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I sleep with three(!) conventional blankets, not for the warmth, but for the weight. Seems like I'd be an ideal candidate for a weighted blanket. But based on my weight (~235 lbs.) the interweb recommends a 20-25 lb. weighted blanket for me. My current three blankets weigh ~10 lbs. combined. Doubling that seems like overkill. Is it? [more inside]
posted by DevilsAdvocate at 7:02 AM - 6 answers

I would like recent/up-to-date numbers of covid death/cases/etc for U.S. and U.S. without NY. Where can i find this, without having to compile the data myself [more inside]
posted by ish__ at 7:33 PM - 6 answers

I'm absolutely not looking to get skinny, but I really want to move my body more, with a big emphasis on cardio. I will admit I might be looking for a piece of equipment that doesn't exist, but I come to the fit folks of MeFi for advice! I do have some significant restrictions, and that, paired with me being a bit exercise-phobic - - I'm floundering, afraid to make an expensive mistake. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:30 PM - 25 answers

Why does the following chart from Vox warn against food sharing during the pandemic when getting takeout is widely practiced? [more inside]
posted by Elsie at 11:28 AM - 7 answers

I’m developing my side business in medical fundraising, working with people who need a closed-ended amount for medical and personal expenses due to a life-altering medical diagnosis. I am currently emailing and calling patient navigators at cancer centers in the Triangle area ( I currently live in Cary, NC and spend time in Asheville as well). What other segments of the community should reach out to, who work with people dealing with financial stress due to illness?
posted by Jennifer S. at 10:25 AM - 1 answers

I have a cotton face mask, and I am a naturally sweaty person, so it's fairly miserable to wear for long walks or extended periods. Is there a better option? [more inside]
posted by pdb at 12:22 PM - 10 answers

I have OCD, anxiety and depression. I'm working with a new Dr who specializes in OCD. I'm not getting better and he thinks that the marijuana may be the problem. Is this lazy psychiatry? [more inside]
posted by kbbbo at 9:36 AM - 10 answers

I've been doing fitness videos on Jitsi with my mother and I'm on a quest for some reasonably body-positive quality fitness videos (ideally available on YouTube, so we can do the simultaneous viewing on Jitsi). Richard Simmons is providing good music and actual people instead of fitness models, but is hard to follow. Kathy Smith's videos are high quality, but dull and have these comments about how you're doing the video to be "toned" rather than for general fitness. [more inside]
posted by hoyland at 8:18 AM - 8 answers

So things are looking very rough here in South Africa re covid 19. I'm personally fairly safe at the moment but feeling completely overwhelmed by my knowledge that things are spiralling out of control all around me, and that my husband will be having to go work in an unsafe environment from next week. I need to find tools to manage my anxiety. [more inside]
posted by Zumbador at 2:11 AM - 10 answers

I do not enjoy exercise, and I particularly don't really enjoy weightlifting. However, I need to build a bit of all over muscle so that I don't become frail as I age, and also I am told it may help my blood sugar. [more inside]
posted by Serene Empress Dork at 9:48 PM - 11 answers

Howdy! We're trying to identify if there's a specific name for this piece of exercise equipment you'd find in a public park, or how you'd think it could be used. It's a tall pole with notches, topped with 4 chains with padding. Pic inside. [more inside]
posted by Meagan at 3:00 PM - 16 answers

My priorities are to live in a warmer climate over the winter, maintain a low stress level, recover from a sickness and reduce the likelihood that I have complications from coronavirus. [more inside]
posted by rockyraccoon at 1:52 PM - 9 answers

My partner has recently been diagnosed with MS, and their first rituximab infusion is next Wednesday. They're expecting histamine reactions following the infusion. In your experience: how severe were they and how long did they last? What were some helpful things a partner did or could have done for you during your recovery from the treatment? [more inside]
posted by The Great Big Mulp at 12:21 PM - 5 answers

My wife is having a total hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. For the women who've had this surgery, what helped ease your pain during recovery? Anything in particular that your loved ones did to help? Other general advice and suggestions beyond the medical advice we'll obviously be getting is welcome.
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 12:00 PM - 37 answers

She said since I'm not in pain it's not an emergency [more inside]
posted by fantasticness at 8:23 AM - 12 answers

I need to see a dentist soon about a slight toothache. Should I get a cleaning at the same time? [more inside]
posted by NotLost at 6:14 AM - 7 answers

I'm thinking of embarking on a "walk all the streets in my local area" project. Does anyone have any suggestions for how to track where I've been? [more inside]
posted by metadave at 11:13 AM - 10 answers

I am hopefully getting my license within the year, Satan willing and the crick don't rise. I am pretty well aware that PTSD is, sad to say, at this point an increasingly important thing to feel comfortable treating and well versed in if I start doing any private practice or other clinical work. I know there are some therapists on here so, if you feel like this is something you treat and know, do you have any resources for how to be more up to speed with this? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:10 AM - 6 answers

I've been riding my stationary bike regularly lately, wired up with a power meter and heart-rate monitor, so I can just sit there and watch my stats scroll by. I've noticed that during low-intensity periods my heart rate will occasionally dip about 10 bpm and then bounce back: one of these episodes lasts about 10 seconds from the baseline departure to return. [more inside]
posted by adamrice at 6:40 PM - 8 answers

I have a gum inflammation on the inside of a molar, and blood in the area when I brush and floss. I can't see a dentist for obvious reasons. What can I do to keep myself comfortable and uninfected until it's safe to go to a dentist? [more inside]
posted by nayantara at 10:46 AM - 15 answers