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I would like to buy a mask (actually 8 adults size and 2 child size) mask that fits the following criteria: At least 2 tight-weave layers of cotton, filter pocket, nose-fitting wire, goes under chin and generally fits well, available in child size for a 3 year old. I would love a mask with the choice of over-the head (with elastic not ties) or behind-ear wearing but that is optional. I am in Toronto, so something local or within Canada would be great, but open to other options. I cannot pick up, so would want them shipped, even if local.
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 8:24 AM - 5 answers

What have you done to make yourself more comfortable while Working From Home, without doing something drastic like buying a whole new desk & chair? [more inside]
posted by wenestvedt at 8:08 AM - 19 answers

I am a physical wreck with limited mobility in my shoulder and neck and overall stiffness and lack of flexibility. I am looking for the very gentlest yoga/stretching videos, ideally a 30-day course. I already know I like Yoga with Adriene so if you know of something of hers that's not too ambitious, that would be ideal.
posted by HotToddy at 3:56 PM - 3 answers

I’m struggling to decide what to do for childcare for my 3 month old, and running out of time to make a decision. Feeling very overwhelmed and anxious about it. My maternity leave ended last week and my mom was supposed to watch my baby at least until mid June but that fell through due to some unexpected conflict that arose on the very first day of arranged care. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 9:01 AM - 9 answers

In the Time Before The Rona, I was a platelet donor, and a relatively frequent one. I'm tall and large, and I've been told that my platelet count is high, so every time I went they would always set me up for a triple donation. But I live in Brooklyn, and the only place the NY Blood Center did platelet donations in Brooklyn closed up shop last year. So I had always meant to go to one of their Manhattan locations but never did. [more inside]
posted by The Pluto Gangsta at 3:47 PM - 6 answers

Risk analysis please. My partner is 69. We have had only 24 cases in our county, which is almost entirely opened back up. His son is visiting him and thinks it's fine to be out and about, and his daughter is planning to visit with her family in a few weeks, traveling from the next state over. I realize the risk is low but I feel like the potential consequences are so dire, especially for him but also for me, that I'm just not comfortable with it. I am worried about him but I think the analysis is super low risk of him getting it vs. the 100% certainty of causing family friction if I try to interfere with anyone else's actions. My inclination is to say hey, I totally understand everyone's point of view and do not want to cause a problem, have a great time with your kids and I'll see you a few weeks from now. We don't live together so this wouldn't cause a problem for anyone other than we would miss each other. But maybe I'm being unnecessarily cautious?
posted by Bluesocking at 2:14 PM - 9 answers

So, when I have the urge to poop, I have to poop NOW. I don't have a lot of warning and I need to get to a bathroom fast. This is a problem, especially in the time of COVID where I can't just pop into a public restroom. The poop itself is otherwise pretty normal. Help me slow down the urge to poop. [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 6:13 AM - 21 answers

I've got a post nasal drip that collects in my throat and periodically blocks my breathing. It catches back there, dries out, becomes a sticky phlegm pad and then gets bigger til I hork it up. It used to be a little bit in the morning after sleep. Now it's wads several times a day. What are my options? [more inside]
posted by rileyray3000 at 3:34 PM - 25 answers

My cannabis experience in the past was *extremely* limited - a few puffs off of Whatever Was In That Joint At The Party. I recently got access to medical cannabis (PA) for anxiety, but (yes, irony alert) the range of options is making me extra-anxious. Help me get started! [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 11:58 AM - 13 answers

My beloved Gentle Gum Care floss has been discontinued. Any recommendations for a replacement that is soft and easy on the gums? I find Glide and the like sort of sharp and painful.
posted by erloteiel at 11:02 AM - 19 answers

As someone who even before current times had a problem talking calm and peace to himself, I would appreciate your thoughts, ideas and practices about how to do that for myself during the COVID19 pandemic. While I'm "keep[ing] calm and carry[ing] on", there is a part of me that (meant in a non-suicidal way) feels like I'm living the last days of my life. [more inside]
posted by WCityMike at 8:51 AM - 20 answers

How do I make my jump rope routine easier on my legs? [more inside]
posted by thesmallmachine at 7:17 PM - 6 answers

I'm tired, exhausted really, of this, seemingly eternal, spiral of behavior that includes regular and predictable symptoms that absolutely meet those outlined by DSM-V PMDD diagnosis criteria. What is the best way to bring that up in a sensitive and effective fashion to someone who is perhaps less than receptive and is also intensely self depreciating, not just during the impacted timeframe but also in general? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 2:33 PM - 23 answers

I ran a 10k virtual race because of Covid 19 and have no comparison for women in my age group as I usually receive at the end of a real race. I find that motivating and goal orienting. I ran 10k, in 1 hour and 17 min, and 32 seconds. How did I do?
posted by Tziv at 1:12 PM - 7 answers

One lens of my wife’s glasses has popped out, and nothing we can do will get it back in. Is anyone in the area open for what should be a simple repair? I’ve tried unscrewing the frame, but am unable to fit the lens back in and close the frame again. She has no spares and can’t do anything without them. [more inside]
posted by lhauser at 10:59 AM - 3 answers

I have a lot of personal mental health work that I need to do, and I've finally admitted to myself that I need professional assistance to get there. But I have absolutely, positively, no idea what I'm doing. And that's an understatement. How do I go from knowing almost literally nothing about the subject to actually talking to a therapist? Anxiety inside. [more inside]
posted by gregoryg at 9:07 PM - 20 answers

The last several weeks I have woken up with very sore hands, because I've been clenching them so hard while asleep. Not every night, but many nights. I know it is stress and whatnot, but that isn't going away soon. I have nighttime wrist braces that I could wear, but I could easily clench my fist in them when I tried them on. Suggestions for what I can do to mitigate this?
posted by misanthropicsarah at 11:17 AM - 6 answers

A friend has to care for an elderly relative who may have been exposed to covid and is having trouble understanding what is going on at the moment. Can you point to resources (e.g. video) that might help to explain and reinforce social distancing, need for added hygiene etc.? [more inside]
posted by roolya_boolya at 10:07 AM - 2 answers

I live in Los Angeles. I live alone and work remotely. I have been following local guidance and have been sheltering in place since March 6, 2020. I have a housekeeper (she brings a helper) who I have asked not to come since mid-March. I have continued to pay her. Now that we are contemplating opening up businesses and offices by late May, is it time for her to come back safely? I would be gone during the time she is here, and she could wear a mask and gloves. I could also do another quick disinfecting of the commonly touched (counters, door knobs, etc.) after she leaves. Is this safe?
posted by parkerposey at 8:02 AM - 15 answers

I have a lot of long-standing anxiety, depression and alcohol abuse issues. I've done a lot of things to try and deal with it on my own, and when that didn't work I tried a few different counsellors and medications, none of which have made a dent. I was in a bad place already when coronavirus hit and now it's obviously worse (I live on my own and the isolation is getting to me). I have very little optimism about the future, and things have been bad for a long while. I'm not getting any professional treatment at the moment but I would like someone just to talk to. What should I look for? Is it even reasonable to look for counselling right now when I have no motivation to change? [more inside]
posted by anonymous at 4:09 AM - 16 answers