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My son started working at a chip-and-grind shop, where he uses various pneumatic tools to remove the slag (or whatever) from die-cast engine parts. This is spectacularly filthy work. He's in PPE like a full face-covering respirator; work clothes include steel-toe boots, long heavy jeans, long-sleeve tees, gloves, and a balaclava. Still comes home looking like he rolled around the finest-grained sandbox in the universe. And it is really hard to remove. Please recommend a body wash or bar soap that will get him clean. [more inside]
posted by Caxton1476 at 2:27 PM - 21 answers

So I have low stomach acid. Now what? [more inside]
posted by Sheydem-tants at 1:46 PM - 2 answers

I need to cut off below ground this 1.25 in steel pipe. Here's a photo. What are some easy methods I can consider? Links to special tools would be very helpful. Thanks!
posted by Rad_Boy at 9:24 AM - 10 answers

I've been asked to be a support person at a friend's labour. Her partner will be there so I will be the second person. Though I have a child, I had a planned C-section so I didn't do this part and for reasons I skipped out of the vaginal-birth-specific section of my childbirth class. It might be useful for me to watch such a class now. Where can I do that? Free preferred and bonus points for anything that will cover anything induction-specific.
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 7:27 PM - 3 answers

It's another covid question! Sorry to add to the pile but the anxiety's high and the google results are pitiful. Looking for official information, anecdata or even just guesses! [more inside]
posted by iguana in a leather jacket at 11:46 AM - 7 answers

On Saturday I got a small splinter in the ball of my foot. It’s tiny, only about 4-5mm long in total (though I can’t fully see the other end) but I cannot pull it out because it’s fully embedded and there’s nothing to grab onto, even with my best razor-sharp tweezers. What do I do? [more inside]
posted by mekily at 6:40 AM - 21 answers

How do I survive the laxatives and what should be in my hospital go bag? Graphic details and longwinded story to follow. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 3:16 AM - 13 answers

My gynaecologist has put me on a contraceptive pill to help regulate my anxiety and other symptoms. I'm curious about other's experience with this use of hormonal birth control. Gynecologist is incredibly expensive and my GP can't answer my question so I'm hoping someone here might have ideas. [more inside]
posted by Zumbador at 10:02 PM - 6 answers

I just realized that my weight would be under control if I could just friggin' count calories all the time. How do YOU do it? What are YOUR tricks and strategies? [more inside]
posted by Melismata at 8:34 AM - 28 answers

Following the lifting of Covid restrictions, I have seen inside the bathroom at my child’s school and now I understand why he is having frequent accidents. What next? [more inside]
posted by ficbot at 7:38 PM - 17 answers

Do any of the 7 million gadgets strewn across the undiscovered countryside of 'sleep tracking' do a decent job of detecting and reporting if/when the various sleep stages are engaged? I'm specifically interested in a device that would show *when* I enter REM sleep and for how long. I have reason to suspect this happens very little for me and if it does, not until very very late in the overall sleep cycle. I have a Gen4 Apple Watch which AFAICT can't do what I need. I'm happy to get another device. [more inside]
posted by armoir from antproof case at 11:33 AM - 13 answers

I'm dealing with some pretty severe fatigue these days. I'm working with my doctor to try and figure things out, but in the meantime I just started a new job and can barely keep my eyes open. How do I push past this? [more inside]
posted by cgg at 8:22 AM - 21 answers

Having recently perused the CDC site on N95s, I see a brief mention within the NIOSH APPPROVAL FAQ that there are NIOSH approved N95 masks with ear loops, but only a few designs. I am skeptical but want to know more about these if they exist. [more inside]
posted by happy_cat at 9:31 PM - 7 answers

I've been prescribed Methylphenidate for ADHD, primarily inattentive. I've been on it for a few months and have been increasing the dose at my psychologist's recommendation, as I haven't seen positive effects, and am now at 40mg. In fact I feel less productive and organised now than I have done for some time. In particular I have noticed, and other people have mentioned, that I seem to be more forgetful. I have googled Methylphenidate and memory and found that most of the results show a positive effect on memory, but I did see this paper from 2000 which found that in some people taking it led to a decline in memory. I'm thinking about ceasing to take it on this basis, once I have discussed it with my psychologist, but to help make this decision I am interested to know if other people have had the same issue, or if there is other relevant research. Thanks.
posted by anonymous at 6:35 AM - 8 answers

I'm in need of mosquito control strategies. The issue is that there is a 3rd floor balcony with a screen door. The screen door is damaged in such a way as the pets can get in and out, which is good. And also air can get in and out, which is crucial now that it's getting hot. But it's also damaged in such a way as mosquitos get in and out, which is bad. [more inside]
posted by bleep at 4:57 PM - 26 answers

I am looking for online workout videos WITHOUT music. I am interested in a little bodyweight/strength training and a little cardio. The silver lining of the pandemic has been LEARNING TO WORKOUT AT HOME, FINALLY!!!! i am very happy about this, but workout music drives me nuts. Help! [more inside]
posted by maca at 7:05 AM - 8 answers

Have you had a vasectomy that involved titanium clips? Tell me about it! [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:00 PM - 9 answers

I’m going for a Cardiac CT in 1 week, which is covered under my insurance. Is there any way to request, while I’m full of contrast and in the machine, for the CT operator to scan my Neck & Head & provide the data - even on my own nickel? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 10:00 PM - 9 answers

I’m agoraphobic (female, 45yo). I live in Ottawa, Canada. I’ve hardly been out of the house in 3-4 years. I realize I can’t live like this forever, and don’t want to. So, I’d like to start seeing a good therapist who could help me figure out what to do now. [more inside]
posted by MelanieL at 3:19 PM - 4 answers

My friend who lives alone has had two bad falls and is considering what kind of technology might help if they fall and become unconscious. The Apple Watch has fall detection, but can it call 911 and give them your correct address? And what about Amazon’s new Alexa Together thing? Or do you know of a different good suggestion?
posted by hungrytiger at 1:48 PM - 6 answers