Yesterday was a successful day in my ongoing battle against the ever-growing grass in my yard. As I pushed the mower back and forth under the sweltering sun, I made it a point to keep myself well-hydrated—a critical practice not just for my general health but particularly vital due to my kidney issues.
Hydration is essential for everyone, healthy or otherwise, but it becomes even more crucial when managing kidney dysfunction. While at a rehabilitation center, healthcare professionals emphasized the importance of drinking at least 2 liters of water daily. The kidneys play a pivotal role in filtering our blood and producing urine. Dehydration can lead to a higher concentration of minerals in your urine, which can crystallize and pose risks to kidney health. Ensuring adequate fluid intake helps the kidneys efficiently remove waste from the body.
Living in Nashville, where summer temperatures often soar above 95°F (35°C), staying active outdoors requires strategic planning, especially given my health condition. Whether running my regular routes or tending to my garden, I pause every 30 minutes to drink water. Although slightly disruptive, hydration breaks are non-negotiable for someone with kidney issues like mine. It takes a moment to muster the energy to continue my task each time, but maintaining optimal hydration levels is a top priority.
Despite the challenges, my kidney dysfunction doesn’t deter me from enjoying and engaging in outdoor activities. It’s all about adapting and finding ways to manage my condition while still living actively. This balance is crucial not only for my physical health but also for my mental well-being. Staying active and outdoors keeps me invigorated and connected to the world around me.
In conclusion, managing kidney health doesn’t mean you have to give up your active lifestyle. With the proper precautions, like regular hydration breaks, anyone can continue enjoying the benefits of outdoor activities. It’s about listening to your body, understanding its needs, and adjusting to support your health. This means venturing too far with a water bottle in hand and always planning for necessary pauses that allow me to stay hydrated and healthy.
Living in the United States, one inevitably encounters news of school shootings. One of the most recent tragic events I can recall was the shooting at Covenant School in Green Hills, Nashville, Tennessee, which resulted in six deaths. These incidents are deeply unsettling. Schools are supposed to be safe havens where students and teachers return home safely each day. Yet, on March 27, 2023, this expectation was shattered for many.
Statistics reveal the alarming frequency of school shootings in the United States, especially after the pandemic. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (September 2023), between 2000 and 2021, there were 108 homicides and 168 injuries caused by 47 active shooters in schools. In the 2019-2020 school year alone, there were 25 school-related deaths, including 23 homicides and one suicide.
Isolated – generated by NightCafe
Why did I open this blog by discussing these uncomfortable statistics? Reading “Nineteen Minutes” by Jodi Picoult prompted me to delve deeper into this issue. The novel built upon a layer of a school shooting from various perspectives, challenging my preconceived notions about shooters simply being evil and deserving punishment. It compelled me to confront the complex underlying issues contributing to such tragedies. Then, the thought makes me wonder if there are any ways to prevent school shootings.
Jodi Picoult’s powerful novel “19 Minutes” is a story about a devastating school shooting perpetrated by a high school student, Peter Hungton. In a harrowing nineteen-minute span, Peter takes the lives of ten people and injures nine others, leaving an indelible scar on the entire community in the rural town of Stealing City in New Hampshire.
When a detective first enters the school locker rooms. He found two bodies, Matt Royston’s, a famous athlete, and his girlfriend, Josie Cormier’s. Their bodies were found together in the locker room covered by blood. Matt was shot twice, while Josie finds herself amidst the chaos, covered in blood, though physically almost unharmed.
Jodie, once Peter’s childhood friend, drifted away to join the school’s elite, leaving Peter alone. Not only did she leave Peter, but she started dating one of Peter’s bullies, Matt Roystone. No matter how much Jodie tried to forget her old self, she found herself sandwiched between the self-image of the school elite and the rest. While balancing life at the school site and the past life with Peter, Josie grapples with conflicting emotions toward Peter and Matt.
Alex Cormier, Josie’s mother and a judge, faces dual challenges as a single parent and a professional handling the legal aftermath of the tragedy. Her daughter has no memory of the shooting and closed up her mind toward her mothers. Alex feels that she failed to be a good mother.
The narrative unfolds through multiple viewpoints, including Peter’s troubled perspective, Josie’s internal struggle, Alex’s ethical dilemmas, and the perspectives of key figures like detective Patrick Ducharme and defense attorney Jordan McAfee. While delving into the perspectives of many in this book, I realized that the issue is more complex than it seemed.
Instinctively, Detective Patric sensed the key to solving this case was to solve one of the puzzles about why Josie was not hurt at all. Yet, there is no way to find out from Josie since she seems to block out the memory of the shooting.
As the trial unfolds, Picoult skillfully exposes the layers of bullying and social ostracism that plagued Peter’s school life, largely unchecked by adults and peers alike. The novel delves deeply into societal issues, questioning the support systems and the lack of prevention of such catastrophic events.
Bullying and Its Impact on Adolescent Shooters
Is what this novel said true? I had to investigate the profile of the shooter. I found out that the majority of the active shooters at education centers are teenagers. Then, I found something disturbing. Many seem to have something in common. Research into the profiles of shooters reveals a common trait among many: 80% of them have experienced bullying, with 57% enduring bullying episodes lasting more than a week (Merod & Arundel, 2024).
These shooters often cite their experiences of being bullied as a pivotal factor in their actions. For instance, the shooter at Watson High School blamed bullies, teachers, social services, and the school for not intervening during his ordeal (Kowalski, March 29, 2023). Similarly, the shooter at Madison High School expressed feelings of being ostracized and unsupported, even by his own mother (para. 3).
Adolescents, Bullying, and Gun Carrying
Adolescents’ brains are a little different from that of adults. Neurologically, adolescents are still developing their frontal lobes, which can lead to a higher tolerance for risky decisions and impulsive actions based on uncertainty (Hartley & Somerville, 2015).
When horrible bullying occurs to adolescents without any intervention, one day, some will pick a gun to end their atrocious life at school. Adolescents who have been bullied have a 49% higher chance of carrying a gun compared to those who have not been bullied (Merod & Arundel, January 10, 2024). These neurological factors can contribute to adolescents’ responses to bullying and their access to firearms.
In “19 Minutes,” a poignant insight from a psychology expert highlights how a single incident of bullying in childhood can be as traumatic over time as a single instance of sexual abuse. Those horrible experiences are often blocked out from their memory; however, the rest will remember and scur them for life. Others may dismiss these experiences as minor parts of school life, while these experiences profoundly impact individuals like Peter.
A Call for Understanding and Support
Data indicates that the number of school shooting incidents has been increasing since the start of the pandemic. Psychologists hypothesize that people are missing out on face-to-face social interactions due to the restrictions placed on them. As a result, troubled adolescents may be experiencing even greater social isolation than before the pandemic. When I discovered this, I started to see why psychologists see people, and support could be the key to stopping tragedies.
There are similarities in characters between Hanna, from 13 Reasons Why, and Peter, from 19 Minutes. Both are crying for acknowledgment that they are loved by someone. However, their cries for help were unheard or insufficiently supported, leading to tragic outcomes that blur the lines between self-harm and violence against others. There are fine lines between them.
I checked to see if the case prevented school shootings and then came across Aaron Stark’s TED Talk. Aaron Stark (Stark, 2018) described his troubled adolescence as feeling like an outcast and unloved. Stark talked about his past experience of almost causing a school shooting. Stark felt like he had been outcasted and neglected by his parents. This horrible life must be stopped. He got a gun for a specific mission to harm others and himself. Then, he was stopped by a friend. His story underscores the critical importance of reaching out to troubled adolescents and providing them with support and intervention before it’s too late.
Conclusion: Understanding the Impact of Bullying
“19 Minutes” provides a poignant exploration of school bullying. It challenges readers to confront uncomfortable questions about culpability and the societal pressures young people face. The novel explores the boundaries of empathy and justice, urging a deeper consideration of what it means to be an outsider and the devastating outcomes when a community fails to nurture and protect all its members. Through its richly drawn characters and emotionally charged plot, “19 Minutes” asks a fundamental question: Can we truly judge Peter without first examining the world that shaped him?
As I navigate these sensitive issues, it becomes evident that proactive measures and empathetic responses are crucial in shaping a safer and more supportive environment for all adolescents. There is an urgent need for support and understanding for troubled youth. By fostering empathy and addressing the root causes of bullying and isolation, we can work towards preventing future tragedies and nurturing healthier communities. This book made me think about the importance of early intervention and community support in preventing tragedies.
Hartley, C. A., & Somerville, L. H. (2015). The neuroscience of adolescent decision-making. Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences, 5, 108–115. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cobeha.2015.09.004
National Center for Education Statistics. (September, 2023). Violent Deaths at School and Away From School, School Shootings, and Active Shooter Incidents (Annual Reports and Information Staff). [Annual Reports]. https://nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/indicator/a01
I’ve faced some real challenges with my exercise progress recently. After returning from Florida, I haven’t managed to up the weight in my curls.
I tire out quickly, and it’s taking me longer to bounce back from muscle soreness than it used to. The crux of the issue lies in muscle recovery. Given my compromised kidney function, I’m restricted to consuming just 35 grams of protein a day. There are times I wonder if my kidneys were healthier, could I increase my protein intake and, by extension, build more muscle? However, I’ve learned to work within my limits and maintain patience with my body’s pace.
Recognizing the importance of patience, I also realize the need for adaptation in my approach to fitness. Given my difficulties with muscle recovery, I’m contemplating introducing multiple weight-training sessions throughout the day. I’m considering adding a second set, perhaps before my evening meal. This idea has just been on my radar, primarily because I hadn’t found the right time or a consistent trigger for this addition to my routine.
Tomorrow marks the beginning of this new strategy. Following my usual run, I’ll get supper ready and shower. Then, I’ll perform a second set of weight training before I sit down to eat. This additional session is an experiment to see if increasing the frequency of my workouts can accelerate my progress.
Today, I lagged behind my usual routine due to an unexpected oversleep. Let me share how my day got off to a slower start. Exhaustion took hold of me last night, a remnant from hours spent mowing the lawn. It’s a taxing endeavor, especially when grappling with a compromised kidney function. Fatigue becomes a constant, unwelcome companion when your kidneys aren’t functioning optimally.
In my journey to recovery post-brainstroke, I’ve committed to regular exercise to boost my overall activity levels. This has indeed infused more energy into my days. Nevertheless, there are occasions when, despite a whole night’s rest, I feel unusually drained. Last night was such an instance. I went to bed on time, expecting sufficient sleep to recharge me.
I was awakened by my alarm this morning, ready to start the day. However, as I was about to rise, my wife initiated her post-run shower. My morning routine invariably begins with a bathroom visit, so I opted to wait for her to finish. Unfortunately, the coziness of my bed proved too seductive, and I drifted back to sleep.
This very scenario is why my occupational therapist has been adamant about the importance of maintaining a robust schedule and regular physical activity to strengthen my body’s endurance. It’s crucial for managing my health, particularly with my renal challenges.
Understanding the toll that kidney issues can take on energy levels, my wife is occasionally inclined to let me sleep a bit longer. To circumvent future disruptions, I plan to ask her to notify me when she’s done with her shower. Fortunately, today’s agenda is relatively relaxed, so this minor hiccup in my schedule should be manageable.
Moving forward, it’s clear that balancing my health needs with daily responsibilities will require some adjustments. It’s a manageable challenge that involves better communication and a little more planning. After all, maintaining a steady pace in life’s race can sometimes mean being flexible and adaptive to the unexpected.
Temperature plays a critical role in my daily life and physical activities due to my compromised ability to regulate body heat following a stroke. Living in Nashville, where temperatures can soar, has posed unique challenges to my running regimen. Initially, the heat negatively impacted my running pace, causing frustration and a temptation to make excuses for skipping my runs.
However, a recent drop in temperature has brought unexpected improvements to my running performance. I ran faster than my target pace yesterday and even set a new personal record for a 5K using a new running app. This clear indication of how much the weather affects my running was both surprising and encouraging.
Aside from my own physical activities, conversations at home often revolve around neuroscience, thanks to my wife’s passion for the subject. She recently reviewed a forthcoming book on the brain, seizing yet another opportunity to delve into a topic she loves. Our discussions often lead back to my own experiences, especially how keeping a running log helps maintain my motivation. Unlike the daily fluctuations, which can be disheartening, looking at monthly trends in my log shows a significant improvement in my speed, which is incredibly rewarding.
My wife’s admiration for my progress is a constant source of support. She marvels at how I’ve gone from being unable to walk ten years ago to completing 10K runs today. Her respect and encouragement play a massive role in my ongoing journey of recovery and perseverance.
Despite never using the hot weather as an excuse to avoid running, I acknowledge the internal battle against the temptation to give in on particularly sweltering days. These moments of weakness, where the voice in my head suggests it’s okay to stop, are challenging. However, staying vigilant and committed to my goals is crucial.
In conclusion, my journey through recovering thermocontrol and maintaining an active lifestyle post-stroke is filled with ups and downs, influenced heavily by external conditions like the weather. Yet, it’s also a testament to personal resilience and the importance of looking at the broader picture rather than getting bogged down by temporary setbacks. As I continue to run, each step is not just about pace or endurance but about overcoming the odds and pushing forward, no matter the temperature.
We’ve been gifted a free Saturday for the first time in several weeks. It’s been a hectic period, and this reprieve feels like a gentle exhale. While our usual chores beckon, there are no additional errands, family visits, or specific shopping trips crowding our agenda. The next burst of activity won’t come until the end of June when we venture out to pick blueberries.
In my mind, we were completely obligation-free. However, I quickly discovered that was only my perspective. As I settled into what I thought would be a lazy morning, I wandered into my room only to hear about my wife’s detailed cleaning agenda for the weekend. She’s set her sights on tackling the garage and reorganizing our storage room/pantry in preparation for the bustling month of June. Post-July will be dominated by our annual canning spree, making this the perfect time for such endeavors.
I’ve promised to assist with clearing out and tidying up whatever she deems necessary on this relatively calm Saturday. Aside from the cleaning, she’s also planned to whip up another batch of homemade tofu and has tasked me with bottling the kombucha, which I aim to do right after breakfast.
Though initially, I pictured a day spent lounging; my Saturday will be productive in a different yet equally satisfying way. Engaging in these practical tasks not only prepares us for the busier days ahead but also brings a sense of accomplishment and readiness for whatever the weeks ahead throw our way.
Nearly 38 million Americans suffer from Poverty in the United States. You will only understand what it is to be in it if you have lived in poverty. So, an American journalist, Barbara Ehrenreich, embarks on a unique investigative journey to experience the realities of living on a minimum wage in America. This insightful exploration, derived from her firsthand experiences working in various low-wage jobs across multiple states, sheds light on the daily struggles of millions of Americans.
Ehrenreich’s journey began when she left her full-time job as a journalist to delve into the lives of the working poor. She traveled to Florida, Maine, and Minnesota, taking on roles as a waitress, hotel cleaner, house cleaner, nursing care aide, and Wal-Mart sales clerk. Often, she found herself juggling more than one job simultaneously to make ends meet. No matter how much she spent budgeting her expenses, she lived paycheck to paycheck. She experienced a stark portrayal of the challenges faced by those earning minimum wage. Yet, she saw how important it was to note the resilience and determination of these workers, who continue to strive despite their odds, inspiring us with their unwavering spirit.
Through her varied job experiences, Ehrenreich discovered that no job is truly “unskilled.” Each position required mastering new tools, learning specific terminology, and understanding distinct operational procedures. Her coworkers and supervisors heavily influenced the quality of her work life, as they taught her the essential skills to do her jobs right or even get better schedules. Moreover, she realized that performing too well could paradoxically lead to increased expectations, potentially raising the bar for others in similar positions.
One of the most striking aspects of Ehrenreich’s narrative is her struggle with mobility and living conditions. Despite owning a car, the costs associated with commuting limited her options. If you try to live near the work to avoid owning a car, you now limit where you live. Even public transportation can be costly. In Nashville, for example, a ticket for 2 hours bus ride costs $2. You will likely spend over 1 hour of wages for transport if you have multiple jobs.
She often found herself in substandard living situations without basic amenities like air conditioning, relying on non-perishable—and frequently unhealthy—food options due to financial constraints. Her experiences highlight a critical issue: even with full-time employment, many Americans struggle to afford basic necessities, including medical insurance. These are not just statistics but real people with real struggles, and it’s crucial to remember that.
Drawing from personal experiences, I never faced the harsh realities of minimum wage labor during my formative years. My seasonal job as a lifeguard during university, which paid double the minimum wage, combined with the security of living with my parents or relatives, shielded me from the financial instabilities faced by many others. As I became an adult, I started meeting other people. This contrast became even more apparent as I encountered stories from individuals struggling with healthcare costs and living below the poverty line.
There are a few things I can do. I can do besides donating toys or food at the foodbank to use my skills in tax preparation. Through volunteer work as a tax preparer for low-income families in Tennessee, I gained further insight into the economic hardships many face. Many spoke to me about their hardships while preparing their taxes. I had to stop doing the tax preparation volunteer since the pandemic. The cessation of this activity due to the pandemic, considering my high-risk spouse, was regrettable but necessary.
Now, we look into the actual statistics. How many Americans are actually in poverty? The 2022 U.S. Census revealed an 11% national poverty rate, translating to 37.9 million people living in poverty (Bureau, n.d.), with local figures in Davidson County, TN, slightly higher.
I know there are some assistant programs. Tax preparation services are one of them. Despite the existence of assistance programs, many still need to be insured and burdened by rising living costs. The static federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, the same as Tennessee’s minimum wage, contrasts sharply with the escalating cost of living, exemplified by the near doubling of housing prices in Nashville since 2018. To consider access to the works, you must balance the higher and lower rent with the commute. You are looking at approximately $750 for a studio or 1-bedroom apartment – only a few are available. You can try owning a car and living in a rural area. Even the cars used are costly, and the gas prices are much higher than when I first moved here in 2018.
Can you move out of poverty? Ehrenreich’s narrative and corroborative personal observations make clear the pervasive cycle of poverty. When you don’t have enough money, you eat the available foods. You live in a lot of stress—you will have a higher chance of getting health problems. If you have medical insurance, the situation will be good.
When my husband was ill due to his stroke, I spent time investigating our options. I thought we had saved for a few years with all the medical costs. I was worried that my husband would not get well. Those publications are usually offered in English, but not all Americans can read English. Not everyone had emergency funds saved up. I met a family who was crying during the long-term care. The father, who was around 40 years old, got a brain stroke. She had two young children. She did not speak good English, but their situation stressed her. I gave her the business card for social assistance programs where she could speak her language to get support.
In the United States, poverty is everywhere, but the southern states have a higher poverty rate. I could not conclude the reasons, but I suspected that it had something to do with the types of industries the states have, the types of available jobs, or the infrastructure, such as schools and hospitals. According to Scioto Analysis (September 19, 2023), the cost of living is a significant factor.
Can a government do something about it? Perhaps. It is not that easy as it is, though. I was trying to make sense of the data, so I corrected various data, such as the inflation rate, the Gini coefficient, etc. I even gathered the data from other countries, such as Canada, Japan, and the EU, where I lived in the past. Factors such as the Gini coefficient or inflation do not correlate straightforwardly with poverty levels, suggesting a complex interplay of socioeconomic factors. Surprisingly, the U.S. is doing better than Japan or EU countries. Since the U.S. has many people, we have many people in poverty.
Ehrenreich’s book provides a compelling look into the lives of the working poor, a condition exacerbated by inadequate wages and rising living costs. Her experiences underscore the urgent need for policy reform and support systems that address the roots of poverty and provide meaningful support to those in need. Now, I see how complicated that would be. We still need to advocate for changes that will allow more individuals to escape the cycle of poverty and achieve economic stability.
I’m glad I read this book, even though it was depressing. I should remember that this is the reality for nearly 38 million Americans. And this is the 3rd banned book I read.
Our air conditioner has given up. Let me tell you, not having air conditioning in Nashville is nothing short of a disaster. The timing couldn’t be worse, with the mercury climbing increasingly uncomfortable. Without our usual setting of a modest 73-74°F, the malfunction of our cooling unit is becoming more than a mere inconvenience.
Fortunately, the service company that has helped us in the past is set to visit later today. It will be a relief to regain control over our indoor climate.
Reflecting on past experiences, I recall living in West Lafayette, Indiana, during my high school years, where we didn’t have an air conditioning system. Similarly, when my wife and I spent in Portland, Oregon, we managed without air conditioning. Summers there can be pretty hot, but the weather remains dry, and the nights abruptly bring starkly cooler temperatures. Keeping windows open at night to let in the cool air allows us to maintain a relatively comfortable atmosphere inside our home without needing constant air conditioning.
The scenario in Nashville, however, presents a stark contrast. Here, the combination of heat and humidity during the summer months makes the air feel oppressively hot. It’s astonishing how quickly we’ve adapted to the necessity of having air conditioning during the hot season, considering we’ve been Nashville residents for just over five years.
The swift reliance on air conditioning here speaks volumes about the local climate’s demands. In humid conditions, the actual temperature can feel exponentially hotter, which emphasizes the essential role of a functional air conditioning system in maintaining a livable environment.
Navigating this temporary discomfort has reminded me of the diverse climate adaptations required in different regions. Each place we’ve lived has offered its own unique challenges and solutions when it comes to dealing with heat. While natural ventilation sufficed in the cooler, dry nights of Portland, the humid and oppressive heat of a Nashville summer makes air conditioning not just a luxury but a necessity.
As we await the repair service, the thought of soon being able to adjust the temperature with a simple click of a button brings a sigh of relief. The ability to control one’s living environment is not only a matter of comfort but also of well-being, especially in regions where the weather can pose a significant challenge to both.
As I sit here, feeling the gradual increase in indoor temperature, I’m reminded of the importance of having reliable and efficient home systems and the peace of mind that comes with it. For now, the countdown to the repair technician’s arrival continues, and with it, the anticipation of returning to a cooler, more comfortable home environment.
Yesterday, I managed to complete mowing the remainder of the yard. This endeavor took a considerable amount of time and energy. Afterward, I found myself overwhelmingly hungry. This intense hunger isn’t unusual after three hours of strenuous physical activity. Yet, the quantity of food required to satiate this hunger surprised me. My post-activity meal consisted of a generous bowl of spaghetti, four granola bars, and a cookie. Only then did I feel the edge of my hunger dull—not full, just no longer hungry. I learned this important distinction from my grandparents, who emphasized it as a practical approach to maintaining a healthy weight.
Given the intensity of my hunger yesterday, I half-expected the scales this morning to suggest that my weight had dropped alarmingly low. I intend to maintain my current weight, so I need to be more mindful. The thought made me frown a bit. To my mild surprise, the scale showed that I was only half a pound lighter than the previous day, which was already slightly below the lower end of my desired weight range. I felt better. I can manage that by eating marginally more.
I make it a practice to regularly monitor my weight to ensure I maintain a healthy balance. On days like yesterday, when my physical activity leads to a higher calorie output than intake, it’s natural to see a slight decline in weight. Additionally, we are vigilant about our salt intake due to my high blood pressure issues. Even though salty foods tend to increase water retention, impacting weight measurements, I allow for what I consider an acceptable daily fluctuation—about 10% over or under my target weight.
As I prepare for my morning run, I’m curious how my robust eating from yesterday will influence today’s weight measurement. It’s a delicate balance, managing food intake against physical activity and overall health, and it’s a journey that always keeps me engaged and attentive to my body’s needs.
Navigating through these challenges, I continue to learn more about my body’s responses and how best to maintain a stable and healthy weight while still enjoying the foods I love and the activities that keep me fit. This balancing act is not just about numbers on a scale; it’s about feeling good, staying healthy, and living life to the fullest.
Since I began incorporating regular pull-up exercises into my workout routine, I’ve encountered the persistent issue of callouses. Interestingly, this is a problem my sister experienced years before me during high school as a gymnast. She often faced the painful reality of her hard-earned callouses being torn off due to rigorous training.
Back then, my sister had her own method of managing these nuisances. She diligently applied vitamin E to the raw areas before bandaging them with gauze and tape. So, when I started dealing with similar issues, naturally, I turned to her for advice. In response, she generously gifted me a pair of workout gloves to protect my hands during exercise.
However, the situation has evolved. Recently, I’ve noticed the callouses on my hands have thickened significantly. If they grow unchecked, I risk having them tear painfully, much like my sister used to endure. Fortunately, I have a convenient solution at hand to prevent that from happening.
A few years ago, I gave my wife a multipurpose tool equipped with a grindstone attachment intended initially to smooth out skin callouses, primarily caused by frequent pen use. My wife, an avid writer who spends time journaling, studying, and planning, suffered from callouses during her student years due to constant writing. She finds the tool quite effective.
Though it’s designed for foot callouses, it works equally well for the ones on my hands. I plan to use it judiciously over the next few days, ensuring I only file them down for short periods to avoid overdoing them.
This shared approach within our family helps us manage our skin issues. It strengthens our bond by passing down solutions and tools that address our shared challenges. Whether through high school gymnastics or adult fitness routines, our family has developed a reliable method for callous care that serves us across generations.
