forever bitten

“A woman who writes has power, and a woman with power is feared.” ― Gloria E. Anzaldúa

[jeanjauthor]

DO NOT MAIL IN YOUR BALLOTS ANYMORE.

TAKE THEM TO A LEGITIMATE DROPBOX,

OR TAKE THEM TO THE BALLOT OFFICE.

[lauraannegilman]

Several states have ruled that, even if they’re postmarked by election day, they won’t count votes that come in afterward (yes, this is voter suppression.   No, we don’t have time fight it by election day)

If you’re voting by mail, TAKE THEM TO THE BALLOT OFFICE OR A LEGITIMATE DROPBOX!

[nature-travel-photography]

Sunrise through foggy forest, Kuusamo Finland [OC] [3333x5000] - Author: Bansman on reddit

[politijohn]

[poorlymadehuman]

Someone with $400,000 a year, I consider them grossly rich. If they can make my salary in two weeks, they're fucking rich!

[stevenrogered]

Chadwick Boseman’s MCU Colleagues on the ABC News Special Tribute

+

[anxietyproblem]

[whitepeopletwitter]

[accras]

God bless Congressman John Lewis.

[accras]

RIP John Lewis  Feb. 21, 1940 - July 17, 2020

[whitepeopletwitter]

[ourpcos]

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders that affects in numbers as high as 1 in 10. While it has been recognized and diagnosed for over seventy-five years, less than 50% of women are diagnosed due to the lack of knowledge, and awareness. PCOS cannot be diagnosed with just one test, and can often be overlooked due to symptoms varying from person-to-person. In order to be diagnosed with PCOS, you need 2 of the following present: androgen excess, irregular/absent menstrual cycles, and/or ovarian cysts. 

The month of September is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Awareness Month, and here is what you need to know.

PCOS is a condition in which the sex hormones in a female’s body are imbalanced, which can cause ovarian cysts, weight gain, changes in menstrual cycle, infertility, and other symptoms. An early diagnosis is important with PCOS because the condition has been linked to an increased risk of multiple medical issues including insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and heart disease. PCOS has been known as the “Silent Killer”. There is no exact cause of the condition, although it has been linked to genetics and environment. While there is no known cure for the syndrome, there are treatment options to manage symptoms, and improve your PCOS health.

Female reproductive anatomy | Source

What are symptoms of PCOS?

When it comes to symptoms, it varies for person-to-person, which often makes a diagnosis difficult due to some individuals living with few symptoms. 

Weight gain or difficulty losing weight

Dandruff

Acne

Cysts on ovaries

Obesity

High cholesterol levels

Skin discolorations (dark, thick velvet like patches)

Elevated blood pressure

Insulin resistance

Repeated miscarriages

Thinning hair

Infertility

Pelvic pain

Male-type hair growth (hirsutism)

Irregular/absent menstrual cycles

Anxiety and/or depression

Regular menstrual cycle vs. PCOS menstrual cycle | Source

How is PCOS diagnosed?

Medical History Your doctor will ask questions in regards to your past medical history, as well as your family’s. Studies have shown that if a parent has PCOS, there is a 50% chance that the daughter will have PCOS as well. Questions commonly asked will include details of your menstrual cycle, miscarriages, trouble with weight, depression, and other medical history. Physical Exam A physical exam will include height, weight, and blood pressure. As well as examining your body for any signs, such as excess hair growth patterns, skin discoloration, thinning hair, and acne. Be sure to let your doctor know of any hair growth patterns that maybe overlooked. Blood Work Your doctor may order numerous labs, but most common are a hormonal panel including testosterone, DHEA, estrogens; fasting glucose; insulin; lipid profile. Ultrasound An ultrasound is an exam that will show images of your ovaries, uterus, and endometrial lining. It is often done to check for ovarian cysts, which is a common symptom of the condition. 

How is PCOS treated?

Lifestyle changes, medical management, and medication are the best ways to treat the syndrome because there is no cure for it. It is important to find a doctor that you are comfortable, and satisfied with, because it is vital to keep in contact when it comes to managing the syndrome. Treatment varies based on your symptoms, if you are trying to conceive, and overall health.

Birth Control Pills – Extremely common in medications prescribed, contraceptive will regulate menstrual cycles, reduce male hormone levels, aid in clearing up acne

Metformin (Glucophase) – Metformin is used to treat diabetes, however it is beneficial to people with PCOS because many have insulin resistance. The medication helps in regulating the amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood. It has shown to lower testosterone levels, which improves symptoms such as abnormal hair growth, ovulation, and weight gain. 

Spironolactone – Spironolactone is a diuretic (often known as a water pill) that is prescribed for high blood pressure or those with fluid retention, however it has other benefits that aid in PCOS health. The medication is often prescribed along with oral contraceptive pills for those who have hirsutism because it works by lowering androgen levels in the body. Androgens are hormones that people, both male and female, have in their bodies, but males have higher levels of the hormone. Androgens cause male patterned hair growth on the face, chest, and stomach, as well as acne, that some people with PCOS have. Spironolactone can cause birth defects, therefore it cannot be taken during pregnancy. 

Lifestyle Modifications – Dietary changes and exercise are important when it comes to managing PCOS because those living with the condition often have insulin resistance, and difficulty maintaining or losing weight. Eating well, and being active, can improve PCOS symptoms on their own. When it comes to dietary changes, it varies for everyone, however, nutrition is very important because the foods we put into our bodies affect us differently than others. So whole foods - fresh vegetables, lean meat, and focusing on low-GI foods, no processed or refined food, limiting dairy are typical PCOS meal plans. Keep in mind, some find keto, vegan, or paleo to be ideal for them.

Fertility Treatment – 70% of women diagnosed with PCOS have infertility, however, through fertility treatments and medication, many conceive and give birth to healthy children. Treatments include ovulation cycles, insemination, or IVF. Medications include Clomid, an oral medication that stimulates ovulation, and is often the first medication prescribed. Letrozole is another oral medication similar to Clomid by stimulating ovulation. It is determined by your doctor which treatment is best for you, and dosage.

What is Insulin Resistance?

Insulin is a hormone that is produced by the pancreas. When insulin is released into the bloodstream, it is the essential hormone that has many actions throughout the body such as controlling of sugars, starches, lipids, and proteins. Insulin helps regulate the body’s functioning cells, including their growth, which is important due to glucose being used as energy. 

Insulin resistance is when the body’s cells become resistant to the effects of insulin. Due to this, high levels of insulin are needed in order for the insulin to have its proper effects. The pancreas overcompensates by trying to produce more insulin, until it can no longer produce a sufficient amount for the body’s demands, which results in blood sugar rising. Insulin resistance is often considered pre-pre diabetes due to it being a risk factor for the development of diabetes, along with other health concerns such as heart disease. Insulin resistance is associated with other medical conditions including fatty liver, acanthosis nigricans, and skin tags.

What is Hirsutism?

Hirsutism (HUR-soot-iz-um) is a condition of male-type pattern hair growth on areas of the female body such as face, chest, abdomen, and back. The hair is different from the type some women have on their upper lip, breasts, or chin, which is often fine, “baby” like hairs. which is common. Women with hirsutism have dark, thick, and often coarse hair in male-type patterns. The condition is hereditary, although it is typically caused by high levels of male hormones, or can be caused by conditions such as PCOS, or Cushing’s syndrome. It can also be caused by hair follicles being overly sensitive to male hormones, however doctors do not know the cause. Medication can be prescribed to help lessen the hair growth.

What is Acanthosis Nigricans?

Acanthosis nigricans (ay-can-THO-sis NYG-ruh-cans) is a skin condition that causes areas of skin to become dark, thick, and velvety in areas of the skin that fold and crease, such as neck, armpits, and groin. It typically occurs in people who are obese, have insulin resistance, or diabetes. Treatment for the condition requires treating the underlying conditioners that affect the skin’s color and texture. Prescription creams and ointments can be prescribed to lighten the skin, antibiotics to reduce odor or discomfort, or retinoids to clear skin are treatment options aside from weight loss, and treating underlying health conditions.

PCOS Risks and Facts

PCOS affects 5% to 10% of women, making it the most common endocrine disorder in women of childbearing age.

Insulin resistance is not a part of the diagnostic criteria for PCOS, although between 50-70% with PCOS have insulin resistance.

Women with PCOS are at 4 to 7 times higher risk of heart disease compared to women of the same age without the syndrome.

Due to higher levels of testosterone, those with PCOS can build muscle easier than those without.

Ovarian cysts are more commonly a result of the hormonal imbalance, and not the cause of the syndrome.

A percentage of people with PCOS also have endometriosis.

Fish oil is beneficial for all aspects of PCOS, from improving moods to quality of skin and hair.

The diagnostic criteria states that a patient has PCOS if they have at least 2 of the following 3 criteria: androgen excess, irregular/absent menstrual cycles, and/or ovarian cysts. 

It is estimated that 4 billion dollars is spent annually in the United States to identify and manage PCOS.

What are Reliable PCOS Resources?

The PCOS Nutrition Center

PCOS Foundation

PCOS Diva

Soul Cysters 

PCOS Challenge 

PCOS Network 

The Hormone Foundation 

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Association 

PCOS Diet Support 

Androgen Excess and PCOS Society

If you would like a printable pamphlet on polycystic ovarian syndrome, PCOS Foundation has one that you can find here, and print out to offer to family and friends. The PCOS Foundation also offers volunteer opportunities, if you’re interested, you can read more information here. Due to the fact that PCOS is of unknown etiology, and currently there is a lot unknown about the syndrome despite the annual national health care cost associated with PCOS being around $1.16 billion in 2010. Keep in mind, that does not mean you cannot take steps to control symptoms, and take precaution to prevent health risks from occurring if left untreated. It affects 1 in 10, and around 5 - 7 million of the female population with numbers rising as people announce their diagnosis’ daily. Please make yourself aware of all PCOS symptoms, gather all the knowledge that is available from reliable sources, and raise your voice. Speak out, if you have a family or friend that expresses concern about symptoms that are similar to PCOS, let them know. While PCOS is manageable, it is vital to get diagnosed, and treated properly with medical care.

After you are diagnosed, make sure you have regular follow-ups with your health care provider, take medications prescribed to you to lessen your risks, and manage your symptoms. Due to the fact people with PCOS are at a higher risk of other health conditions, please keep your health a top priority. If you cannot afford insurance or care for any reason, please check out HRSA or NeedyMeds to find free/low-cost/sliding-scale clinics around your area. 

[sylceon-remade]

Credit: [x]

[princesstigerbelle]

Me in the winter

[fieldbears]

Please do not miss the tiny socks

[princesstigerbelle]

WHAT NOOO HOW DID I MISS THAT

[allthecanadianpolitics]

This isn’t Canada-specific, but with all the mask discourse on your blog lately, I saw this Twitter thread earlier today that shows how we can all push for increased mask wearing without relying on public shaming, anger, and enforcement (the last of which will almost always involve more police).

–

Submitted by @fueltransitsleep

[twitblr]

Two completely different conversations

[ultrafacts]

Source

Video of Tama

Follow Ultrafacts for more facts

[majikkant-deactivated20180504]

The picture in the background of the second one

[pizzaismylifepizzaisking]

Tama is boss

[ultrafacts]

[cat-fandom]

THE TRAINS HAVE CARTOON TAMAS ON THEM

[ultrafacts]

Sad update everyone, Tama recently passed away… An estimated 3,000 people, including railway officials, attended Tama the cat’s funeral on Sunday, days after she died of heart failure aged 16. [x]

[retro-geek-deactivated20220412]

For those who haven’t read articles about it, the local shrine elevated her to a god. She’s now the Eternal Stationmaster and patron god of the station.

[karinanotcinerina]

Beautiful.

[system-fail-ure-deactivated2021]

Now I’m crying thanks

[sapphic-matriarchy]

and a new cat was hired right?

[clarenecessities]

yep! her name is Nitama (essentially ”second tama” or “tama II”) and she served under Tama as an apprentice before being appointed her deputy

she works very hard

[beasti]

Everytime this crosses my dash, I reblog. It is the law.

[lafayettelabaguette]

Law

[tooiconic]

I’m crying at 11pm over train cats

[sighinastorm]

Nitama, already now a mature cat (born 2010), has a protege named Yontama (fourth Tama, b. 2016).  There is no information available for either the physical befellment or tragic self-disgrace which has removed Santama from contention.

^Nitama majestic, and below with Yontama

Yontama.

[linkislost]

a legacy

[bemusedlybespectacled]

okay but actually what happened to santama (or sun-tama-tama, which is her name because it’s a pun on santama) was that she was basically sent to train for the position in okayama and they liked her so much they refused to send her back

[kindaoffkilter]

“Sun-tama-tama” (a pun off of “Santama”, lit. “third Tama”) was a calico cat sent for training in Okayama. Sun-tama-tama was considered as a candidate for Tama’s successor, but the Okayama Public Relations representative who had been caring for Sun-tama-tama refused to give the cat up writing, “I will not let go of this child, she will stay in Okayama.” [25]

As of September 2018, Sun-tama-tama is working as the stationmaster in Naka-ku, Okayama and appears occasionally on Tama’s Twitter account.

[cryoverkiltmilk]

Every time I see this post there’s new info and it gets better

[northeastartist]

You are only allowed to scroll pass this after you pay tribute to the great Tama Station masters.

[redchrominance]

The shrine of Tama Daimyōjin (Great gracious deity Tama), next to the Kishi station where she worked.

Nitama presenting her yearly offerings to Tama Daimyōjin on the anniversary of Tama’s Death, June 23 (The offerings are presented by the company president, as Nitama is a cat and thus can’t hold the offerings herself) (Not pictured, but also present, Yontama)

[twimmythebabywitch]

you cannot pass without reblogging guys. i’m sorry, i don’t make the rules.

[dankmemeuniversity]

[matchhouse]

- Angelica Schuyler was a slave owner

- Alexander Hamilton rented slaves

- Do I really need to say anything about Washington, Jefferson, or Madison

- Alexander Hamilton was not an advocate for immigrants. In fact, he pushed laws that would harm immigrants because he feared the effect they would have on his political career

- Angelica Schuyler was actually friends with Jefferson, which is its whole separate thing

- The Schuyler family had their fortune built off of slaves, which Hamilton benefitted from when he married Eliza

- Hercules Mulligan owned a slave (His name was Cato. He was a spy in the Revolution, and you should definitely look into him!)

I love the musical, but please remember to treat this subject with respect. The musical characters are fictional counterparts to their historical ones. View the fictional characters how you want, but remember how horrible the real people were. Angelica would not have fought for slaves rights, she owned her own. Hamilton wouldn't help immigrants because he was one, he created laws that still harm them to this day. The musical is beautiful, but take off the rose tinted glasses when you analyze the historical figures and their actions. Enjoy the musical, remember the history.

[anyroads]

If the only thing you know about American history comes from Hamilton, boy howdy do you have a lot to unpack tbh. And while I may not agree with all of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s choices, there are amazing and radical things in this show that you won’t even realize unless you know how shitty the people it was inspired by were. [Cue rant on the difference between “inspired by” and “based on”]

[tatianaandalexanderinmyheart]

Michele Morrone 🐴❤

[tragikempyre-deactivated2013040]

[ethiopienne]

they won’t even admit the knife is there.

[alwaysbewoke]

The essence of the “color blind” movement right here.

[anti-capitalistlesbianwitch]

“If you stick a knife in my back nine inches and pull it out six inches, that’s not progress. The progress is healing the wound that the blow made. They won’t even admit the knife is there.” - Malcolm X