PepperJackson's recent activity

  1. Comment on How best to get a thorough inspection after avoiding doctors for a decade? in ~health

    PepperJackson
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    There is little data to suggest that running a lot of blood tests on young healthy people is actually beneficial. I would have to look at the USPSTF recommendations again. I think that primary...

    There is little data to suggest that running a lot of blood tests on young healthy people is actually beneficial. I would have to look at the USPSTF recommendations again.

    I think that primary care is critical to maintain, however, if you do not have any specific complaints, there is little utility in getting extra tests done. When you have a low suspicion for pathology, they actually can be more harmful than beneficial. (Read about the Bayesian trap if you are interested, Veritasium's video is pretty good too https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R13BD8qKeTg)

    Ultimately, I would recommend going to a primary care physician and say that you are interested in "establishing care". This will get you plugged into their system with regular visits and give you someone to ask about any issues that arise in the meantime. Your provider should be happy to discuss your concerns about ADD and seasonal affective disorder and potentially refer you to the appropriate specialists.

    11 votes
  2. Comment on Apparently I'm bipolar? in ~health.mental

    PepperJackson
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    Now that you mention it, I do recall a minimum. The length isn't a requirement for mania if you are hospitalized. Though hypomania does require a certain threshold to be passed. (I looked it up,...

    Now that you mention it, I do recall a minimum. The length isn't a requirement for mania if you are hospitalized. Though hypomania does require a certain threshold to be passed. (I looked it up, most of the day for ≥4 consecutive days for those curious).

    3 votes
  3. Comment on Apparently I'm bipolar? in ~health.mental

    PepperJackson
    Link Parent
    I don't mean to correct anyone about what they've learned about themselves! You certainly know what you've experienced better than anyone else. I just wanted to pitch in how medical providers in...

    I don't mean to correct anyone about what they've learned about themselves! You certainly know what you've experienced better than anyone else. I just wanted to pitch in how medical providers in the US would use certain terms.

    4 votes
  4. Comment on Apparently I'm bipolar? in ~health.mental

    PepperJackson
    (edited )
    Link Parent
    In medicine (at least what I was taught in the US) when we talk about hypomania we discuss it in terms of number of manic symptoms and whether it impairs everyday functioning. Also, in my...

    In medicine (at least what I was taught in the US) when we talk about hypomania we discuss it in terms of number of manic symptoms and whether it impairs everyday functioning. Also, in my training, if someone requires hospitalization the episode is considered mania by definition. I've not heard of a time component, and have interviewed patients with multiple weeks-long episodes of hypomania. It is interesting to me that it seems that this is not necessarily the case regarding what you've been taught about your circumstance. I bring this up in case other providers were unaware of these potential differences.

    To the OP, I'm glad that the people around you at the time were able to help you and that you find a provider you can trust.

    7 votes
  5. Comment on Looking for an Android keyboard app in ~tech

    PepperJackson
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    FUTO keyboard may be able to do what you need

    FUTO keyboard may be able to do what you need

    5 votes
  6. Comment on IUD insertion is painful. For the first time, the CDC issued guidance for US physicians. in ~life.women

    PepperJackson
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    FWIW in the US I've almost exclusively seen plastic speculums in the clinic. I'm torn on this. I just hate all of the medical waste we create for all kinds of procedures. The clinic I know that...

    FWIW in the US I've almost exclusively seen plastic speculums in the clinic. I'm torn on this. I just hate all of the medical waste we create for all kinds of procedures. The clinic I know that uses metal speculums does warm them up to body temp before any procedures. I also have to admit that I think the mechanism for locking the metal speculums open is better designed than the plastic ones. I want to do right by the women coming to seek care but I think it is possible to provide good care without the single use plastic. In the end, I'm glad we are trying to accomodate the comfort of the women in a vulnerable exam.

    6 votes
  7. Comment on What game do you consider an unconventional masterpiece? in ~games

  8. Comment on 100 million times more difficult: revolutionary dual action antibiotic makes bacterial resistance nearly impossible in ~health

    PepperJackson
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    Researchers discover the strategy of infectious disease specialists for years: prescribing two antibiotics

    Researchers discover the strategy of infectious disease specialists for years: prescribing two antibiotics

    2 votes
  9. Comment on Thinking of getting into emacs, any advice? in ~comp

    PepperJackson
    (edited )
    Link
    I think I have a very similar use-case for emacs as you. I started using Emacs to organize my lab notebook in plaintext and continue to use org-mode for writing and notetaking. I would recommend...

    I think I have a very similar use-case for emacs as you. I started using Emacs to organize my lab notebook in plaintext and continue to use org-mode for writing and notetaking.

    I would recommend using doom emacs to get you up and running with a basic configuration. You can configure doom using the init.el file. I would reccomend turning on org, zen, spell, and grammar to begin with. I also use the package denote and a few others to organize my notes.

    I installed emacs using homebrew and emacs-plus, which works great on my m1 mac book air.

    3 votes
  10. Comment on The growing scientific case for using Ozempic and other GLP-1s to treat opioid, alcohol, and nicotine addiction in ~health

    PepperJackson
    Link Parent
    It's important to note that taking these medications for weight loss is not "take them for short durations and stop". Almost all of the clinical trials have demonstrated that you gain the weight...

    It's important to note that taking these medications for weight loss is not "take them for short durations and stop". Almost all of the clinical trials have demonstrated that you gain the weight back when you stop taking the medications.

    e.g., SURMOUNT-4 trial
    https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2812936

    8 votes
  11. Comment on What can be done about the Supreme Court of the United States? in ~society

    PepperJackson
    Link Parent
    It sounds like the court would also accept if Biden also assassinated all of the conservative supreme court members as an official act.

    It sounds like the court would also accept if Biden also assassinated all of the conservative supreme court members as an official act.

  12. Comment on Minimalist Android launcher recommendations in ~tech

    PepperJackson
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    I think the answer for the most minimal launcher is KISS launcher. It's incredibly small, and fast. It is based around searching for each item when you want to launch, or using folders to narrow down.

    I think the answer for the most minimal launcher is KISS launcher.

    It's incredibly small, and fast. It is based around searching for each item when you want to launch, or using folders to narrow down.

    1 vote
  13. Comment on Going on a cruise soon: how can I be a better human being? in ~travel

    PepperJackson
    Link Parent
    I think this breaks down at the part where you say "of their own volition". It is pretty clear that a lot of the crew of most cruises are coerced into taking their incredibly high demand jobs for...

    I think this breaks down at the part where you say "of their own volition". It is pretty clear that a lot of the crew of most cruises are coerced into taking their incredibly high demand jobs for low pay. It is very regular for these crew to work 12-14 hours a day for months without time off. The cruise companies know that they can pay their employees more than they would earn at home, but very little by Western standards, and so they can skirt international labor laws.

    11 votes
  14. Comment on What have you been watching / reading this week? (Anime/Manga) in ~anime

    PepperJackson
    (edited )
    Link Parent
    I think think you should consider @psi perspective as well. I think I could have made it more clear that I essentially do not watch any anime anymore, and the second half of the show reminded me...

    I think think you should consider @psi perspective as well. I think I could have made it more clear that I essentially do not watch any anime anymore, and the second half of the show reminded me of why. The first half was excellent. I think if you are a steady anime enjoyer you will find that much of the second half to be enjoyable as well.

    I would disagree with @psi on one point and that is that I would definitely have not watched the show if it was only the tournament. But that's the beauty of opinion, I think they are perfectly well justified in enjoying that part of the show. I would be lying if I said I didn't appreciate the craftsmanship in the tournament arc, but I certainly didn't care for the events on screen.

    3 votes
  15. Comment on What have you been watching / reading this week? (Anime/Manga) in ~anime

    PepperJackson
    Link
    I just finished watching the show Frieren at my friend's request. I think it started off really good. I loved the Mushishi vibes of "Powerful mage stumbles upon town with magical ailment, fixes...

    I just finished watching the show Frieren at my friend's request. I think it started off really good. I loved the Mushishi vibes of "Powerful mage stumbles upon town with magical ailment, fixes the problem while learning about the town along the way". But my god, the second half of the show with the silly mage exam was just horrible. It turned into a 100% bog standard boring anime battle show. Which was a darn shame. I stopped watching anime years ago and get the occasional recommendation from him, and the first half of Frieren just nailed it.

    7 votes
  16. Comment on Science fiction or fantasy recommendations for children in ~books

    PepperJackson
    Link Parent
    I agree, I specifically remember reading them in 6th grade, which is probably a few years away from the OPs daughter!

    I agree, I specifically remember reading them in 6th grade, which is probably a few years away from the OPs daughter!

    3 votes
  17. Comment on Science fiction or fantasy recommendations for children in ~books

    PepperJackson
    Link Parent
    Oh my gosh, I haven't thought about the Children of the Lamp books in a very long time. What a fun series of books.

    Oh my gosh, I haven't thought about the Children of the Lamp books in a very long time. What a fun series of books.

    1 vote
  18. Comment on Science fiction or fantasy recommendations for children in ~books

    PepperJackson
    Link
    There are some great recommendations in here. I'm trying to recall some of the books I really liked from that time in my life, but I can't promise they are perfect for a 9 year old. Maybe check...

    There are some great recommendations in here. I'm trying to recall some of the books I really liked from that time in my life, but I can't promise they are perfect for a 9 year old. Maybe check into it to see if they are a good fit before picking them up.

    • Artemis Fowl
    • Abhorsen trilogy (Liriel, Sabriel, Abhorsen)
    • Inheritance (Eragon etc.)
    • Bartimaeus series (Amulet of Samarkand, etc.)
    • His Dark Materials (I think these are especially good because your daughter may read them again in 20 years and think "oh wow, I didn't quite get this the first go")
    • Inkheart series
    • Earthsea series

    Edit: thinking of some more maybe more towards 9 years old

    • Nancy Drew (this got me into mysteries which I still love to this day)
    • Warriors
    • Redwall (might be my favorite series at this age, I would go to the library and get a new Redwall book every time. If I had to recommend one series, it would be this one, with the other books tending more towards teens)
    11 votes
  19. Comment on I wet the bed late into my teens and I have no idea why in ~health

    PepperJackson
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    A very common cause of wetting the bed in pediatrics is being constipated. If I ever refer patients from my clinic to Peds nephro/uro they always ask me to give the kid a thorough cleaning out...

    A very common cause of wetting the bed in pediatrics is being constipated. If I ever refer patients from my clinic to Peds nephro/uro they always ask me to give the kid a thorough cleaning out with a heavy course of miralax. Unlikely to be the case here unless you remember straining to use the bathroom all the time as a youngster.

    3 votes
  20. Comment on Students invent quieter leaf blower in ~engineering

    PepperJackson
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    Too bad they aren't making the gas ones quieter. The electric ones are already so much better.

    Too bad they aren't making the gas ones quieter. The electric ones are already so much better.

    4 votes