Posts

Recent

CranioSacral Therapy

By
  I had my first Cranio-Sacral Therapy session with my new naturopath on Monday.       I feel very stressed out all the time; my naturopath thinks this uncontrolled stress and anxiety is putting my body in a constant state of fight or flight mode, leading to nervous system dysregulation, which can cause a lot of the health issues I'm currently experiencing. In order to help myself get back to my natural state of rest, I'm supposed to do hour-long Cranio-Sacral therapy sessions with her each week.       I wasn't quite sure what to expect from my first session; maybe a targeted massage? After discussing my physical and emotional flare-ups for the week, my naturopath had me lay face up on the massage table. She gave me a weighted, lavender scented eye pillow, and this was surprisingly one of the most memorable parts. I was wearing a KN95 mask so the lavender smell seeped into my mask and it made me think about Miasma theory and the plague doctors with their sweet smelling herb
Post a Comment
read on »

♡ easy COVID precautions ♡

By
Image
Here are some tips you can use in order to better protect yourself from illness of all kinds - while still having a full and exciting social life!  ☆ ✿   Wear a mask when going out [always, but especially] to events including drag shows, concerts, markets, and anywhere else there is a potential to interact with a lot of people. My favorite thing to do recently is match my mask to my outfit! I love the protection of a nice, colorful KN95, while also still being fashionable. Get masks through  Mask Bloc PDX ! ♡ taking public transit and matching!  ✿  Try to find 'masks encouraged' or 'masks required' spaces and events! COVID Safer PDX made a  map to masked businesses  to help us find businesses with COVID safety in mind. Their Instagram and Facebook also showcases masks required events in our community. ✿  Encourage others around you to wear a mask, too! Just by wearing your own mask, this opens up the conversation and sets an example to others who see your precaution
Post a Comment
read on »

being disabled

By
Lately, I’ve been dealing with chronic health issues, from joint pain, to nausea, to gastrointestinal problems. I’ve known something was wrong with me for years. I’ve been to countless doctors, in-and-out of emergency rooms, and to tons of specialists. My last labs were all ‘normal’.  I haven’t felt ‘normal’ in weeks, probably months.  I’m really tired of constantly feeling like something’s not right, like I’m about to throw up at any second, like my body isn’t working correctly.  What is wrong with me?  Won’t someone tell me?  I’ve been on hold with my doctor’s office for 22 minutes, trying to make an appointment.  I’m so tired of being sick and tired. 
Post a Comment
read on »

Anchoring: Your Strongest Phlebotomy Tool

By
Image
I've been a practicing phlebotomist for seven years, and over my years of experience, I've also made lots of mistakes. This post is meant for those looking for phlebotomy tips, those learning phlebotomy, or those looking to troubleshoot a blood draw. “Oh no, no blood!”  Anchor: To anchor, you want to use your thumb to pull the skin and subcutaneous tissue downwards and taught. This helps the needle puncture the skin with less force and therefore less pain for the patient. Anchoring is the number 1 way to avoid “rolling veins”. Feel The goal is to locate the vein in relation to your needle. Use the hand not holding the needle to palpate over the vein. I always recommend training both hands to feel for veins, which can be beneficial in situations like this.  Remember that veins should ideally feel bouncy. Hard and dense structures may be tendons. Subcutaneous tissue feels squishy and muscle feels hard. If a vein feels hard, it may be scarred or sclerosed.  Reposition There are s
Post a Comment
read on »