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The Hood I Wore At Medical School Graduation

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There’s something undeniably powerful about donning a hood during a graduation ceremony, especially since it marks the culmination of years of hard work in a graduate or professional program. When you walk up to the center stage, hood draped across your shoulders, it’s like a visual representation of the dedication, sacrifices, and intellectual growth you’ve achieved. The hood symbolizes a kind of academic mastery—it’s a historical garment, evoking the traditions of scholars going back centuries. You can almost feel the weight of those who’ve come before you, standing on the shoulders of giants as you approach the moment when the degree is officially conferred.

As you take each step toward the stage, there’s an immense sense of pride. You’ve earned this. The hood feels like a badge of honor, a marker of your journey through intense learning, late nights, and possibly even moments of doubt. But all of that fades in the glow of the moment when your name is called, and you walk forward to receive your diploma. There’s a certain grace in the ceremony, too—the rhythm of the procession, the silence that fills the air, and the way the hood falls perfectly over your attire, a quiet but unmistakable signal that you’ve reached an academic pinnacle.

The most meaningful aspect of donning the hood for me at my medical school graduation ceremony was that I asked my mom to put it on me when I walked onto the stage to receive my diploma. My mother always believed in me, encouraged me, and was beaming with pride on the day that I graduated from medical school. I couldn’t imagine anyone else placing the esteemed hood across my shoulders.

A very special day in 2001 for me…

Another cool aspect is how the hood is often tied to your field of study through its color. Each color has a specific meaning, representing the different types of graduate studies or professional disciplines. For instance:

  • White often symbolizes a degree in Arts, Humanities, or Letters, evoking clarity, light, and knowledge.
  • Purple is typically associated with Law, representing authority and the prestige of the legal profession.
  • Green might be worn by those earning degrees in Medicine or Public Health, symbolizing healing and growth.
  • Red is often linked to Theology or Divinity, reflecting the historical connection to religious institutions.
  • Dark Blue or Navy signifies Philosophy, capturing the intellectual depth and complexity of the field.
  • Yellow or Gold can represent Science, linking the pursuit of knowledge with the brightness of discovery.
  • Silver Gray is a color worn by those in the field of Social Work or Library Science, representing service and support for the community.

The fact that each color is tied to a discipline makes the hood a visual and symbolic tribute to the unique paths that graduates have taken. It’s like wearing your field’s identity proudly for a moment before the real world asks you to put your knowledge to use. There’s an elegance in the subtlety of these colors, the way they convey a deep history while celebrating your own place within it.

The hood isn’t just an accessory—it’s a symbol of a journey and a transition, from student to professional, and from learner to expert. The way it fits, the way it feels on your shoulders, and the way it marks your success is incredibly meaningful. How did you feel about the moment of walking with your hood at your graduation?

Why Dating Apps Fall Short

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Dating apps can be incredibly frustrating for women over 50 — and not just a little. They often feel like a wasteland of bad profiles, lazy conversations, and mismatched intentions. Here’s a breakdown of why dating apps suck for women in this age group, and what kinds of challenges they’re running into.

1. The Men on These Apps Are… Not Great (Often)

Let’s start with the elephant in the room: the dating pool.

❌ Emotionally Unavailable or Damaged

A lot of older men on apps are freshly divorced, widowed, or never dealt with their emotional baggage. Instead of seeking genuine connection, they’re:

  • Still hung up on their ex.
  • Testing the waters post-divorce.
  • Looking for someone to “fix” them.

❌ Looking for Younger Women

Many men in their 50s, 60s, and even 70s swipe right on women 20 years younger. So if you’re a 50-something-year-old woman hoping to date someone age-appropriate, you’ll often be overlooked — while those same men chase women in their 30s and 40s.

❌ Catfishers, Scammers, and Creeps

Unfortunately, women over 50 are heavily targeted by romance scammers posing as military men, oil rig engineers, or conveniently “wealthy but lonely” entrepreneurs. Some are real men with fake intentions; others are entirely fraudulent.

2. Conversations Are Mind-Numbingly Awful

Even if you match with someone decent-looking and age-appropriate, the conversation is often a disaster.

💤 Boring and Generic Openers

  • “Hi”
  • “How are you?”
  • “You’re beautiful :)”

After decades of life experience, it’s insulting to get messages with the depth of a damp napkin. Where’s the spark?

🧱 Zero Effort

  • No follow-up questions.
  • No interest in your personality.
  • All replies are one-word answers or just emojis.

It feels like you’re carrying the entire conversation — and frankly, after raising kids, holding careers, and managing life, who has the energy to drag a grown man into a coherent discussion?

🛏️ Quick to Turn Sexual

Many men skip straight to innuendo, sexting, or asking what you’re “into.” Some will ask for nudes within five messages. It’s not flirtation — it’s objectification, and it’s exhausting.

3. The Algorithms Aren’t Your Friend

Most dating apps are built around engagement, not compatibility. They favor:

  • Younger users.
  • Profiles with high swiping activity.
  • People who conform to narrow beauty standards.

Women over 50 often get fewer matches because the system simply isn’t designed for them. The more you swipe without matching, the more the algorithm deprioritizes your profile.

4. It’s Hard to Find People With Real Intentions

By 50, most women know what they want. Whether it’s companionship, romance, or sex — clarity matters. But the men on apps often:

  • Say they want a relationship but act like they want a fling.
  • Say they’re “easygoing” but can’t handle a strong woman.
  • Aren’t emotionally mature enough for a serious connection.

5. It Can Feel Like a Second Job

  • Crafting a profile.
  • Finding good photos.
  • Screening creeps.
  • Starting and maintaining conversations.
  • Deciding whether someone is legit.

It’s time-consuming, emotionally draining, and often leads nowhere.

Final Thoughts:

For many women over 50, dating apps are more disappointing than hopeful. The problem isn’t the age — it’s the quality of the interactions and the lack of emotionally mature, genuine men. The design of these platforms — shallow, swipe-based, and appearance-driven — makes it worse.

Making Stress Manageable: How Creative Work Quietly Changes Everything

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I hope you all enjoy reading this wonderful article, written by Julia Merrill of befriendyourdoc.org! It’s all about keeping those creative juices flowing and dampening stress.

There’s a kind of pressure no app fixes—mental static that clings to your thoughts, your sleep, your body. You carry it until it becomes background noise. But creativity can cut through that. Not as escape, but as reset. Drawing, dancing, scribbling a thought—these aren’t luxuries. They’re ways your brain reclaims rhythm. You don’t need to be good. You just need to begin. Creative work interrupts stress. That’s where everything starts to shift.

Creativity quiets mental noise

There’s something remarkable about what happens when your brain turns toward a tactile, expressive task. Paintbrush to paper. Fingers to clay. Even organizing a shelf with intention. These acts redirect your attention away from loops of rumination into a space of sensory input and focused decision-making. Creative activities ease emotional overwhelm by helping the brain regulate its own threat response system. In other words, your mind stops screaming and starts listening. This isn’t a distraction. It’s a biological rebalancing—an internal volume knob finally turning down.

Routine creativity builds resilience

When creative work stops being occasional and starts becoming habitual, it stops functioning as a band-aid and starts acting like armor. That doesn’t mean routine kills the spark. It means the spark has a place to land. Daily journaling, weekly collage-making, or recording your dreams each morning—these routines gently wire the brain to process, not suppress. Repetition turns expression into integration. And that’s where regular creativity strengthens emotional resilience. It trains the body to trust itself. Over time, that’s the difference between managing stress and becoming it.

When study supports the practice

Understanding why creativity works can deepen your relationship to it. Learning the mechanics of cognitive load, stress responses, or emotional regulation through psychology doesn’t make creativity clinical—it makes it sustainable. Formal study helps you notice patterns, name blocks, and recognize when you’re shifting states. For some, exploring online learning and psychology degrees becomes a tool for understanding not only their own minds but also the behaviors they witness in others. It’s not about credentials—it’s about access to frameworks that clarify what’s happening beneath the surface. And with that clarity comes choice. The kind that helps you move differently in moments of pressure.

Hobbies as emotional outlets

You don’t need a masterpiece to feel better. You need a release valve. That’s where simple hobbies come in. When you take time to sketch a flower, stitch a pattern, or write a few unedited sentences, you’re doing more than making art—you’re giving shape to what doesn’t have language yet. Stress lives in the body, and the body is trying to tell you something. The act of using creative hobbies to offer mindful emotional outlet allows expression and processing before the pressure converts to tension or collapse. The emotional load lightens because it’s no longer stuck. You moved it.

Structured play resets mood

It helps to have structure when you’re rebuilding your sense of ease. That might mean taking a community ceramics class, joining a songwriting group, or learning photography basics online. It doesn’t need to be expensive or public—just rhythmic. Consistency changes how you metabolize stress. Not because you’re “productive,” but because repetition builds neural reliability. One way people access this rhythm is by engaging in creative expression to release tension, which nudges the brain out of survival mode and into flow. You can’t force your mind to relax—but you can make it feel safe enough to try.

Shared art builds connection

Solitude has its place. But there’s also something restorative about making things around others—especially when no one’s competing or performing. A group paint night. A community mural project. Even virtual writing sprints. By joining creative groups to deepen social support, people experience something more profound than distraction—they rebuild nervous system safety through shared rhythm. Creativity, shared, becomes its own kind of nervous system. You co-regulate without even trying.

Short bursts still benefit

You don’t need a weekend retreat or an artist residency to feel the effects. Some of the most potent shifts happen in short, imperfect, ordinary moments. Ten minutes of watercolor. Two lines of a song. A voice memo idea whispered between errands. People often discover that short creative efforts still reduce stress in measurable ways—dopamine up, cortisol down—even if the work is scrappy and incomplete. Think of these not as projects but as pressure valves. Moments that matter because they add up.

Stress is your body asking for a new rhythm. Creativity answers without needing permission or polish. It softens the edges, slows the breath, and builds a pattern your nervous system can trust. A sketch, a song, a list of words—they all count. Not because they solve things. But because they steady you long enough to try again.

Discover a wealth of health insights and lifestyle tips with Dr. Stacey Naito and start your journey to a healthier, more vibrant you today!

Bejeweled Cat Collars

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The notion of purchasing a bejeweled collar for a cat never entered my mind until my diva cat Sumi came into my life. Sumi, who joined my household as a 6-month-old in June of 2023, immediately exhibited ATTITUDE. Sumi made it very clear from the beginning that she would be the queen of the household, so I thought it would be fitting to look for a blingy collar which she could wear once she hit her first birthday. She of course took to the sparkly adornment without any issue.

Sumi’s original rhinestone collar, showing missing stone

I recently noticed that Sumi’s collar had a missing rhinestone, and the elastic on one portion of the collar was so frayed that it snapped when I examined it. Fortunately, I had a backup adjustable AB rhinestone collar which I used temporarily until the beautiful peridot rhinestone collar I ordered for her came in. In addition to the peridot collar, I also ordered a green zircon rhinestone collar, and I also ordered an amethyst rhinestone collar for her sister Mika.

Sumi’s new, beautiful peridot rhinestone collar

I’m not kidding when I say these collars are STUNNING. You can see in the pictures how the peridot green collar just pops against Sumi’s lovely cream coat, and the amethyst collar also looks so pretty on Mika. Since I have now purchased rhinestone collars from three different Etsy sellers, I can honestly say that the collars from the most recent seller are of exceptional quality, durability, and beauty. The other thing about this seller is that she is very responsive and communicative, and kept me updated every step of the way with my orders.

Mika’s gorgeous amethyst rhinestone collar

Here is a link to the Posh Paws Exclusives line which features the collars I bought for my babies. Marlaina goes out of her way to make sure that her customers are satisfied with the work she does. If you prefer collars without bling, Marlaina offers 385 options to fit every cat or small dog’s personality. Here’s a shot of Koji in a lush velvet collar from Posh Paws:

Maelaina’s boutique description is as follows:

Elevated Elegance for Every Paw

Marlaina Long is the visionary founder of Posh Paws Boutique, a new shop born from her deep love for animals and eye for design. Recognizing a gap in the market for pet accessories that combine exceptional style with comfort, Marlaina created Posh Paws Boutique to offer elegant collars tailored for cats and small dogs. Driven by the belief that pets deserve the finest materials and thoughtful design, Posh Paws focuses on blending durability with soft textures for a safe, snug fit. Marlaina is passionate about offering a unique mix of sophistication and practicality, aiming to improve pets’ lives with carefully crafted accessories. Through Posh Paws Boutique, Marlaina seeks to set a new standard in the pet accessory industry, where style, comfort, and quality seamlessly come together to offer the best for both pets and their owners.

Beguiling Osmanthus

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Osmanthus is a flowering plant belonging to the genus Osmanthus, which is part of the olive family (Oleaceae). Native to East Asia—particularly China, Japan, and the Himalayas—this evergreen shrub or small tree is best known for its small but incredibly fragrant blossoms, which appear in shades of white, pale yellow, or orange-gold.

🌸 Fragrance of Osmanthus

The fragrance of osmanthus is what makes it truly enchanting and prized in perfumery and tea blending. The scent is:

  • Sweet and fruity, often compared to ripe apricots, peach, or plum.
  • Laced with honeyed, creamy, and slightly green floral notes.
  • Sometimes subtly leathery or reminiscent of tea leaves when dried.

It’s an aroma that manages to be both delicate and persistent—soft, comforting, and refined.

✨ Spiritual and Cultural Significance

In Chinese Culture

  • Osmanthus, or guì huā (桂花) in Mandarin, is deeply revered in Chinese tradition.
  • It blooms in autumn, and is strongly associated with the Mid-Autumn Festival, where it symbolizes reunion, harmony, and longevity.
  • The osmanthus tree is often linked with the moon. Chinese legends tell of Wu Gang, a man condemned to eternally chop down an osmanthus tree on the moon—a myth that adds a sense of the plant’s mystical endurance.
  • Osmanthus is also a symbol of nobility, love, and romantic longing, sometimes evoking nostalgia or homesickness.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine

  • Osmanthus flowers are used in herbal remedies to ease coughs, improve skin health, and support digestion.
  • It’s believed to cleanse the body and mind, representing purity and serenity.

In Perfume and Tea

  • Osmanthus is a luxury note in high-end perfumery, loved for its unique fruit-floral profile.
  • In tea, osmanthus blossoms are often blended with green or oolong tea, creating a beverage that is as aromatic as it is soothing.

🌿 Interesting Qualities

  1. Rare Fragrance Profile: Few florals combine fruit and flower in such a balanced way—osmanthus stands apart from heady roses or indolic jasmine.
  2. Cultural Depth: It’s not just a pretty flower; osmanthus is woven into poetry, myth, and ritual across centuries.
  3. Seasonal Beauty: Unlike many spring-blooming flowers, osmanthus blooms in autumn, offering unexpected beauty and fragrance when most other flowers have faded.
  4. Versatility: It’s used in food, tea, perfume, skincare, and spiritual practices—a true multi-sensory botanical.

In essence, osmanthus is a plant that quietly stuns—with a fragrance that whispers rather than shouts, and a cultural legacy that touches everything from ancient moon legends to modern luxury.

How to Sleep Better When Back Pain Keeps You Up

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Has back pain ever kept you up at night? If the answer is yes, then you should definitely read this article written by Camille Johnson of Bereaver.com

When your back hurts, the night can feel like an uphill battle. Every turn and shift reminds you of the tension nestled deep in your spine. You’re not imagining it — poor sleep and back pain are part of a vicious cycle, each one feeding the other. But the good news is, small, specific choices before and during sleep can help you rest easier. It’s not just about soft pillows or the right medicine. With the right mix of habits and support, you can reclaim your nights and wake up without that familiar ache shadowing your day.

Find a Position That Respects Your Spine

The way you sleep matters more than you think. Lying in positions that twist your lower back or leave it sagging can amplify pain overnight. Experts recommend maintaining neutral spine alignment by sleeping on your side with a pillow between your knees, or on your back with a pillow under your knees to reduce pressure. This subtle support keeps your natural curves intact while muscles finally get the chance to relax. If you’ve been curling into a ball or flopping onto your stomach, try adjusting. It can take a few nights to adapt, but many discover that the right position unlocks hours of uninterrupted rest.

Sleep Better Through Wellness, Not Willpower

Sometimes you need more than just a few tips; you need a plan. For many people, the most effective approach is to follow personalized wellness plans that integrate sleep, exercise, and nutrition. A tailored program addresses the unique factors that might be disrupting your rest, like muscle imbalances or stress patterns that no one‑size‑fits‑all solution can solve. Working with a professional to develop a roadmap helps ensure you’re not just guessing — you’re giving your back and your sleep the care they deserve.

Chiropractic Care When Pain Comes From Trauma

If your back pain stems from a recent injury — especially a car accident — proper care is non‑negotiable. Many people find their pain persists because the trauma never fully healed. In these cases, seeking chiropractic treatment after car accident injuries can help restore alignment, improve mobility, and ease muscular tension that standard rest alone won’t address. A professional who understands the mechanics of accident‑related damage can craft a plan to help you recover while also improving your sleep quality. You don’t have to grit your teeth through sleepless nights; targeted treatment often shortens recovery and brings deeper rest sooner.

Stretch Out the Tension Before Bed

You can’t expect your back to quiet down if you climb into bed wound up like a spring. The simplest way to prepare for sleep is a short, deliberate stretch session. Even just five minutes of gentle bedtime stretches for back relief helps loosen tight hip flexors, lengthen your spine, and cue your nervous system to wind down. Think of it as telling your body, “We’re done bracing for the day.” The key here is gentleness — no forceful lunges or deep backbends. Slow, steady movements will not only ease the physical strain but also calm your mind, which has likely been keeping score all day long.

Let Your Mattress Do Some of the Work

A bed that works against you will sabotage even the best intentions. If your mattress is too soft or sags in the middle, your spine may spend hours out of alignment. It’s worth exploring zoned support mattresses for healing, which provide targeted firmness where your back needs it most while still cushioning your shoulders and hips. The right surface balances comfort with structure, which can mean the difference between tossing in frustration and waking up with fewer aches. Consider testing different setups, even if that means adding a firm topper or rotating what you already own. Your sleep space should feel like an ally, not another source of pain.

Fuel Your Body for Recovery

We often overlook how what we eat sets the tone for how we sleep. Poor nutrition can keep your body inflamed, which means more pain and more wakefulness. But focusing on how diet influences restful sleep can help you support your muscles and calm your nervous system. Magnesium‑rich greens, anti‑inflammatory omega‑3s, and balanced hydration all play a role. Even timing matters: avoid heavy meals right before bed, as digestion can compete with rest. Think of your meals as part of your nightly routine — a way to nourish the body you’re asking to heal as you sleep.

Clean Up Your Evening Environment

Finally, don’t underestimate the power of your habits after sunset. The glow of your phone, the hum of late‑night TV, and the tension of checking emails can all sneak into bed with you. One of the simplest yet most impactful changes you can make is turning off screens pre‑bedtime to let your mind ease into a slower rhythm. Dim the lights, keep your room cool, and treat the hour before bed as sacred. When you create an environment that invites rest, you give yourself permission to let go of the day’s demands — and give your back a break it’s been asking for.

Back pain doesn’t have to dictate your nights. By listening to your body and making a few thoughtful changes — from stretching before bed to adjusting your sleep surface — you can take control of how you rest. Healing and better sleep go hand in hand, each reinforcing the other. When you commit to habits and seek out support where you need it, you not only improve how you sleep but also how you live. So tonight, give yourself the chance to experience what it feels like to wake up without pain weighing you down. You deserve that kind of rest.

Elevate your wellness journey with Stacey Naito to benefit from expert nutrition and fitness plans—visit today to start transforming your lifestyle!

Vibration Plate Health Benefits

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This is the vibration plate I use. There is a link in this article, but I am not being compensated for sharing the link. I truly like it!

Vibration plate therapy, also known as whole-body vibration (WBV), is a fitness and rehabilitation method that involves standing, sitting, or exercising on a machine with a vibrating platform. These vibrations transmit energy to the body, causing muscles to contract and relax dozens of times per second. One of the most appealing aspects of vibration therapy is that it doesn’t require a huge time commitment—even just 10 to 15 minutes a few times a week can offer substantial benefits. I make sure to use my vibration plate for 10 minutes daily, and once a week, I will double my time on the plate.

Key Health Benefits:

1. Improves Muscle Strength and Tone

The rapid muscle contractions stimulated by the vibration plate help build strength and tone. This can be especially helpful for people who find traditional strength training challenging due to joint pain or mobility issues.

2. Boosts Circulation

The vibrations encourage better blood flow, which can enhance oxygen and nutrient delivery throughout the body. This improved circulation supports cardiovascular health and may help reduce swelling in the extremities.

3. Enhances Lymphatic Drainage

The stimulation helps activate the lymphatic system, aiding in the removal of toxins and waste from the body. This can reduce puffiness and support immune function.

4. Increases Bone Density

Regular use has been shown to help maintain or improve bone density, making it a valuable therapy for those at risk of osteoporosis or bone loss—particularly postmenopausal women.

5. Supports Balance and Coordination

By challenging your stability, vibration therapy activates deep core muscles and can enhance proprioception (your sense of body position), which is beneficial for fall prevention and general agility.

6. Aids in Weight Management

While it’s not a calorie-torching workout, WBV can slightly boost metabolism and support fat loss when combined with a healthy lifestyle. It’s often used as a supplement to other forms of exercise.

7. Reduces Muscle Soreness and Aids Recovery

Athletes and physical therapy patients often use vibration plates to reduce delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and promote faster recovery after strenuous activity. This is the main reason why I bought a vibration plate for my home, and I swear it makes a huge difference in recovery from my workouts.

8. Helps with Joint Pain and Flexibility

The gentle stimulation can increase joint mobility and reduce stiffness, making it an appealing option for people with arthritis or chronic pain.

Minimal Time Commitment, Maximum Results

One of the greatest advantages of vibration plate therapy is how time-efficient it is. Sessions are short—typically 10 to 15 minutes—yet they activate multiple muscle groups simultaneously. This makes it an ideal option for busy individuals, older adults, or those recovering from injury who want a low-impact but effective form of exercise.

Whether you use it as a stand-alone therapy or a complement to a broader fitness routine, vibration plate therapy offers a wide range of benefits in very little time.

What Is Silent Reflux?

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Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), sometimes called “silent reflux,” is a condition in which stomach acid or other contents flow backward into the larynx (voice box) and pharynx (throat). Unlike gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), LPR often doesn’t cause the classic symptom of heartburn. Instead, it presents with a variety of upper airway and throat symptoms that can be subtle, confusing, and sometimes frightening.

Common Symptoms of LPR:

  • Chronic throat clearing
    A frequent need to clear the throat due to irritation caused by acid or digestive enzymes.
  • Persistent cough
    Especially at night or after eating, the cough may not respond to traditional treatments.
  • Hoarseness or voice changes
    Vocal cords can become inflamed or irritated, leading to a raspy or weak voice, especially in the morning.
  • Globus sensation
    A feeling of a lump, tightness, or something stuck in the throat, even when nothing is there.
  • Postnasal drip or excess mucus
    The body produces mucus in response to irritation, which can feel like it’s collecting in the back of the throat.
  • Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
    Swallowing may feel effortful or uncomfortable, and food may seem slow to move down the throat.
  • Sore throat or burning sensation in the throat
    Especially after eating or while lying down.
  • Ear pain or a sensation of fullness
    Acid can irritate the Eustachian tubes or nearby structures, leading to ear discomfort.

Feeling Like You’re Drowning in Your Own Saliva

One of the more distressing and lesser-known symptoms of LPR is excessive saliva production (also called water brash), along with difficulty swallowing and a sensation of choking. This can feel as though saliva is pooling in the throat, leading to:

  • A sensation of choking on saliva
    Because the throat and swallowing reflexes may be disrupted by inflammation, even normal amounts of saliva can feel overwhelming.
  • Difficulty managing secretions
    Some people feel they can’t swallow quickly or completely enough, leading to a constant awareness of saliva in the mouth or throat.
  • Fear of aspiration
    The fear that the saliva or refluxate could “go down the wrong pipe” and enter the lungs, especially when lying down.
  • Shortness of breath or throat tightness
    These may be reflexive responses from the larynx trying to protect the airway, which can exacerbate the sensation of “drowning.”

Why This Happens

Stomach contents, including acid, pepsin, or bile, are not meant to come in contact with the sensitive tissues of the throat and larynx. Even a small amount of reflux reaching these areas can cause inflammation and nerve hypersensitivity. When this happens:

  • The muscles that control swallowing may become uncoordinated.
  • The throat may feel constricted.
  • The body’s natural response is to produce more mucus and saliva to soothe the tissues, which paradoxically makes the feeling of “drowning” worse.

What to Do

If you suspect you have LPR, especially if you’re experiencing this “drowning” sensation, it’s important to:

  • Consult an ENT or gastroenterologist
    They may perform a laryngoscopy or pH monitoring to confirm LPR.
  • Modify diet and lifestyle
    Avoid acidic, spicy, or fatty foods, eat smaller meals, and don’t lie down after eating. However, I will say that even a clean diet which follows these recommendations might not even make a difference at all. This has been the case for me.
  • Elevate the head of the bed
    This reduces nighttime reflux for some people. However, it won’t make any difference for other sufferers (like me).
  • Use supplements if needed
    These may include alginate-based therapies or other substances which create a physical “raft” to block off the backflow. Some physicians may recommend proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or H2 blockers or allergy medications, but these medications might not have any effect on the condition.

While it’s not dangerous in most cases, the sensation of drowning in your own saliva due to LPR can feel alarming. The good news is that with proper diagnosis and treatment, symptoms can usually be well-managed and greatly improved.

New Pet, Suddenly Allergic?

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It’s a really interesting and somewhat frustrating phenomenon when people develop allergies to new pets, even if they’ve lived with pets for years without issue. This just happened to me when I introduced a new kitten into my home. All these years, I had lived peacefully with my pets with no issues, but all it took was one sweet kitten with her dander to spike my allergic response!

There are several factors that could explain sudden allergic responses when a new pet is introduced to the home.

1. Different Allergen Profiles

Each pet produces different types and amounts of allergens. For instance:

  • Cats and Dogs: These animals produce dander (tiny, often invisible flakes of skin) that can trigger allergic reactions. However, not all animals produce the same type or quantity of allergens. A person may have developed tolerance to the specific dander or protein in their existing pets, but a new pet may have a different protein structure that their immune system perceives as a threat.
  • Species Differences: Even between different breeds of dogs or cats, there can be differences in the types of allergens they release. For example, some dog breeds shed less fur or produce different amounts of dander than others. This might explain why someone living with one breed of dog doesn’t experience symptoms, but develops an allergy when adopting a new breed.

2. Immune System Changes

Over time, a person’s immune system can change. Allergies can develop at any age, and the immune system can become sensitized to new allergens at any point in life, even if the person hasn’t had problems before. This might explain why someone who has lived with pets for years can suddenly develop an allergy to a new pet.

  • Delayed Sensitization: It’s possible that the immune system, over time, becomes sensitized to certain proteins present in animal dander, and the person’s immune response triggers once it encounters a threshold. They might not have had a strong reaction to their old pet, but a new pet could have more potent allergens that push the immune system into overdrive.

3. Environmental and Lifestyle Factors

The environment plays a role in how allergens impact someone. If a person moves to a new home or changes their lifestyle, it could increase their exposure to allergens in a way that makes them more likely to develop a reaction.

  • New home, different allergens: If the new pet is introduced into a home with different ventilation, humidity, or dust levels, it could change how allergens accumulate and affect the person. For example, an increase in humidity could make allergens like mold or dust mites more problematic in conjunction with the pet’s dander.
  • Exposure levels: Someone may have had a lower overall exposure to allergens in the past, either due to fewer pets or less contact with them, and the new pet may push that exposure threshold.

4. Cross-Reactivity

There’s a phenomenon called cross-reactivity, where a person who is allergic to one animal might also react to allergens from a different animal. For example:

  • Cat and Dog Allergies: Some people allergic to cats might also react to dogs because the proteins responsible for causing allergies (like Fel d 1 in cats and Can f 1 in dogs) are similar. The immune system can mistake the proteins of a new pet for those of an older one.
  • Rodents, Birds, or Other Pets: People allergic to one type of pet might develop allergies to completely different animals (e.g., developing an allergy to birds after having had no issues with a dog). This is because certain proteins in saliva, fur, or feathers might have structural similarities, confusing the immune system.

5. Type and Age of the New Pet

Young pets (puppies, kittens) often shed more allergens, including fur and dander, than older pets. This could be due to the fact that they have more active skin cells or they may shed more frequently as they grow. So, even if someone was fine with an older pet, a younger one might have more dander circulating in the environment.

6. Sensitivity to Specific Proteins in Pet Saliva or Urine

It’s not just the skin dander that can cause problems. Proteins found in a pet’s saliva or urine can also trigger allergic reactions. For example:

  • Cats and Dogs Licking Fur: Both cats and dogs spread their saliva over their fur when they groom themselves, which means that their saliva proteins get transferred to their fur and skin. If a person has been exposed to the saliva of one pet for a long time without a reaction, the saliva of a new pet could be a different protein altogether, leading to an allergy.

7. Pet Care Products

It’s also worth noting that people might develop sensitivities to products used in caring for pets, such as shampoos, flea treatments, or cleaning supplies. These allergens could cause issues even if someone has lived with other pets without trouble, especially if the new pet is exposed to different brands or types of products.

8. Changes in Body’s Allergic Sensitization

As we age, our immune system changes. A person may have been exposed to the allergens of previous pets without a noticeable allergic response, but their immune system may have become more reactive over time. The introduction of a new pet might be the tipping point.

To sum it up: While someone might not have had issues with existing pets, the combination of new pet dander, proteins, environmental factors, and changes in the immune system can all contribute to the development of an allergy. If this happens, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional for guidance on managing or alleviating symptoms.