traxdata said:an exudative wound, basically one that's oozing😁 Casey Palmer5, did I get that right? it just won't ever heal... Gosh, I'm trying so hard to sound smart here! 😁
If there’s no bleeding, nothing's oozing out, and you aren't touching anything gross—like grabbing a subway pole with an open wound—it’s actually best to just let the wound breathe.
Oh yeah... I just thought of something else, which you probably already know—don't forget about those Kegel exercises.
There’s actually this theory floating around that overworking yourself and building up too much lactic acid can change the flavor of milk, so they suggest not going longer than 30 minutes at a stretch (though you can definitely do multiple 30-minute sessions throughout the day). To be honest, I haven't really dug into the specifics or checked if there's actual scientific proof behind it, but that's just what we were taught back in college...
Honestly, you guys really kept me busy this time around...
Basically, I had to delete a few posts and tweak others here and there. I ended up scrubbing everything that felt more like pointless bickering between you all rather than actual talk about diets, our chili recipe, and stuff like that.
Please don't hold it against me if I got a little carried away with the "delete" button 😁
I'll try to show a bit more restraint next time, I promise 🙂
Let's get back to the main topic...
I'm sticking to my diet and getting plenty of steps in on the treadmill... the results are definitely starting to show 😁
placidjackal97, you could probably jump into a regular fitness or aerobics routine after about three months.
For those first three months, it’s better to stick to programs specifically designed for postpartum recovery. I'm not sure what your core strength is like right now—there's actually a condition called diastasis recti, and if your abdominal gap is already at 2 cm, you definitely shouldn't be doing any side crunches or torso twists during the first two months. That said, I'd really suggest starting some basic core work, like straight sit-ups (just straight up and down, no twisting!), which you can actually start as early as ten days after delivery...
Tanning beds have actually been used for quite a while now as a way to treat psoriasis and a few other skin conditions, since that kind of UV exposure isn't all that different from natural UVA rays you get outside.
Peter Taylor63 said:So, a doctor I know mentioned she was at this medical symposium recently where they were discussing tanning beds. Apparently, it's been proven that they cause skin cancer. But they aren't allowed to go public with it yet because the whole tanning industry lobby would collapse and people would panic. But it'll be out in the open very soon.
That's her story! She's totally making it up—just like I do sometimes! 😁
Honestly, that isn't exactly breaking news... it's been common knowledge for ages that too much UV exposure can lead to melanoma.
So, we had a bit of a messy debate about honey earlier that went slightly off the rails, but that shouldn't stop us from talking about it! I want to know if you guys use honey, what kind you prefer, and if you actually swear by its medicinal benefits.
Quoting swiftscout8: "The truth is, honey loses all its good stuff if you stir it into hot tea" "The reality is that 90% of people have no clue that Vitamin C breaks down once it hits 40°C. Isn't that just such an eye-opening, constructive, and useful point? I really think this deserves its own thread."
Anyway, the floor is officially open and I'd love to hear your thoughts...
Unfortunately, I don't get to eat much honey myself since I'm allergic to almost every kind out there, though I absolutely love the taste of acacia honey when I can manage it.
Kate Martin76 said:But then why does everyone say you shouldn't shower right after?
It’s mostly about stripping away your skin's natural acidic barrier, but honestly, if you're using pH-neutral or slightly acidic body washes, it isn't really an issue at all. Besides, the tan actually develops over a 24-hour period, not within the first two hours...
Just one more thing regarding goggles... It blows my mind that some places don't have them available near the tanning beds. Even if you keep your eyes closed, your eyelids are incredibly thin and won't protect your eyes from that intense UV radiation coming from the machine. That kind of exposure is super harmful to your vision, and the damage might not even show up until years down the road. So please, just wear the goggles...
urbanseal6 said:Actually, no! You really shouldn't shower for at least two hours after a tanning session, otherwise you might wash away the color before it even sets properly.
That’s just not how it works. No color is being washed away...
I usually opt for the most expensive one because there’s typically zero wait time—which is a lifesaver since my schedule is pretty packed lately—plus, I’m a sucker for believing the newest equipment is always the best and has decent lighting.
After using those ones that cost $0.67/min, I actually ended up with an allergic reaction (God knows if they ever bother to change the bulbs or what kind of radiation those things are pumping out)...
Sophia Castillo35 said:Fine, I'll ask if they have them. I'm heading there tomorrow at 9:00. I'll let you guys know how it goes.
Oh, right—I was actually hoping to start with just 5 minutes, then maybe move up to 7 and then 10. But the lady there is insisting that you always have to start with at least 10... that feels way too long to me. Is it really that much, or is she just being extra?
Every decent tanning salon in town should have them available.
Wait, what do you mean you can't do less than ten minutes?? That is honestly ridiculous. If you have even slightly sensitive skin, that could be way too much to handle right out of the gate (personally, I'd try 8 minutes, and if they give you any grief, just tell them you have a super high sensitivity to UV rays). Seriously, I did 5 minutes the other day, and today I bumped it up to 8 (the one set to $1.75/min).
Those tiny goggles used in tanning beds actually serve a real purpose, and you really ought to be wearing them. They’re so small that they just cover the eyelids perfectly, so there aren't any awkward gaps left over...
amberjackal14 said:This is basically what my abs look like right now..😳 😁
In that case, you’re not really getting anything out of them. First off, you’re wrecking your lower back, and second—there's just not enough stimulus. You need to slow things down and really focus on squeezing those core muscles as hard as you can. For upper abs, just lift your shoulder blades off the floor and really crush your midsection...
And those "reverse" moves? They aren't even reverse crunches, they're specifically for the lower abs. Same rule applies: go slow, and stop all that jerky, swinging momentum...
It’s not exactly the healthiest thing to do, but the world isn't going to end if you go a few times.
Honestly, I’m planning to head in myself a couple of times too. I have to squeeze into this dress with a low neckline—it just ties around the neck with little ribbons—and I am pale as a ghost. Plus, I never really tan under normal sunlight, so... let's just say I'm treating myself a little bit.
I usually go for about ten minutes at this tanning studio over near the Potomac, and I actually just paid for the premium session at $1.75/minute for a quick five-minute blast. My advice? Make sure you find a place that stays on top of changing their bulbs regularly. If I ever end up with an allergic reaction or skin irritation, it's usually because of those old machines—I’ve only ever had redness after using the ones that cost $0.67/min.
Just use your head and don't overdo it. Honestly, doing it five times is more than enough to get that "healthy" glow.
John Collins5 said:I know there’s a lot of uncertainty surrounding all this and we definitely need more data, but I’m wondering about one thing... what are your actual experiences with an artificial knee? For instance, how long does rehab take before you can stand on your own two feet again, and how much bend can you actually get out of it? Not to mention that over the last two years, my left leg has unfortunately become quite a bit weaker than my right...
It might be a little vague, but if you have any questions, feel free to throw them out there—though some real-life experiences or advice would be even better!
First off, huge congratulations on beating that nasty illness. That is seriously no small feat.
Regarding how long rehab lasts after a knee replacement, it really varies from person to person. If everything goes smoothly and there aren't any complications, you can usually ditch the walker in about four months. A lot of it comes down to your muscle strength, too. You actually want to prep those muscles with exercises even before the surgery happens.
If there is any way to repair your knee without going for a full replacement, I’d highly recommend doing that first. You're still pretty young and likely lead an active lifestyle, and these replacements aren't forever. They typically last about 15 to 20 years before they need to be swapped out (depending on how hard you push it). Living with a prosthetic means adjusting your lifestyle just a little bit...
Depending on the specific type of implant used, you can expect a range of motion from full extension (straightening it out) to about 90-100° of flexion (so, you should be able to bend it to a right angle or maybe even slightly past that).
I'm not sure which orthopedic surgeon you're seeing right now, but from what I've gathered (I actually did a little digging today), Dr. Haspl at the Mayo Clinic is top-tier, and the next best facility would be somewhere like Johns Hopkins. Definitely make sure to get at least two different opinions before you commit to the surgery.