacts, and routine wear and tear. Solid surface panels, being highly durable, don’t warp or swell, ensuring that mold and mildew don’t find a conducive environment to grow. A highly durable surface will resist staining, scratching, and other routine damages that lesser materials might succumb to.

Anti-Mold

Mold is not only aesthetically unappealing but also poses potential health risks. The non-porous nature of solid surface panels serves as an effective barrier against mold proliferation, thereby promoting a healthier and cleaner bathroom environment for you and your family.

Antimicrobial

Beyond mold resistance, solid surface panels are engineered with the capability to resist a wide range of microbial agents. This intrinsic antimicrobial property further enhances the hygiene and safety of your shower area, reducing the likelihood of bacterial growth and subsequent

Acrylic Shower Wall Panels

Acrylic panels have garnered significant attention in the home improvement sector due to their combination of cost-effectiveness, longevity, and visual appeal. They are frequently utilized in bathroom upgrades. But what are their inherent characteristics and advantages?
Acrylic shower wall panels are fabricated from a heat-treated thermoplastic compound, resulting in a consistent sheet. These panels are recognized for their polished finish that not only elevates their visual appeal but also offers a mold and mildew-resistant surface. A notable feature of acrylic panels is their ability to mimic various materials. With a wide selection of different colors and patterns, they are a preferred choice for home interiors. For those seeking the aesthetics of natural stone or ceramic at a reduced cost, acrylic stands as an excellent alternative. Moreover, when using individual acrylic sections, a secure and watertight seam between panels can be achieved.

Lightweight and Easy to Install

Acrylic panels are notably light, making them ideal for DIY projects. Their installation is uncomplicated, eliminating the need for a professional team. This results in time and labor cost savings.

Easy to Clean

The sleek finish on acrylic panels is both aesthetic and functional. It prevents the adherence of water droplets and soap residues. Cleaning is effortless, only requiring a damp cloth without the need for strong chemicals or intensive scrubbing.

Affordable

Opting for acrylic panels provides a balance of style and utility without straining your budget. They represent excellent value, given their durability and low maintenance needs.

Waterproof

Acrylic panels inherently resist water due to their non-porous composition. They’re an optimal choice for moisture-prone areas like showers. Their design, having fewer seams than conventional tiles, minimizes the chances of leakage.

PVC Shower Wall Panels

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) may initially seem complex by name, but within the realm of bathroom refurbishments, it represents economical and functional choices. Let’s delve into the details of PVC shower wall panels.
PVC shower wall panels, fabricated from a plastic-derived material, are both lightweight and cost-effective, catering to a broad spectrum of homeowners. Their diverse design and finish options facilitate various aesthetic goals, from contemporary to classic, without incurring the expenses of higher-end materials.

Lightweight

One of the standout features of PVC panels is their weight. Being incredibly lightweight, they’re easy to transport and handle, which is a boon for DIY projects. This lightness doesn’t compromise their strength, though. They’re sturdy enough to stand up to daily shower use.

Water Resistance

Ensuring water resistance is crucial for shower areas. PVC panels, with their non-porous properties, guarantee this protection. They prevent water penetration, safeguarding against potential damage. Their design suits wet environments, promoting durability and minimizing maintenance needs.

Low Maintenance

PVC panels cater to individuals preferring minimal upkeep. Their sleek design facilitates effortless cleaning of dirt and residues. Additionally, their resistance to mold and mildew ensures a hygienic bathroom ambiance.

Cost-Effective

Are you working within a budget? PVC panels present an optimal solution. As one of the most cost-effective materials available, they combine resilience and aesthetic appeal without straining your finances. They stand out as a top choice for those seeking quality and affordability.

Fiberglass Shower Wall Panels

Fiberglass, a material with a rich history, has become a favored selection for numerous homeowners, especially in the fabrication of shower wall panels. But what attributes contribute to its distinction?
Fiberglass shower wall panels are meticulously manufactured through a process of intertwining delicate glass fibers to form a textile-like base, subsequently reinforced with a resin compound. This technique yields a product that combines lightness with robust strength. Furthermore, these panels frequently feature a gel-coat surface layer, optimizing the texture and augmenting its resistance to water penetration.

Lightweight But Strong

The beauty of fiberglass lies in its paradoxical nature. It’s incredibly lightweight, making it easy to handle and install. Yet, its strength is commendable. This balance ensures that homeowners don’t have to compromise on durability when opting for easier installation.

Stains Resistance

Nobody likes a stained shower wall. Fiberglass panels, with their gel-coat surface, resist most common bathroom stains. Whether it’s soap scum or hard water marks, a simple wipe is often enough to keep the panels looking pristine.

Easy to Install

For those who love a good DIY project, fiberglass panels are a dream. Their lightweight nature combined with their flexibility ensures that installation is straightforward. No need for specialized tools or professional help, making them a cost-effective choice.

Tile Shower Wall Panels

Tiles have long been a foundational element in bathrooms. Their adaptability and visual appeal have endeared them to homeowners for generations. However, when discussing tile shower wall panels, we are highlighting a contemporary adaptation of this timeless choice.
Tile shower wall panels are large, unified panels designed to emulate the appearance of individual tiles. These panels capture the beauty of traditional tiles without the complexities of individual tile placement, grouting, and associated drawbacks. Constructed from materials like porcelain and ceramic, these panels deliver a cohesive appearance while preserving the allure of conventional tiles. Furthermore, they serve as an excellent substitute for glass tiles on shower floors, especially in homes with children or seniors, due to their enhanced grip and minimized slip risk.

Highly Customizable

One of the standout features of tile panels is their customizability. They come in a plethora of designs, colors, and textures. Whether you’re aiming for a contemporary look or a vintage vibe, there’s a tile panel out there that fits the bill. This flexibility ensures that homeowners can achieve their desired bathroom aesthetic with ease.

Higher Cost

Quality often comes at a price. Tile shower wall panels, given their aesthetic appeal and durability, tend to be pricier than some other options like PVC or acrylic. However, many homeowners find the cost justified, given the longevity and upscale look they offer.

Require Regular Cleaning

While tile shower wall panels eliminate the hassle of grout lines, they still require regular cleaning to maintain their shine. Water spots, soap scum, and other bathroom residues can dull their appearance over time. Regular cleaning ensures they remain the centerpiece of your bathroom.

Comparison of 5 Types of Shower Wall Panels

Choosing the right shower wall panel can be a daunting task given the plethora of options available. To make your decision easier, here’s a comparison of the five types we’ve discussed:

Features/Aspects Solid Surface Acrylic PVC Fiberglass Tile Panels
Material Composition Composite material often made from a blend of natural minerals and high-quality resins Thermoplastic material Polyvinyl chloride Woven fine strands of glass solidified with resin Often made from ceramic or porcelain
Water Resistance Exceptionally high due to non-porous nature High, non-porous High, non-porous High, especially with a gel-coat finish High, but grout lines can be vulnerable if not sealed properly
Mold/Mildew Resistance High resistance due to non-porous nature High resistance, especially if treated High resistance High, especially with a gel-coat finish Moderate; grout lines can harbor mold/mildew if not cleaned regularly
Maintenance Level Low; easy to clean and doesn’t require frequent upkeep Low; simple wipe-down usually suffices Low; easy to clean with regular household cleaners Low; gel-coat finish helps repel stains Moderate; tiles are easy to clean, but grout lines require attention
Durability Very high; resistant to scratches, stains, and impacts Moderate; can scratch but is generally durable Moderate; can dent under strong impact Moderate; strong but can crack under heavy impact High; tiles are hard and durable, but grout can deteriorate
Customizability High; available in various colors, patterns, and can be tailored Moderate; limited to available colors and patterns Low to moderate; limited designs Low; typically available in standard designs and colors Very high; vast array of tile designs, sizes, and colors
Cost Premium; higher cost due to quality and benefits Moderate; more affordable than solid surface but pricier than PVC Low; one of the most cost-effective options Moderate; typically more affordable than solid surface but pricier than PVC High; especially if opting for high-end tiles and professional installation
Installation Difficulty Moderate; might require professional installation Easy; DIY-friendly due to lightweight nature Easy; DIY-friendly due to lightweight nature Easy to moderate; lightweight but might benefit from professional touch Moderate to hard; requires precise placement and grouting
Weight Moderate to heavy depending on size and thickness Light Light Light Heavy due to the weight of tiles and adhesive
Aesthetic Appeal High; mimics natural materials and offers a seamless look Moderate; glossy finish and smooth surface Moderate; can look more plastic-like Moderate; smooth surface with a glossy finish Very high; offers a classic and timeless look

Why Solid Surface Panels Stand Out?

Among the variety of shower wall panel options, solid surface panels are often identified as the best option for a wide array of homeowners. These panels come in multiple finishes, including both glossy and matte, to accommodate a range of aesthetic tastes. Importantly, the matte finish not only provides a sophisticated look but also offers scratch resistance, thereby enhancing the long-term durability and appearance of the wall.
Solid surface panels offer a superior combination of durability, visual appeal, and ease of maintenance, making them an exceptional selection. Crafted from high-grade resin, these panels are designed for long-lasting performance. Their customizable features enable homeowners to create a distinctive aesthetic that complements the existing plumbing fixtures, thus enhancing the overall visual coherence of the bathroom.
Moreover, these panels facilitate a seamless integration with plumbing fixtures, simplifying the installation process without sacrificing the bathroom’s stylish ambiance. Their inherent resistance to mold, mildew, and stains further solidifies their standing as a leading option in the market.
Considering their water-resistant, mold-resistant and antimicrobial properties, solid surface panels are often deemed the benchmark for shower wall materials. The added benefit of scratch resistance, especially in the matte finish options, provides homeowners with assurance that their investment will withstand daily wear and tear, maintaining a contemporary and clean appearance for years to come.

KKR: Elevate Your Business with Solid Surface Shower Wall Panels

In the realm of bathroom renovations, a product that synergizes aesthetics, resilience, and innovation is imperative. Enter KKR’s superior solid surface shower wall panels. These panels, formulated with a distinct composition of 100% aluminum hydroxide and high-performance Isophthalic resin, stand unparalleled in their category.
Now, to delve into specifics: Traditional materials such as ceramic or acrylic present porosity levels between 1% to 5%. This makes them vulnerable to moisture retention and, in turn, mold proliferation. In contrast, KKR’s solid surface panels maintain an almost negligible porosity, adeptly addressing such issues.
Low-maintenance shower wall is crucial, and in this domain, efficiency equates to savings. The impervious character of these panels slashes cleaning durations by up to 70% in comparison to counterparts like natural stone or tiles, which demand consistent sealing and grout upkeep. This efficiency not only denotes long-term fiscal benefits for your clientele but also amplifies customer contentment and allegiance.
Furthermore, the adaptability offered by KKR’s panels is transformative. Unlike many materials that present a confined spectrum of designs, KKR’s innovative approach facilitates a vast array of stylistic choices. This versatility ensures that you can serve diverse customer preferences, from the understated to the opulent.
In essence, KKR’s solid surface shower wall panels represent an exceptional amalgamation of excellence, endurance, and adaptability. They’re not merely a product but a strategic asset for your enterprise’s esteem and prosperity.

Conclusion

Selecting the best shower wall material is essential for both visual appeal. functionality and performance. Whether your focus is on durability, budget, or aesthetic, there is a suitable option available. While many prefer solid surface panels due to their numerous advantages, it’s vital to weigh personal requirements and tastes. Ultimately, your bathroom should embody your unique style and necessities.
submitted by tab_rick to KKRsolidsurface [link] [comments]


2024.05.16 04:45 Snipteal [Canada, BC] How To Calculate Cost For Extended Benefits As Self-Employed?

I currently have 2 jobs, Job 1 as a full-time employee, and Job 2 as a part-time consultant (self-employed) paid by the hour with no benefits. I'm considering quitting Job 1 and converting Job 2 into a full-time role. This seems like a good career move for me, but I need to determine if it makes financial sense too. Saying that, I have the following questions:
Thank you in advance!
submitted by Snipteal to remotework [link] [comments]


2024.05.16 04:25 Snipteal [BC] How To Calculate Cost For Extended Benefits As Self-Employed?

I currently have 2 jobs, Job 1 as a full-time employee, and Job 2 as a part-time consultant (self-employed) paid by the hour with no benefits. I'm considering quitting Job 1 and converting Job 2 into a full-time role. This seems like a good career move for me, but I need to determine if it makes financial sense too. Saying that, I have the following questions:
Thank you in advance!
submitted by Snipteal to CanadaJobs [link] [comments]


2024.05.16 04:23 Snipteal [BC] How To Calculate Cost For Extended Benefits As Self-Employed?

I currently have 2 jobs, Job 1 as a full-time employee, and Job 2 as a part-time consultant (self-employed) paid by the hour with no benefits. I'm considering quitting Job 1 and converting Job 2 into a full-time role. This seems like a good career move for me, but I need to determine if it makes financial sense too. Saying that, I have the following questions:
Thank you in advance!
submitted by Snipteal to PersonalFinanceCanada [link] [comments]


2024.05.16 03:50 BellaBubs2345 Seeking Advice: 8Yr Old HVAC System Leaking - Balancing Repair/Replacement Options and Costs with Health Concerns Re: Refrigerant

Hi all -
Looking to get some thoughts on options for our system, where we have a leak and are trying to weigh potential next steps to learn more about and solve the issue, against the 'get this handled ASAP so you are not inhaling refrigerant!' argument that Google spits out. Background info below, looking for 'how I would handle this as a tech' and/or 'here's why I am/am not concerned about the health impact' responses. Oh, and sorry in advance for both the long post and 'dumb' terminology I'll be using - just getting up to and past the 'explain it to me like I'm 5' stage :) I'll throw a TLDR at the end. Oh, and feel free to poke fun or call out our lack of knowledge and any poor decisions. I won't take offense to any sort of 'you're not thinking about this correctly' responses. Thanks!
We live in a condo with a loft and have an air handler upstairs that also uses hot water for heating. Apparently these are pretty much all made by First Co. System is 2 ton and was installed for the prior owner around 8 years ago. To my understanding we are out of warranty (combination of time and new owner). Per a picture of the condenser the unit uses R410A and would have been factory charged to 3.87 LBS. The condenser sits nearly directly on 'top' of our unit - so no measurement of pipe lengths offhand, but shouldn't be a long run.
We've been juuuust a bit remiss on annual maintenance, and are ('were' - going to do better in the future) a bit slow to change the filter...but we've never noticed any issue with the system cooling our unit. About a month ago we heard an odd sound coming out of the in-unit component and found ice on the coil. Turned it off and haven't run it since, except for during tech visits. First tech comes out on a 60-ish degree day, tells us he thinks the system is low but suggests remeasuring later. On return (much warmer day; 80ish), numbers are still low, tech estimates we're down maybe 1.5-2 LBS, recommends replacing the entire system (and therefore strongly suggests we don't bother with a leak test). Also advises that our capacitor is low, but, again, don't spend on it, just replace everything. Since we don't have past test readouts (i.e. prior year maintenance), it seems we can't be sure if this has been a slow leak going on for years or something more rapid based on a recent failure...?
Brought out a tech from a second company (it was a cooler day and had rained/was still drizzling), he ran an electronic leak test at the evaporator coil (we haven't done any sort of dye testing at this time) and noted that there were measurable values at the coil (but didn't tell us what the #s were), but the system seemed 'dry' - no noticeable oil spills, etc. He looked at the condenser too; kind of got a 'it looks fine, but can't say for sure given the rain we just had' - I presume that meant he couldn't be sure if there was oil at the rooftop portion?
(Side Question Here: since we aren't sure if we have a 'slow' or 'rapid' leak, would the lack of oil in the handler (and potentially the condenser) support a hope/conclusion that the leak may be more of a pinhole?)
Tech's recommendation: Charge the system using refrigerant containing an additive that could technically (but zero promise) fill a pinhole leak, then use the system normally to see if there are any performance issues. Test again 1-2 years from now to see how we're doing. If we do this once or twice we could potentially get enough service life to the point where replacing the entire system is more reasonable based on typical lifespan. We like that idea from a cost perspective, though might want an earlier test since, uh, refrigerant leak bad? We also realize there's a time-frame in which it could be 'too soon' to test, given differences in air temp, etc. that could impact the #s.
OPTIONS:
1: Replace the whole system. Cost would be somewhere in the $12K range, and I guess technically we would want to first confirm that the issue isn't in the pipes between the handler and condenser...Would a dye test verify that? Building is about 20yrs old, FWIW.
2: Replace the evaporator coil. Cost would be in the $4K range. I presume (?) that this is 95%+ going to solve the leak issue, though it would obviously suck if the leak was elsewhere. What test(s), if any, should we do before going this route?
3: Charge the system and 'wait and see'. Probably in the $500 range, plus more if we replace the capacitor. Obviously we'd be continuing to use a system with a leak, so this only ends up making sense if the leak was so small that we could get multiple years (re-charge as needed) out of the current system. And hey, maybe the additive solves it?
4: Not discussed, but potential to charge the system (with or without the additive) and add some sort of dye that would enable a more complete/thorough leak test afterwards? I hear that's a thing, if I understand correctly...?
QUESTIONS:
*As mentioned earlier, would lack of oil in the handler (and possibly condenser too) be a solid indicator of a much more 'minor' leak in the system?
*If we did option #3 (or #4), how long should we wait to re-test? We'd want to wait long enough that any loss would be measurable, but are trying to balance that against any health concerns.
*Which brings me to the most important question: uh, how big are these health concerns? I presume we're helped by using R410A rather than R22? And if we're down, say, 2 pounds of refrigerant and the system wasn't charged to even 4 pounds is that even a lot? Is there a good source of information on this that splits the difference between 'I've seen much worse leaks' and 'you're going to die!!!!'? Etc.
*Anything else we should factor into our considerations?
TLDR:
8yr old R410A system is leaking. Not sure how 'big' the leak is. Concerned over health risks associated with refrigerant leaks, but also want to be 'logical' in how to approach this. What tests/'minor' repairs should we consider, or should we bite the bullet for a larger cost that we "know" won't leak?
Thanks for any thoughts!
Edit: Formatting (I think :))
submitted by BellaBubs2345 to hvacadvice [link] [comments]


2024.05.16 03:36 DrRitamari23 Enrich Your Knowledge On Nutritional Endocrinology

Enrich Your Knowledge On Nutritional Endocrinology
A comprehensive approach to human nutrition, nutritional endocrinology explores the effects of environmental variables, lifestyle choices, and diet on the endocrine system. Fundamentally, it clarifies the intricate relationship between hormone balance and nutrition, highlighting the part that food plays in controlling our metabolic processes. A hormone imbalance happens when the bloodstream contains too much or too little of one or more hormones. These hormones have a key role in controlling a number of biological processes, such as metabolism, mood, mood regulation, growth and development, and stress response. Many symptoms and health problems might arise from a disruption in hormone levels.
https://preview.redd.it/bgmh8ckrzo0d1.png?width=800&format=png&auto=webp&s=7677d424b375f0f597e1f5025cc4ad1b017f8f26
Hormone imbalance is frequently caused by nutritional inadequacies and insufficient consumption of vital nutrients that are necessary for hormone production and regulation. Adrenal fatigue and hormonal imbalances can result from both acute and chronic stress, which can upset the balance of important hormones like cortisol. Undereating, bad eating habits, and overeating can all lead to stress. Hormone imbalances can also be caused by poor lifestyle choices, such as poor eating habits, inactivity, and sleep deprivation.Hormone levels can be greatly impacted by complex health conditions like menopause, diabetes, PCOS, thyroid diseases, and menopause. Hormone synthesis and regulation can be further disrupted by exposure to environmental factors such as pollution, poisons, and endocrine-disrupting substances.
https://drritamarie.com/blog/enrich-your-knowledge-on-nutritional-endocrinology/
submitted by DrRitamari23 to u/DrRitamari23 [link] [comments]


2024.05.16 03:17 beezkneez1342 Does Free Will Exist?

And what does this mean for our beliefs, given that most of them are held together by the concept of free will?
Ex: God does not do X as to not impede on our free will, God made Y possible as to allow us free will and ultimate choice, etc.
You can look into the neuroscience behind it, which suggests we may not have free will even in the first place (every decision we make is entirely reliant on or influenced by a boundless number of environmental factors such as culture, genetics, unconcious belief, mental and/or physical health, etc.)
But let's take a look at the philosophical idea behind the argument. Each choice we make is based entirely on either want or nessecity. We are not in control of said wants and nessecities. If you have the clever idea to propose that you could do something opposed to your desires, then it is still driven by the want to prove your own free will.
"Well i have the choice to make moral decisions as opposed to my own impulse"
This is true, but your decision to do what is moral is still based on the desire to do so. It would mean that your desire to do what is right is ultimately stronger than to do what feels best.
I might not have said everything I needed to to get the entire point across, but you can see what I mean.
submitted by beezkneez1342 to Christianity [link] [comments]


2024.05.16 03:13 Chiiaki Attempting to do keto, but worried that this may be worse for me than safe. I have some questions.

Edit: I appreciate all of the folks who are saying "don't do keto". I'm doing keto. That's it. I've tried other stuff. Starting Keto has put me on a path of eating FAR less which was a MASSIVE issue to begin with because all of the proteins I'm ingesting is actually keeping me full and content. It's also holding me accountable with WHAT I'm eating. This is something I haven't been able to do. I've already dropped about 7 lbs give or take and I feel so much better about my relationship with food currently. Isn't that part of what dieting is about? Feeling better? When I eventually come off of keto, I'm going to do my research and make sure I don't fuck it up. So far, it's working for me and I'm sorry if it didn't work for you, but I have to do something that will work for me. If I can shed 75-100lbs to get into a better state for exercise, then that is my first step, but right now this is what I'm doing. Sorry for being harsh. end edit
I've been doing keto.. trying to do keto for the last week and a half and noticed I haven't had keto flu yet. Just got the keto strips in and it says there is at least a moderate amount of ketones still.
I've started eating more than 50% less and have not touched junk food (gosh I miss my spicy sweet chili doritos :( ) And I've been doing mainly proteins like steaks, chicken and eggs with veggies here and there. I've not had anything with sugar in it. I've changed from sweetened creamer to heavy whipping cream for my coffees and splenda.
Myfitnesspal has been showing me that I'm typically coming in with anywhere from a 200-500 cal deficit every day which is good, I have lost some weight so far. It's saying that daily I'm coming in anywhere between 20-45g of carbs each day (usually on the lower side) yet the test is saying I'm still quite high on the ketones which is super duper disheartening.
My first question is, seeing as how I'm not hitting ketosis, am I going to be having general health issues as I've moved to a diet that should be burning fats and I'm eating more fats but again, not in ketosis? Is this something that needs to be adjusted immediately?
And second, I've read that Ketosis usually takes 2-4 days get to because your body is adjusting. I started at 316 and was really only eating garbage. Is there a possibility that it's just taking longer to get all the bullcrap out of my system?
And one more. I've been having sparkling water a bit more than regular water (I know, I'm going to start doing regular water more, I need to be more hydrated). Could my water intake be the factor here?
Thank you for reading and for any advice you lovely people can give! I'm just mostly worried about the health factors of eating more fats and not being on ketosis even though I'm ingesting WAY less calories.
submitted by Chiiaki to loseit [link] [comments]


2024.05.16 03:07 LengthinessPurple870 Does "being the hardest worker in the room" work?

I work in a niche performance profession, and one of the necessities of the job is to know what factors are controllable and uncontrollable. I'm not in control of how well my colleagues and competitors do, I'm only in control of how well I do. More specifically, I can control how hard I work and I get some sense of comfort believing that I worked the hardest to bring my best performance.
Unfortunately I'm starting to get exhausted working at my fullest capacity for extended periods, and more discouragingly I get moments when I feel like I'd be better off working less hard. After all, working hard and being lazy both result in the same failure state, so why bother exhausting myself?
Maybe I drank too much of the hustle koolaid, but the only work/life balance I know is to make my work my life, and anything less than my fullest effort is shameful. How do I optimize my diet to be at peak performance? How do I optimize my sleep schedule? How much or how little caffeine? What kind of internet blockers and productivity timers should I use? How do I cull unnecessary or unproductive social connections? Even my time in the gym is to optimize mental and physical health to be productive in work. The only selfish thing I really do is play an hour of video games a night, that's only if I feel like if I truly deserve that privilege and only if I don't feel like I can do some more work before bed.
I'm self-employed looking for full-time work.
submitted by LengthinessPurple870 to Adulting [link] [comments]


2024.05.16 03:07 ThrowRA_70578jklkh am i (F29) vain for wanting my husband (30M) to want to look good for me?

tldr; husband isn’t very active or healthy like he used to be. am i vain for wanting him to want to look good?
my husband (30M) and i (29F) have been together for 10 years married for 5. when we met he was very active, worked out a ton & seemed really focused on his physique. he’s always eaten kinda poorly, but it was never really on his radar as a potential issue. fast forward to now, his metabolism has slowed down, he doesnt workout to the same extent, and his body and health have obviously changed as a result.
i’ll also say that he doesn’t really have any extreme behaviors- no binge eating, not super sedentary, etc. just not really motivated to get healthier or lose fat.
but he keeps pressure on me to maintain my body. i eat super healthy, try to exercise a fair amount, and have to balance that w/ a changing body due to health factors like failed pregnancies.
when i try to create incentive for us to both be healthier together (i invite him to workouts, cook healthy meals, etc), keep him accountable- he gets really defensive and says im nagging him, he’s tired, etc.
i will love him no matter what he looks like, but my attraction has changed. some times it feels little disrespectful but i dont think it’s malicious obviously, just something else… laziness? like he’s stopped trying? idk.
is it that bad that i want him to WANT to look good for me? am i too vain? how do i get him to care?
submitted by ThrowRA_70578jklkh to relationship_advice [link] [comments]


2024.05.16 02:51 Jenson-ecigs Understanding Vape Battery Power Issues: Insights for Regulatory Agencies

Have you ever wondered why vape devices sometimes face power issues in vaping style? Understanding the nuances of vape batteries is crucial for regulatory bodies overseeing the vaping industry. This knowledge helps set comprehensive safety standards and ensures that the risks associated with these devices are minimized, protecting consumer health and safety. Let’s dive into the intricacies of vape batteries, exploring common problems and their implications for regulations in vaping style.

Battery Composition and Design

Vape batteries are primarily lithium-ion-based, offering high energy density and a long life span. However, the characteristics that make them efficient also make them sensitive to operational stresses. Understanding these batteries' chemical and structural build-up is fundamental for crafting guidelines that ensure safety.

Common Power Issues in Vape Batteries

Vape batteries face joint issues, such as overheating, short circuits, and capacity degradation over time. What could be causing these problems? Factors range from internal cell damage to external environmental impacts. Each issue affects the user experience and poses potential safety risks.

Impact of Poor Maintenance

The longevity and efficiency of a vape battery heavily depend on how it is maintained. Regular exposure to high temperatures, improper charging, and physical damage can all shorten a battery's life dramatically. How can regulatory bodies guide consumers to better maintenance practices?

The Role of Charger Compatibility

Using an incompatible charger is like filling a diesel car with petrol—it just won't work correctly and is potentially hazardous. Vape batteries require chargers that match their power needs; deviation can lead to significant battery issues.

Temperature Effects on Battery Performance

Like a cold engine struggling to start in winter, vape batteries perform poorly in extreme temperatures. High heat can lead to battery expansion and potential leaks, while cold can cause reduced reactivity and power output. Regulations could set standards for operating conditions, ensuring safety across diverse environments.

Manufacturing Defects and Quality Control

Sometimes, the issue lies not in the use but in making the battery. Inadequate quality control can allow defects to slip through, leading to widespread power issues. Regulatory agencies must enforce stringent manufacturing standards.

Regulatory Standards and Safety Features

Developing safety standards that adapt to evolving battery technologies is like playing a continuous game of catch-up. Regulators must stay ahead of the curve to protect consumers, effectively requiring ongoing research and policy adaptation.

Advancements in Battery Technology

As battery technology advances, so should the regulations governing their use in vape devices. New materials and designs that promise higher safety and efficiency are on the horizon—how can regulations keep up?

Consumer Usage Patterns

Understanding how consumers use vape devices helps tailor realistic and practical regulations. Are users typically aware of how their usage habits affect battery life and safety?

Future Directions in Battery Safety

What new technologies and materials might emerge to improve vape battery safety? How can regulatory frameworks adapt to incorporate these advancements?

To Wrap It Up

For regulatory agencies, staying informed about the technical aspects of vape batteries is not just about compliance—it’s about ensuring that every user can trust the safety of their device. As we've explored, numerous factors contribute to battery power issues, and understanding these can help shape better regulations and safer vaping experiences.
submitted by Jenson-ecigs to u/Jenson-ecigs [link] [comments]


2024.05.16 02:42 Amazfit-Bryce The Helio Ring is out in the US! My first impressions...

For our US audience: the Helio Ring is now available!
Bear in mind, it is only available in sizes 10 and 12 for the time being. However, if the size is right, and you're looking for an excuse to upgrade your Amazfit smartwatch... we've also got some awesome bundle deals with the T-Rex Ultra, Falcon, and Cheetah Pro watches! Go check it out on our website now (or keep reading for my first impressions of the ring):
https://us.amazfit.com/products/amazfit-helio-ring
Now, for my thoughts:
As an employee, I've had the opportunity to use the Helio Ring for several weeks now as part of our internal testing process. It has really helped me find more value in sleep tracking within my own routine, as I was very reluctant to wear a watch to bed in the past due to the size. I found myself waking up and checking my sleep metrics far more readily than when I attempted to regularly track my sleep a few months ago with my Cheetah Pro. I was actually quite curious about my Readiness score every morning, too.
The Helio Ring is also a convenient complement to my Cheetah Pro as an "always on" monitoring device for my heart rate, steps, stress, and more. I found that I preferred wearing the ring as I go about my day doing normal errands, then putting on a watch for more precise working tracking.
While certainly not for everybody, I think some users will really appreciate the discreet form factor of a ring for everyday activity tracking, and still others will enjoy the more complete picture of their health data without the need to wear a watch around the clock.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask!
submitted by Amazfit-Bryce to amazfit [link] [comments]


2024.05.16 02:40 Mailemanuel77 Can Dissociation resemble ADHD?

For some strange reason I couldn't upload this post on the ADHD sub, everything was kept as the original.
Can Dissociation resemble ADHD traits.
I have scheduled an appointment to get an ASD diagnosis which I'm at least 90% sure I'm on the spectrum, nevertheless statistically and given some traits I've found there are chances I might also need to consider getting an ADHD diagnosis.
Nevertheless I'm very critical towards that possibility as it can be caused by other factors byproduct of undiagnosed autism.
While transition stages of our lives can expose difficulties we didn't now we had/weren't as intense that can lead to being diagnosed of ADHD in adulthood.
Those traits associated with ADHD can be resembled by other factors, being dissociation one of those.
While dissociation is a medical term that must be taken seriously just like depression where there is a well defined but hard to explain borderline between intense and prolonged sadness vs depression, there is also a clear division between having dissociative alike symptoms without meeting the criteria to be formally diagnosed with it.
Nevertheless it doesn't means that we can be close the verge of developing it, therefore presenting dissociative alike symptoms but still not falling into it, in the same way intense and prolonged sadness can escalate into depression.
Which makes more sense but at the same time still doesn't refutes the possibilities of having ADHD comorbidity.
Unlike ASD where everything is crystal clear for me ADHD is very debatable and isn't as clear as the chances I have ASD.
Although I have not committed as much research about ADHD as I had with ASD, still some of the pieces do not seem to fit at least if they are taken from the assumption ADHD is the only existing/dominant condition, from a perspective of ADHD as an ASD comorbidity where ASD is the dominant condition everything makes more sense but still not as clear as +90% chances I'm autistic.
As I already mentioned Dissociation must be addressed seriously and must be clinically diagnosed + the analogy with the relationship between Sadness and depression...
Still it's important to consider that my mental health hasn't been the best since I started university despite appearing stable and neutral externally there is a lot going on, a lot I philosophically discuss and try to be as objective with my statements as possible trying to be detached from all personal bias but still not recognizing that they aren't simply intellectual ideas and I'm actually struggling more than I want to accept it...
submitted by Mailemanuel77 to aspergers [link] [comments]


2024.05.16 02:34 le0ra17 Lymes and Bruxism

hey all!
my diagnosis background: got my Lymes diagnosis in March of this year & started seeing my LLMD shortly after. we aren’t 100% on the circumstances of infection as i had IGG and IGM positive at the time of my blood work. i did have a bullseye rash (but never found a tick bite) in July of 2023 that i took Doxy for, but then i had a huge symptom flare up in late January that mostly consisted of SEVERE joint + bone pain, extreme fatigue, and mental health symptoms. i also found out at the time of my blood work i’m positive for the HLA-B27 gene which (along w some of my long term symptoms) indicates ankylosing spondylitis (AS), but i haven’t been to a rheum yet for an official diagnosis on that. currently on month 2 of 1000mg amoxicillin 4 times per day + other supplements to help with gut health and the lingering symptoms
my question / reason for posting: have any of you experienced an increase in nighttime bruxism with Lymes? i never experienced any issues with grinding my teeth at night until right before my symptom flare up in January. oddly enough though, it’s only gotten worse since i started my antibiotics. early Jan - late March i only knew about it because my boyfriend is often up later than me and would comment on it the following mornings. it wasn’t every night at first but increased in regularity until it became nightly. now it’s so bad that i’m regularly waking myself up through the night, having tooth / jaw pain all day every day, and headaches at least 3x per week.
i’m already scheduled to see my dentist to discuss all of this and get a night guard, but i wanted to see if anyone had a similar experience (and could maybe share a light at the end of the tunnel) OR if this is totally unrelated to my lymes / antibiotics. thanks for any and all insight :)
submitted by le0ra17 to Lyme [link] [comments]


2024.05.16 02:27 Outrageous-Limit2087 Job search

Leaving the military soon and moving to Santa Rosa Beach/30A area, looking for work. Anyone know businesses that are hiring/where I should look. I would love to be a local firefighter but I’m not seeing any postings, willing to do office work also, or really anything full time. Career choice isn’t a large factor as long as I can afford to live, and have health insurance.
submitted by Outrageous-Limit2087 to 30A [link] [comments]


2024.05.16 02:15 Rich-Pick4572 I [31F] am not convinced my bf [32M] of 9 years will ever move to my current city

I've been with my boyfriend since 2015. It hasn’t been an easy relationship (definitely some low periods), but he’s always insisted that I’m the one he wants to spend the rest of his life with, to the extent that in 2021 he chose a job in a part of the country he doesn’t particularly like so that he could stay close to me while I finished school. Still, that job was ~3 hrs away, so we’ve been long-distance for over 2.5 years.
At the beginning of this year, I moved even further away for a postdoc position. I moved to a major city where his company had a location so I thought he could transfer, but it turns out he’d work remotely for his old location if he were to move here (we didn’t know this at the time I accepted the position because he didn’t investigate it). He was clear from the start though that he doesn’t like this city, but he also insisted I not factor him into my decision when accepting the job. At the time I was suspicious of that; things weren’t going smoothly relationship-wise in part because I was stressed finishing my degree, so I figured maybe he wanted to breakup and was hoping the longer distance would cause me to leave him. Accepting this job created an undercurrent of resentment when things were already rocky. I kept him from seeing me all Aug-Dec because we were suddenly arguing so much that I didn’t want him to interfere with me finishing my degree. Generally, it was going so poorly (and he was being so absent/unsupportive) that I decided I would break up with him once I finished school; I figured even if he did move to the new city with me, he’d be so miserable and resentful that things wouldn’t work out.
In December though, he came to me apologetic about not being supportive and insisted that he wanted to live together, would move soon, and not be resentful about it. He’s super good at his job so his employers were very open to him working remotely but we both know that doing so will negatively impact him (putting aside the mental health aspect of working from home, he wouldn’t be able to accept certain opportunities/responsibilities if working from afar). I tried to alleviate some of my bf’s worries by encouraging him to spend half of every month in his current city so that he wouldn’t have to work entirely from home (cost of travel is a non-issue for him).
My problem is that he originally promised he would move here by the end of March. A certain work deadline got pushed back (not uncommon for him), so I understood him needing until April, but in April he said he wants to wait until end of August to move. His current lease ends in Aug but he claims that date was chosen according to his work/case schedule. He doesn’t even like where he currently lives; I suspect that because his sense of self is wrapped into being a high achiever, he’s anxious about not progressing in his career as quickly as he would if he moved to be near me. For this reason, I’m not convinced he would even move in August. His deadline to move has already moved twice; I’m worried he’ll come up with another excuse (e.g. “well now you only have a year left in your contract—no point in me moving for just a year!”) and never move here (i.e. wait until I find my next location, and also limit where that next location is).
Meanwhile, I’m miserable here in the new city (like actually clinically depressed I think, despite my meds). The nature of my position is isolating and I’ve seen him for 6 days total (2 visits) since January. I feel like the rug was pulled out from under me when he asked for more time; I was really looking forward to finally building our life together after being long distance for so long. We only really lived together when we were in our early and mid-20s, and it didn’t go well back then. I want to live together asap not just because I wouldn’t have to be as lonely, but because we can’t move forward until we see how well we get along sharing a space now that we’re more mature. We’re already in our 30s and we’d both like kids (he’s desperate for kids even more than me); these delays aren’t helping us meet our mutual goals.
I’m so angry and hurt by this request, and I don’t trust him to stick to his word and even move in August. He says that 4 months is nothing considering the big picture and that I’m being unreasonable (he’s the one, after all, who must make the sacrifice to move; points out that I don’t have to do anything in this situation, I’m the one who took this job, etc), but I’m getting increasingly concerned he’s just wasting my time/fertile years. I know nobody knows the intricacies of us and our relationship, but am I being foolish for wanting to break up over this? I actually tried to breakup with him because I can't emotionally handle waiting anymore, but he wasn't willing to accept it--eventually I started second guessing my decision and began talking to him again.
TLDR; moved even further away from already long-distance boyfriend. Bf keeps using work as an excuse to not move, but claims he’ll move in August. I’m not convinced that he will, and don’t know if I should leave him.
submitted by Rich-Pick4572 to LongDistance [link] [comments]


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