buzzfeed--2020-06-06--Protests Will Likely Spread The Coronavirus. These Doctors And Nurses Are Protesting Anyway.

Anna Maria Ruiz is all too aware of the human toll of the coronavirus pandemic sweeping the globe .
As a critical care nurse who has treated patients in their darkest hours , she fears the possibility of being outnumbered by severe cases , running out of personal protective equipment , and getting sick herself .
But Ruiz , who is Afro-Latina , lives in fear of something else , too : racism , discrimination , and violence against black Americans .
The police killings of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor , both unarmed black people , have ignited protests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ size and number by the day .
Weeks of social distancing had finally led to a decline in cases for Ruiz to treat at her hospital in central Texas , but when a demonstration sprung up in downtown Austin last weekend , she felt compelled to be there — despite what she knew was the very real threat of the coronavirus spreading further as a result .
“ I just feel like it ’ s too important to not show up for , ” the 27-year-old told BuzzFeed News .
“ I feel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for my rights , my partner ’ s rights , my father ’ s rights , my brother ’ s rights , my friends ’ rights .
It ’ s everybody ’ s fight to me.
” Doctors , nurses , residents , medical students , and others in the medical field are just some of the thousands of protesters flooding town squares and downtowns .
To some , their participation may seem controversial or hypocritical .
In interviews with BuzzFeed News , a half-dozen health care providers who attended recent events all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic , which has killed more than 100,000 Americans .
And they , like other health experts , believe that the crowds will likely spread the virus , especially when police use tear gas and conduct mass arrests .
A surge in coronavirus cases will likely be hitting their hospitals in the coming weeks .
But while the decision to attend was tough for some , they all said they were deeply distraught by the racial inequality that runs through seemingly every facet of American life — from the economy to education to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are dying at higher rates .
They said they see themselves as advocates for patients , not just inside the hospital but outside of it as well .
Police brutality and systemic inequality are so oppressive , they said , as to leave them no choice but to publicly take a stand .
Those forces , they noted , are also a public health crisis .
As Dr. Jessica Edwards , a family medicine physician in New Braunfels , Texas , put it : “ I ’ m an African American first before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the health care workers interviewed said that they wore masks , tried to keep a distance from other protesters , and felt that the vast majority of people around them were doing the same .
Several also came prepared to serve as medics in the event of police officers unleashing tear gas , tasers , flash grenades , pepper spray , and rubber bullets on crowds .
Earlier this spring , a smaller group of people gathered across the country to protest — in this case , against the stay-at-home-orders that have helped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but have also paralyzed businesses and driven historic numbers of Americans out of work .
Groups of protesters flooded statehouses , some of them armed , and were criticized for potentially and needlessly spreading the virus as a result .
Should the same criticisms apply to the current protests ?
To the nurses and doctors interviewed for this article , the difference boiled down to a cause that is more widespread and fundamental , even existential .
“ I am incredibly sympathetic to the ways [ the shutdown ] impacts my fellow Americans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a first-year psychiatry resident in Southern California .
“ However , I will say that I do feel that I agree with the people who say , ‘ If it ’ s your job or your life , it should be your life that you pick.
’ And I think that ’ s what Black Lives Matter is doing — they ’ re picking life.
” Data shows that in the US , black people have shorter life expectancies than white people , she noted .
“ It ’ s not just inherently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our right to live , to just exist , to survive in this society.
” Below are the doctors and nurses in their own words .
Their comments have been edited for brevity and clarity .
On the killing of George Floyd : “ I don ’ t know what hits me so hard about this case , and everyone else too .
This just seems to be the final straw for a lot of people .
And I think it ’ s just something very different about watching a man slowly die @ @ @ @ @ @ @ something that people see every day .
… It ’ s horrific to watch .
It ’ s something I feel like no human being should see .
And then you take it further : that could have been my dad or my uncle or my brother or me.
” On her protest sign ( pictured above ) : “ When I ’ m in a patient ’ s room , [ patients say ] I ’ m great , I ’ m the best nurse ever , whatever they want to say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about me as a person if I wasn ’ t the one taking care of you , if your life wasn ’ t in my hands right now ?
If we were on the street , would you treat me with the same respect if I had on jeans and a T-shirt ?
That is a real question that I have to ask myself every time I ’ m in a patient ’ s room , sadly .
… If I am a great person in scrubs , I ’ m a great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t have to live in two different worlds divided only by my uniform.
” On safety : “ I didn ’ t see one person out there without a mask — there are people out there handing out hand sanitizer and extra masks .
There are people out there really trying to preserve the health of other people , but they understood that this was , again , necessary .
It ’ s a really powerful thing to watch from a distance but also to be in the midst of it.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been working nonstop on a COVID patient unit in her hospital .
She had no hesitation about going to a peaceful protest this weekend , where she and a crowd of others in masks stood in silence for eight minutes , the amount of time that police officer Derek Chauvin pushed his knee on George Floyd ’ s neck .
Sarah , who declined to share her last name for security reasons , has Dominican heritage , but says her light skin makes her “ the whitest person in my family.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her aware of her privilege to freely go about life and stand up for those who can not .
On why she chose to protest : “ Being a registered nurse , I felt I had a duty to my community , not only to care for them in the hospital setting , but also to recognize health disparities and racism and microaggressions and this kind of stress of seeing your people die , seeing people that look like you being murdered by police , constantly , and see the brutality they ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think of the likely possibility that COVID-19 cases will surge as a result of the protests ?
“ I ’ m out there , and I see the pain of what people are going through and I think that people need to express that and let it out because you can ’ t just cope with that , internalizing it .
“ Demanding justice is necessary and we ’ re able to protect our protesters as best as we can through the use of masks .
But of course , you can ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ become exposed .
It ’ s important not to gaslight the black experience and blame them for being exposed to COVID through expressing that pain and demanding justice .
It ’ s not my place to judge , it ’ s not my place especially as a nurse to judge , and I ’ m going to treat my patients the way I normally would with respect and empathy , regardless of where they come from , regardless of why they got sick .
“ The funny thing is that there ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without masks , going to Publix , going to Target , going all over the place and intentionally pretending COVID is not happening and exposing themselves and then coming to our ERs .
And I ’ m going to treat them exactly the same .
People are making decisions for their own health .
And I think for a lot of people right now , there is no choice other than seeking justice for their communities .
Because they just can not stand for another murder and neither can I.
” Rawlins has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health care since she was an undergraduate at Harvard in 2012 , when she first marched in protest of the fatal shooting of Trayvon Martin .
Historically , she notes , black communities have been wary of the medical establishment , and with good reason : They ’ ve been subjected to experimentation and unequal treatment .
“ That , in the middle of a pandemic , is just cause for trains colliding , in a sense , ” she said .
Over the last week , Rawlins , who is black , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for physicians dedicated to racial justice .
On the differences between these protests and the recent protests to reopen the economy : “ I ’ d say the concept of protesting during this pandemic is inherently dangerous .
And when you weigh the pros versus cons of whether to protest , I would argue that if you feel that balance tips in favor of protesting , it depends on the cause you ’ re protesting for .
I think that the purpose of the protest is inherently linked to your decision , weighing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether or not you protest .
So the differences that I see between Black Lives Matter protests and the protests to reopen the economy are , again , purpose and intention .
“ It ’ s not that the idea of reopening the economy is problematic .
I think a lot of public health experts have said there are ways to reopen the economy safely but they must be done carefully and thoughtfully … From my understanding , from the signs I saw on the news , people wanted to open the economy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That doesn ’ t make sense to me .
On the flip side , the Black Lives Matter movement is arguing for black communities who were not only experiencing incredible trauma and inequality at baseline before all this started , but also during the pandemic.
” Last weekend , Kim and his partner showed up to a protest with first aid kits , masks , and other gear that showed they were street medics .
They turned out to need all of it .
Kim treated protesters who were shot in the torso @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And his partner was hit by a ricocheted rubber bullet , too , though not harmed .
The coronavirus is a real health threat , Kim said , but so is violence inflicted by law enforcement .
On protesting : “ I ’ m Korean American , I haven ’ t been subject to this kind of violence .
I ’ ve had the privilege of that .
But for my black brothers and sisters , for my partner , who ’ s Afro-Latina , this is every day , this is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I talk to can see they have a loved one who could have been George Floyd , could ’ ve been Trayvon Martin , could ’ ve been Tamir Rice .
It ’ s a reckoning and all of us need to step up.
” On the coronavirus ’ s health risks : “ First off , I ’ ll say protests are happening outdoors and people are wearing masks and people are wearing stuff on top of it .
That is decreasing the risk of transmission , just thinking about it at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But certainly people are going to be out , that ’ s going to increase the risk of transmission .
But I think everyone ’ s making personal decisions — how much they want to avoid the coronavirus , versus protest against this virus of white supremacy and racism that ’ s really deeply embedded in our criminal justice system.
” If the protests help spark a new wave of infections in a few weeks , would that change your view of their value ?
“ I think it wouldn ’ t change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ qualify it .
I would say that right now , I wouldn ’ t recommend if you had a chronic health condition , if you are of an older age , if you ’ re just more vulnerable to the damaging , inflammatory impacts of the coronavirus … don ’ t come out to the protests .
But I think everyone ’ s got ta make their own decisions about that .
The folks who are coming out , definitely need to be careful on what happens when they go home .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lot of people are getting arrested and going into the jails where they ’ re not doing a good job of controlling the virus .
So maybe people aren ’ t going to get it from the protests , maybe people are going to get it from getting arrested and being detained .
I don ’ t think there ’ s a right answer here.
” Dr. Jessica Edwards Age : 32 Location : New Braunfels , Texas Job : Family medicine physician and president of the Committee of Interns and Residents , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and fellows Edwards runs her own private practice in her small town in Texas , where she says she ’ s one of just three or four black physicians .
The urgency of the moment has drawn her in recent days to her local town square , where a few dozen people have been gathering .
Her advice to health care providers considering whether to protest : “ It depends on what this means to you .
For me , I ’ m a mother to a black son .
I feel like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like his life matters more to me , and his ability to be an American without worrying or fearing for his life , dying at the hands of police , matters way more to me .
I would lay down my life for my child , right ?
For me , I feel like the stakes are much higher .
“ Look at your city , see if you have allies , make sure you ’ re not out there completely by yourself… It ’ s identifying that and then when it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if you ’ re already around a bunch of sick people in hospitals , it may not be your fight to fight , but you can support in other ways if you can ’ t physically be out at the protests : Donating to action PACs , having uncomfortable conversations with friends and loved ones , speaking out against injustices and racial bigotry that you hear from friends and loved ones.
” Janeway often wears her white coat to protests on purpose : as a white doctor , she says , she can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Sometimes it gives them pause to maybe shooting us with rubber bullets , ” she said .
On the health risks of protesting : “ Obviously that is an increased risk , but I think we ’ re at a point in history where you have to decide how much risk you ’ re willing to take .
As a person who has quite a lot of privilege , and I ’ m young and healthy , I felt like this was kind of a no-brainer .
There are all these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are older than me , who don ’ t necessarily have health insurance — and they ’ re out there risking their own health in the name of trying to really call attention to this issue that is devastating an entire race and our country and other minority races as well .
It kind of feels like this just keeps happening again and again and again and there ’ s no justice .
At some point , there has to be some sort of a big protest and a big outpouring of support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be created .
“ There ’ s absolutely going to be cases of COVID that come from these events .
I have no doubt of that .
I do think there ’ s going to be a spike .
I think that ’ s really , really unfortunate .
It ’ s sad to me that an entire group of people have to go out in the street and continue to protest day after day after day to fight for something that should not be an issue in our country today .
People @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the streets asking for basic justice .
People shouldn ’ t have to be on the streets asking to not get killed in daylight by a police officer for absolutely no reason .
That shouldn ’ t be something that we are still talking about today in 2020 .
But it is .
”

Anna Maria Ruiz is all too aware of the human toll of the coronavirus pandemic sweeping the globe. As a critical care nurse who has treated patients in their darkest hours, she fears the possibility of being outnumbered by severe cases, running out of personal protective equipment, and getting sick herself.
But Ruiz, who is Afro-Latina, lives in fear of something else, too: racism, discrimination, and violence against black Americans.
The police killings of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, both unarmed black people, have ignited protests across the nation that are exploding in size and number by the day. Weeks of social distancing had finally led to a decline in cases for Ruiz to treat at her hospital in central Texas, but when a demonstration sprung up in downtown Austin last weekend, she felt compelled to be there — despite what she knew was the very real threat of the coronavirus spreading further as a result.
“I just feel like it’s too important to not show up for,” the 27-year-old told BuzzFeed News. “I feel like it’s about me fighting for my rights, my partner’s rights, my father’s rights, my brother’s rights, my friends’ rights. It’s everybody’s fight to me.”
Doctors, nurses, residents, medical students, and others in the medical field are just some of the thousands of protesters flooding town squares and downtowns. To some, their participation may seem controversial or hypocritical. In interviews with BuzzFeed News, a half-dozen health care providers who attended recent events all said they were deeply concerned about the pandemic, which has killed more than 100,000 Americans.
And they, like other health experts, believe that the crowds will likely spread the virus, especially when police use tear gas and conduct mass arrests. A surge in coronavirus cases will likely be hitting their hospitals in the coming weeks.
But while the decision to attend was tough for some, they all said they were deeply distraught by the racial inequality that runs through seemingly every facet of American life — from the economy to education to the pandemic itself, where black people are dying at higher rates. They said they see themselves as advocates for patients, not just inside the hospital but outside of it as well. Police brutality and systemic inequality are so oppressive, they said, as to leave them no choice but to publicly take a stand.
Those forces, they noted, are also a public health crisis.
As Dr. Jessica Edwards, a family medicine physician in New Braunfels, Texas, put it: “I’m an African American first before I’m a physician.”
All the health care workers interviewed said that they wore masks, tried to keep a distance from other protesters, and felt that the vast majority of people around them were doing the same. Several also came prepared to serve as medics in the event of police officers unleashing tear gas, tasers, flash grenades, pepper spray, and rubber bullets on crowds.
Earlier this spring, a smaller group of people gathered across the country to protest — in this case, against the stay-at-home-orders that have helped stem the transmission of the virus, but have also paralyzed businesses and driven historic numbers of Americans out of work. Groups of protesters flooded statehouses, some of them armed, and were criticized for potentially and needlessly spreading the virus as a result.
Should the same criticisms apply to the current protests? To the nurses and doctors interviewed for this article, the difference boiled down to a cause that is more widespread and fundamental, even existential.
“I am incredibly sympathetic to the ways [the shutdown] impacts my fellow Americans,” said Dr. Yasmin Rawlins, a first-year psychiatry resident in Southern California. “However, I will say that I do feel that I agree with the people who say, ‘If it’s your job or your life, it should be your life that you pick.’ And I think that’s what Black Lives Matter is doing — they’re picking life.”
Data shows that in the US, black people have shorter life expectancies than white people, she noted. “It’s not just inherently unjust. We’re fighting for our right to live, to just exist, to survive in this society.”
Below are the doctors and nurses in their own words. Their comments have been edited for brevity and clarity.


buzzfeed--2020-06-10--Here Are A Handful Of Signs Of Postpartum Depression You Might Not Know Of

I no longer cared to participate in the activities I 'd always loved .
I ’ ve always been a reader .
Always .
I was reading books in the playground when my classmates were playing handball — and in a first for parents everywhere , my dad actually told my adolescent self ( after having brought yet another book to the dinner table ) that I read too much .
The photo above is of me on a family holiday , taken by my then-boyfriend , now-husband to demonstrate how addicted I was to reading .
It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have time for all their hobbies and passions — all your time has been eaten up by a new , little human .
But it should ’ ve been a cause for concern that the thought of reading in spare moments — something that had always relaxed me and given me so much joy — disinterested me entirely for a long time after my son ’ s birth .
There ’ s a difference between being too tired to engage in your pastimes and being lukewarm towards what would usually be source of @ @

I no longer cared to participate in the activities I'd always loved.
I’ve always been a reader. Always. I was reading books in the playground when my classmates were playing handball — and in a first for parents everywhere, my dad actually told my adolescent self (after having brought yet another book to the dinner table) that I read too much. The photo above is of me on a family holiday, taken by my then-boyfriend, now-husband to demonstrate how addicted I was to reading.
It’s natural that a new parent should not have time for all their hobbies and passions — all your time has been eaten up by a new, little human. But it should’ve been a cause for concern that the thought of reading in spare moments — something that had always relaxed me and given me so much joy — disinterested me entirely for a long time after my son’s birth. There’s a difference between being too tired to engage in your pastimes and being lukewarm towards what would usually be source of energy.


buzzfeed--2020-06-07--We Asked People With Schizophrenia What They Wished Their Loved Ones Understood, And Here's What The

We Asked People With Schizophrenia What They Wished Their Loved Ones Understood, And Here's What They Said

`` People often assume schizophrenia is just hearing voices , but it ’ s more complex .
Yes , there @ @ @ @ @ also involves a whole list of symptoms that can impact living daily life and how @ @ @ @ @ `` People in my life have had to learn to make adjustments as well .
@ @ @ @ @ early , or changing plans to be in a more helpful environment based on my @ @ @ @ @ the flexibility it takes to be the healthiest version of myself .
My diagnosis doesn @ @ @ @ @ It just means I , and the people around me , need to learn how @ @ @ @ @ adjustments . ''

10. "People often assume schizophrenia is just hearing voices, but it’s more complex. Yes, there are hallucinations — but schizophrenia also involves a whole list of symptoms that can impact living daily life and how a person functions."
"People in my life have had to learn to make adjustments as well. Canceling last minute, leaving early, or changing plans to be in a more helpful environment based on my symptoms is all part of the flexibility it takes to be the healthiest version of myself. My diagnosis doesn’t mean misery: It just means I, and the people around me, need to learn how to live well by making adjustments."
—Nathan Shuherk, email submission


buzzfeed--2020-06-02--21 Tweets That Brilliantly Ended Men This Month

why do men think they ’ re doing something when they comment “ thirst trap !
!
” on your @ @ @ @ @ posted a picture that I look good in .
you should try it sometime instead @ @ @ @ @ of you and 12 other grown men at the club

why do men think they’re doing something when they comment “thirst trap!!” on your pics like yeah? I posted a picture that I look good in. you should try it sometime instead of those weird blurry photos of you and 12 other grown men at the club


buzzfeed--2020-05-30--If You’re Going Out To Protest During The Pandemic, Be Careful Of The Coronavirus Risk

Thousands of people filled the streets of Minneapolis this week to protest the death of George Floyd , an unarmed black man who died after a police officer choked him with his knee .
As those protests carry over into their fourth night , public health experts warned that mass gatherings — no matter how urgent — were ripe ground for the spread of the coronavirus , and participants should use extra safety measures .
“ Protests against racist violence including the murder of Breonna Taylor , Tony McDade , and George Floyd involve being in large crowds of people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public health at the University of California , Riverside told BuzzFeed News .
“ During this pandemic , if you are not able to use proper prevention measures including physical distancing and wearing masks , you put yourself at higher risk for COVID-19.
” Wearing a mask and keeping at least 6 feet away from other protesters is key , Brown said .
Dr. John Swartzberg , whose work at UC Berkeley focuses on infectious diseases , told BuzzFeed News he recommended wearing glasses , goggles , or another form of eye protection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disease entering through the eye , which some research suggests could be possible .
“ We do n't know how important a face shield is or goggles are , ” Swartzberg said , “ but we think it ’ s sufficiently important that we have healthcare workers wear a face shield.
” Another issue is that yelling thrusts more droplets of the disease into the air , increasing the chance of infection .
Swartzberg pointed to an infamous soccer match in Italy that became the epicenter of a COVID-19 outbreak when fans in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and embraced each other when they won .
“ Screaming is going to expel lots more particles with a lot more force , ” he said .
Then there ’ s tear gas , a weapon used by police forces for crowd control worldwide .
According to Sven Eric Jordt , associate professor in anesthesiology at Duke University , tear gas can damage the respiratory system , which the coronavirus also attacks .
“ This is really a chemical weapon , right ?
And it 's designed to induce pain , ” he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thing to do if you ’ ve been exposed to tear gas , Jordt said , is to move away from the source as quickly as possible .
At first , someone affected by it will feel pain in their throat and face .
Some people ’ s eyes shut involuntarily as a reaction to it .
There will be a lot of mucus production in the lungs , so there would be a lot of coughing .
It may eventually lead to feelings of anxiety and asphyxiation , and gasping for breath @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has , let 's say , a heart condition or asthma , they can experience much more severe responses like asthma attacks or a risk of hospitalization , ” Jordt said .
“ There have been cardiovascular issues described that probably related to a heart attack .
Those are very rare but have been described in the literature.
” One viral tweet with over a quarter of a million retweets advises people to counteract tear gas with baking soda diluted in water .
Jordt said that method could work but has potentially dangerous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ areas , and any possible wounds .
A better method would be to use water and , if possible , to change clothes and have a shower .
“ If you remove yourself from the source and can rinse and change clothing , the symptoms really subside after some of an hour or several hours , ” he said .
“ However , if you have high exposure and risk with burns on the eyes and skin , this can take days or weeks to heal .
And many people become very sensitive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unknown how damage from tear gas could affect someone who has COVID-19 , but Jordt pointed to studies from the US Army that showed that recruits who had been exposed to tear gas were more prone to respiratory infections , like colds and the flu .
“ We see this militarization and more and more use of tear gas much earlier than before , ” he said .
“ I 'm very concerned this is a continuing escalation and that not only in Hong Kong or other countries , but now in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advocating for really reassessing tear gas after seeing what toxicological effects it can have.
” Brown says that protesters must be informed of the public health effects of both the pandemic and the violence against vulnerable groups in the US face .
“ Be aware of the disproportional death rates for African Americans , Native Americans , and Latinx people from both COVID-19 and police violence , ” Brown said .

Thousands of people filled the streets of Minneapolis this week to protest the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who died after a police officer choked him with his knee. As those protests carry over into their fourth night, public health experts warned that mass gatherings — no matter how urgent — were ripe ground for the spread of the coronavirus, and participants should use extra safety measures.
“Protests against racist violence including the murder of Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, and George Floyd involve being in large crowds of people,” Brandon Brown, who teaches public health at the University of California, Riverside told BuzzFeed News. “During this pandemic, if you are not able to use proper prevention measures including physical distancing and wearing masks, you put yourself at higher risk for COVID-19.”
Wearing a mask and keeping at least 6 feet away from other protesters is key, Brown said.
Dr. John Swartzberg, whose work at UC Berkeley focuses on infectious diseases, told BuzzFeed News he recommended wearing glasses, goggles, or another form of eye protection to try to prevent droplets of the disease entering through the eye, which some research suggests could be possible.
“We don't know how important a face shield is or goggles are,” Swartzberg said, “but we think it’s sufficiently important that we have healthcare workers wear a face shield.”
Another issue is that yelling thrusts more droplets of the disease into the air, increasing the chance of infection. Swartzberg pointed to an infamous soccer match in Italy that became the epicenter of a COVID-19 outbreak when fans in close proximity cheered on their favorite team and embraced each other when they won. “Screaming is going to expel lots more particles with a lot more force,” he said.
Then there’s tear gas, a weapon used by police forces for crowd control worldwide. According to Sven Eric Jordt, associate professor in anesthesiology at Duke University, tear gas can damage the respiratory system, which the coronavirus also attacks.
“This is really a chemical weapon, right? And it's designed to induce pain,” he told BuzzFeed News.
The most important thing to do if you’ve been exposed to tear gas, Jordt said, is to move away from the source as quickly as possible. At first, someone affected by it will feel pain in their throat and face. Some people’s eyes shut involuntarily as a reaction to it. There will be a lot of mucus production in the lungs, so there would be a lot of coughing. It may eventually lead to feelings of anxiety and asphyxiation, and gasping for breath is common.
“If a person has, let's say, a heart condition or asthma, they can experience much more severe responses like asthma attacks or a risk of hospitalization,” Jordt said. “There have been cardiovascular issues described that probably related to a heart attack. Those are very rare but have been described in the literature.”
One viral tweet with over a quarter of a million retweets advises people to counteract tear gas with baking soda diluted in water. Jordt said that method could work but has potentially dangerous effects, including irritating skin, sensitive areas, and any possible wounds. A better method would be to use water and, if possible, to change clothes and have a shower.
“If you remove yourself from the source and can rinse and change clothing, the symptoms really subside after some of an hour or several hours,” he said. “However, if you have high exposure and risk with burns on the eyes and skin, this can take days or weeks to heal. And many people become very sensitive over time.”
It’s still unknown how damage from tear gas could affect someone who has COVID-19, but Jordt pointed to studies from the US Army that showed that recruits who had been exposed to tear gas were more prone to respiratory infections, like colds and the flu.
“We see this militarization and more and more use of tear gas much earlier than before,” he said. “I'm very concerned this is a continuing escalation and that not only in Hong Kong or other countries, but now in the US, too. So I'm advocating for really reassessing tear gas after seeing what toxicological effects it can have.”
Brown says that protesters must be informed of the public health effects of both the pandemic and the violence against vulnerable groups in the US face.
“Be aware of the disproportional death rates for African Americans, Native Americans, and Latinx people from both COVID-19 and police violence,” Brown said.


buzzfeed--2020-06-01--This Scary Story Of How A Girl Found Out She Has Two Uteruses Truly Left Me Speechless

When Emma and her mom got to the ER , she was rushed into a room without even being checked @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Unfortunately , when I got into the room , I was interrogated about @ @ @ @ @ had to explain to multiple doctors that I was n't sexually active , though they @ @ @ @ @ It was a hard conversation for me to have at that age .
Anyways , @ @ @ @ @ doctors come in and look at me .
But because there was so much blood @ @ @ @ @ see inside of me very well .
And , because they could n't see , @ @ @ @ @ idea what was going on with me . ''

When Emma and her mom got to the ER, she was rushed into a room without even being checked in at the front desk. "Unfortunately, when I got into the room, I was interrogated about my sexual history. I had to explain to multiple doctors that I wasn't sexually active, though they didn't believe me. It was a hard conversation for me to have at that age. Anyways, I had a couple of doctors come in and look at me. But because there was so much blood, they couldn't really see inside of me very well. And, because they couldn't see, none of them had any idea what was going on with me."


buzzfeed--2020-06-01--This Girl On TikTok With A Severe Stutter Has Gone Viral Because Of Her Brave Videos

That all changed in 2018 , when she was a contestant in the Miss New York Teen pageant .
`` @ @ @ @ @ stage in front of a lot of people , judges , and cameras to say @ @ @ @ @ I was representing .
I was so beyond nervous and could barely get a word @ @ @ @ @ it .
And that is when my confidence began to blossom , '' she said @

That all changed in 2018, when she was a contestant in the Miss New York Teen pageant. "I had to speak on stage in front of a lot of people, judges, and cameras to say my name and what town I was representing. I was so beyond nervous and could barely get a word out, but I did it. And that is when my confidence began to blossom," she said.


buzzfeed--2020-06-12--There Are Six Types Of "Smart" And This Doodle Quiz Can Tell You Which You Are

Take this quiz live with your friends and see everyone 's results !

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buzzfeed--2020-05-30--This Family On TikTok Painted Their Baby's Placenta, And The Reactions Are Mixed

They told BuzzFeed that they first came across the painting idea on YouTube .
`` At first , it seemed @ @ @ @ @ had never seen it or heard of it , '' Ariana said .
`` But @ @ @ @ @ thing once you really understand that you 're looking at the organ that literally took @ @ @ @ @ . ''

They told BuzzFeed that they first came across the painting idea on YouTube. "At first, it seemed a little weird because I had never seen it or heard of it," Ariana said. "But it's such a beautiful thing once you really understand that you're looking at the organ that literally took care of your little one."


buzzfeed--2020-05-28--This Man Shared A Video Showing How Much Wax Was On His Apple, So I Tried His Hack And Here's What H

This Man Shared A Video Showing How Much Wax Was On His Apple, So I Tried His Hack And Here's What Happened

Before we begin , I would like to say that apples actually product their own wax naturally to reduce moisture @ @ @ @ @ , but a lot of that wax gets washed off during the picking and distributing @ @ @ @ @ add on a coat of edible , synthetic wax to add shine and make them @ @ @ @ @ — and the apple industry says it also helps protect the produce

Before we begin, I would like to say that apples actually product their own wax naturally to reduce moisture loss and keep them fresh, but a lot of that wax gets washed off during the picking and distributing process. So some places add on a coat of edible, synthetic wax to add shine and make them look more appetizing to buy — and the apple industry says it also helps protect the produce


buzzfeed--2020-05-29--I Caught My Boyfriend Using Tinder And Talking To Girls — Should I Dump Him?

If any one of the issues you outlined in your DM was the only problem in your relationship , maybe @ @ @ @ @ through it .
Maybe you could get over catching him on Tinder .
Maybe you @ @ @ @ @ up with another girl .
Maybe you could get over him lying about communications with @ @ @ @ @ these things are serious violations , but if one of them was the ONLY indiscretion @ @ @ @ @ , maybe it would be worth trying to work through .
Maybe .

If any one of the issues you outlined in your DM was the only problem in your relationship, maybe you could find a way through it. Maybe you could get over catching him on Tinder. Maybe you could get over him meeting up with another girl. Maybe you could get over him lying about communications with his ex. All of these things are serious violations, but if one of them was the ONLY indiscretion in an otherwise solid relationship, maybe it would be worth trying to work through. Maybe.


buzzfeed--2020-05-31--Chrissy Teigen Revealed She Got Tested For COVID-19 So She Could Get Her Breast Implants Removed

`` I did my boobs when I was about 20 years old , '' she said .
`` It was @ @ @ @ @ .
I thought , if I 'm going to be posing , laid on my @ @ @ @ @ to be perky !
But then you have babies and they fill up with milk @ @ @ @ @ am screwed . ''

As we all know by now, Chrissy Teigen is definitely the kind of person to be open and honest about pretty much everything, and getting tested for COVID-19 was hardly any different.


buzzfeed--2020-05-28--Chrissy Teigen Got A COVID-19 Test And Documented The Experience In A Video On Twitter

Chrissy also responded to a Twitter user who felt like posting the footage of her test might scare others from @ @ @ @ @ noted in her reply , she really thought the test was no big deal , @ @ @ @ @ watches the video understands that it `` could n't have been easier . ''

Chrissy also responded to a Twitter user who felt like posting the footage of her test might scare others from getting one. As Chrissy noted in her reply, she really thought the test was no big deal, and hopes that anyone who watches the video understands that it "couldn't have been easier."


buzzfeed--2020-05-29--10 Ways To Reconnect With Your S.O. If Things Have Been Feeling Off Lately

Binging a great show together is a top-tier couple activity , but when you 're already staying in so much @ @ @ @ @ to make it your go-to activity together .
And even though you 're maybe both @ @ @ @ @ throughout , it can be difficult to fully connect .
Enter : No-TV nights , @ @ @ @ @ music and eat dinner in a designated spot ( that 's not , as Esther @ @ @ @ @ work stuff slightly out of the way . )
It 'll give you the chance @ @ @ @ @ your routine and focus a little more on each other .

Buddy systems work well as motivational tools to keep you committed to your routine. But also: science says that the couples who break a sweat together, stay together, due to everything from endorphin release to bonding over a shared goal. Health benefits plus a stronger relationship — is there a downside here?
More: 15 Online Workouts You Can Do At Home Instead Of At The Gym


buzzfeed--2020-05-28--TikTokers Have Figured Out A Way To Show People How They See Without Their Glasses

She added , `` With any health care provider , it is important to find the right fit for you @ @ @ @ @ try a few different practitioners .
Find a doctor that allows you to feel heard @ @ @ @ @ like and trust your doctors , you are going to be more compliant with their @ @ @ @ @ In the long run , that will keep you as healthy as possible ! ''

Dr. Rose also said that wearing someone else's glasses is not good for your eyes — so don't do it! "Too much power or not enough power can both negatively affect eyes. It's like Goldilocks and the three bears. You want the prescription that is just right for your unique eyes. The results could be headache, eyestrain, nausea, and also worsening of your true prescription. Please, please, please don't do it!"


buzzfeed--2020-05-26--Chris Evans Opened Up About His Anxiety Attacks And How It Almost Stopped Him From Becoming Captain

Chris Evans Opened Up About His Anxiety Attacks And How It Almost Stopped Him From Becoming Captain America

`` That was back when the superhero thing was just taking off , '' Chris explained .
`` I had @ @ @ @ @ needed it !
It felt like a corner had been turned . ''
Although no @ @ @ @ @ might have been hinting at his relationship with Jessica Biel , who he dated from @ @

Chris said early on in his career, he felt like he couldn't "make a good movie." He was turned down for a string of films like Milk, Gone Baby Gone, and Fracture. When he finally landed Puncture — a movie he loves — in 2010, his anxiety followed him on set.


buzzfeed--2020-06-02--This Woman Went Into The ER For What Felt Like Period Cramps And Found Out She Was Pregnant And In L

This Woman Went Into The ER For What Felt Like Period Cramps And Found Out She Was Pregnant And In Labor

But , since she experienced little to no symptoms prior , Lizzie had no idea that she 'd carried a @ @ @ @ @ I gained a little bit of weight , but only enough where I felt like @ @ @ @ @ into my workout routine ...
I was working more than I ever had in the @ @ @ @ @ was born , and was eating really unhealthy .
I had stopped going to the @ @ @ @ @ busy , so I attributed that to my slight weight gain .
I was more @ @ @ @ @ wanted to take more naps than I used to , but again I attributed that @ @ @ @ @ . ''

But, since she experienced little to no symptoms prior, Lizzie had no idea that she'd carried a pregnancy to term. "I gained a little bit of weight, but only enough where I felt like I needed to get back into my workout routine...I was working more than I ever had in the last six months before she was born, and was eating really unhealthy. I had stopped going to the gym because I was so busy, so I attributed that to my slight weight gain. I was more tired than normal, and wanted to take more naps than I used to, but again I attributed that to working all the time."


buzzfeed--2020-05-27--What To Do If Your Sex Drive Is Much Lower (or Higher) Than Your Partner's

`` Having mismatched desire levels is incredibly common , and [ if you 're ] the one with the higher drive , it 's important not to put pressure on your partner if they 're not feeling the same way , '' says Hall .
Sexual coercion has absolutely no place in a healthy relationship , and even saying things like `` you never want to have sex with me anymore ! ''
can make a person feel guilty or like they `` owe '' sex to you—pretty much the opposite of what will actually turn a person on .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to feel like you 're not wanted , which is why you should refrain from thinking about it that way .
`` It 's equally important not to make yourself feel bad about wanting sex more than your partner does , which often leads to feelings of rejection , '' says Hall .
Again , sex drives are dependent on much more than just sexual stimuli .
A person usually needs to feel safe , secure , and calm in order to fully experience lust , and in the present circumstances , it @ @ @ @ @ @

Whether you're quarantining with your partner or maintaining a long-distance relationship right now, you might be experiencing vastly different levels of sexual desire.
Thanks to a little more (or less) free time or routine, you might be feeling more turned on than ever — but your partner might be too stressed to even think about having sex at all. Or, vice versa: You could be getting flirty sexts at all hours of the day but barely muster the energy to type back a ";)".
To help, we asked an expert for advice. If you're struggling with very different sex drives right now, here are seven things you can try.


buzzfeed--2020-05-31--If You Have A Hard Bump On The Roof Of Your Mouth, You're Part Of A Small Percentage Of The Populati

If You Have A Hard Bump On The Roof Of Your Mouth, You're Part Of A Small Percentage Of The Population Who Does

So , as someone who also has the bump , I was hard blinking while watching the video .
And @ @ @ @ @ my husband nor my son had it either .
So I did some research :

So, as someone who also has the bump, I was hard blinking while watching the video. And I was surprised after neither my husband nor my son had it either. So I did some research:


buzzfeed--2020-05-27--Here's What People Are Finding Inside Their Dishwasher Filters After Cleaning Them For The First Tim

Here's What People Are Finding Inside Their Dishwasher Filters After Cleaning Them For The First Time On TikTok

I am a little embarrassed to admit that I , too , did not know dishwashers had filters that you @ @ @ @ @ I had no idea how to remove them , either — but it was easy @ @ @ @ @ arrow telling you which way to turn to unlock it , and then it should @ @ @ @ @ ( which has been in my place for who knows how long ) was coated @ @ @ @ @ mineral deposits from the water .

I am a little embarrassed to admit that I, too, did not know dishwashers had filters that you should be cleaning. And I had no idea how to remove them, either — but it was easy! There should be an arrow telling you which way to turn to unlock it, and then it should pop right out. Mine (which has been in my place for who knows how long) was coated with a thick layer of mineral deposits from the water.


buzzfeed--2020-05-26--21 Movies That Truly Understood What Mental Health Struggles Are Like

`` It really shows you how trauma can surge back up and how powerless you feel .
And I think @ @ @ @ @ a family come together to understand mental illness . ''
`` It got a few @ @ @ @ @ I still refer people to the scene when Bradley Cooper is losing it over his @ @ @ @ @ ’ m trying to explain what a manic episode is like for me . ''

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we recently asked the BuzzFeed Community to tell us what movies got mental health right. Here are some of the best!


buzzfeed--2020-05-26--Two Hairstylists With The Coronavirus May Have Exposed More Than 140 Other People

The journalists at BuzzFeed News are proud to bring you trustworthy and relevant reporting about the coronavirus .
To help keep this news free , become a member and sign up for our newsletter , Outbreak Today .
Two hairstylists in Springfield , Missouri , have tested positive for COVID-19 and possibly exposed more than 140 clients , underscoring the difficulty local health departments will face in tracing the coronavirus as businesses reopen .
The Springfield-Greene County Health Department announced the potential exposures in press conferences Friday and Saturday , adding that their team of seven contact tracers is in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anyone who may have been affected .
They will undergo an interview with an immunologist and will be asked to monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 .
Though businesses in Missouri have been legally reopening , the health department ’ s director , Clay Goddard , warned that can only continue safely if contact tracers can keep up with potential exposures .
“ This scenario is well within our capacity of our staff to contact trace and hopefully contain , ” said Goddard in a press conference .
“ But I ’ m going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can ’ t have many more of these .
We can ’ t make this a regular habit or our capability as a community will be strained and we will have to reevaluate what things look like going forward.
” Both hairstylists worked while exhibiting symptoms , but according to Goddard , the salon had a strict face mask policy for employees and customers which may have helped minimize the damage .
Great Clips has also closed the salon for deep cleaning to lower the potential for future exposure .
“ As Great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , LLC , we recently learned that an employee in one of our salons in Springfield , Missouri has tested positive for COVID-19 and is following medical advice and taking appropriate actions , ” co-owners Brittany Hager and Jennifer Small said in an emailed statement to KYTV before the second case was announced .
“ The well-being of Great Clips customers and stylists in the salon is our top priority and proper sanitization has always been an important cosmetology industry practice for Great Clips salons .
”

Two hairstylists in Springfield, Missouri, have tested positive for COVID-19 and possibly exposed more than 140 clients, underscoring the difficulty local health departments will face in tracing the coronavirus as businesses reopen.
The Springfield-Greene County Health Department announced the potential exposures in press conferences Friday and Saturday, adding that their team of seven contact tracers is in the process of getting in touch with anyone who may have been affected. They will undergo an interview with an immunologist and will be asked to monitor for symptoms of COVID-19.
Though businesses in Missouri have been legally reopening, the health department’s director, Clay Goddard, warned that can only continue safely if contact tracers can keep up with potential exposures.
“This scenario is well within our capacity of our staff to contact trace and hopefully contain,” said Goddard in a press conference. “But I’m going to be honest with you, we can’t have many more of these. We can’t make this a regular habit or our capability as a community will be strained and we will have to reevaluate what things look like going forward.”
Both hairstylists worked while exhibiting symptoms, but according to Goddard, the salon had a strict face mask policy for employees and customers which may have helped minimize the damage. Great Clips has also closed the salon for deep cleaning to lower the potential for future exposure.
“As Great Clips franchisees and co-owners of CM Clips, LLC, we recently learned that an employee in one of our salons in Springfield, Missouri has tested positive for COVID-19 and is following medical advice and taking appropriate actions,” co-owners Brittany Hager and Jennifer Small said in an emailed statement to KYTV before the second case was announced. “The well-being of Great Clips customers and stylists in the salon is our top priority and proper sanitization has always been an important cosmetology industry practice for Great Clips salons.”


buzzfeed--2020-05-26--It Used To Be Common For Women To Use Lysol To Clean Their Vagina And Here's Why

Minkin ended by saying , `` Women are always asking , 'What should I be doing ? '
when it @ @ @ @ @ vagina .
The answer is , if everything feels fine and smells fine , you @ @ @ @ @ do anything .
But if it does n't feel fine or smell fine , you @ @ @ @ @ of the interventions above .
And if the problem persists , do n't be embarrassed @ @ @ @ @ provider .
Lastly , never be embarrassed by a retained tampon — all of us @ @ @ @ @ year , so it 's a very common problem ! ''

Minkin ended by saying, "Women are always asking, 'What should I be doing?' when it comes to caring for their vagina. The answer is, if everything feels fine and smells fine, you probably don't need to do anything. But if it doesn't feel fine or smell fine, you may want to try some of the interventions above. And if the problem persists, don't be embarrassed to check in with your provider. Lastly, never be embarrassed by a retained tampon — all of us OB-GYNs take out several a year, so it's a very common problem!"


buzzfeed--2020-05-22--Here's What Public Health Experts Have To Say About Using Public Restrooms During The Coronavirus Pa

Here's What Public Health Experts Have To Say About Using Public Restrooms During The Coronavirus Pandemic

`` You ’ re basically kind of going in , to use a cute term , ' a bioweapons factory ' — so there is no safe .
There 's only things you can do to mitigate risk . ''
Do you remember the last time you used a public bathroom ?
As governments reopen additional sectors of the economy , more people will be outside their homes for extended periods of time — and they may have no choice but to use the toilet at a park , office , or restaurant .
After all , when you got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But , with the novel coronavirus still spreading throughout the country , is it safe to use public restrooms ?
BuzzFeed News asked several infectious disease doctors , scientists , and public health experts whether they 'd be comfortable using toilets outside their homes and other questions about the dos and don'ts of going potty in public during the pandemic .
In short , wherever you decide to pee or poo , please clean up after yourself and WASH👏 YOUR👏 HANDS.👏 Is it safe to use public restrooms during the pandemic ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ can be gross , but the chance of getting COVID-19 there is probably low .
The virus can be transmitted by touching contaminated surfaces , but the more common mode of transmission is through respiratory droplets , according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
`` The coronavirus is n't spreading around the world in public bathrooms , '' said Dr. Amesh Adalja , an infectious disease physician and senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security .
`` That 's not how this virus is infecting people and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he personally would n't hesitate to use a public bathroom right now , but , as with any activity during a pandemic , there is always a risk .
Ideally , people should use the bathroom before they leave their homes — but when you are out and about and need to go , there are several things you can do to reduce the risk of transmitting an infectious disease , whether it 's COVID-19 or something else .
`` You ’ re basically kind of going in , to use a cute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — so there is no safe .
There 's only things you can do to mitigate risk , '' said Dr. Greg Poland , a professor of medicine and infectious diseases at the Mayo Clinic .
As with other common spaces , people should touch as little as possible and wash their hands with soap and water for 20 seconds .
Poland said it 's best to use a paper towel to turn the faucet off and open the door because studies have shown those surfaces harbor fecal bacteria .
Robin Patel , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said it 's also a good idea to carry hand sanitizer with you in case the restroom is out of handwashing supplies .
Patel also suggested waiting for others to leave the bathroom before going inside .
`` Before going into public restrooms , you may want to wait until no one else is inside ; if others are there , you should try to stay at least 6 feet from them , '' she said .
Should I use a disposable seat cover or clean the seat with a disinfectant wipe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bathrooms have disposable paper seat covers , and , at least in this reporter 's experience , when they are available , they often run out .
But are they a necessity in these times ?
Most experts who talked to BuzzFeed News said no , because the coronavirus , which causes respiratory disease , is not transmitted through the skin .
It 's transmitted via the mouth , nose , and eyes .
The odds of catching the coronavirus from a toilet seat are incredibly low , according to Rosie Redfield , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of British Columbia ’ s Department of Zoology .
`` First , an infected person has to somehow get virus particles on their butt , and then the particles to be transferred from the skin to the toilet seat .
And then some of them have to be transferred from the seat to your butt , and then some of them from your butt to your hands , and then from your hands to your face , '' Redfield told BuzzFeed News .
`` There are many more important things to worry about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well enough to do its job . ''
Still , there 's no harm in using the seat covers or in wiping down the toilet seat with a disinfectant wipe — just do n't throw that into the toilet , please .
If the toilet seat is visibly unclean , you may want to find another one or just wipe it off with toilet paper .
Is it OK to flush the toilet with your bare hand ?
As already mentioned , one way to minimize the risk of coming into contact with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ touching things as much as possible , but experts were split on whether you should avoid touching the toilet flusher .
Poland said some people flush the toilet with their foot , but they could just be making the lever dirtier for the next person because of the bacteria , viral particles , and urine their shoe may have picked up from the bathroom floor .
`` Let 's say a kid that does n't know better when they go to flush the toilet — what do you think they touch ? ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ still use his hand to flush , but others said they would touch the flusher with toilet paper in their hand .
`` The less contact with touch surfaces the better , '' Dr. Richard Jackson , a professor at the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health , said in an email .
`` No proof that this would work on COVID , but why not ? ''
Gerardo Chowell , a professor of epidemiology with Georgia State University ’ s School of Public Health , also recommended putting the seat lid down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the air .
What 's the best way to dry your hands ?
While environmentally friendly , hand dryers have been shown to blast fecal bacteria in the air .
Experts agreed that it 's better to use a paper towel .
`` The forced air dryers ... very effectively blow whatever is on your hands around the bathroom and back into your face , '' Poland said .
Recent research has found that the virus that causes COVID-19 does appear in the urine and fecal matter of people infected with the disease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus in human waste has the potential to be infectious , it 's not yet clear whether someone could actually get infected from the virus in feces .
What should businesses and local governments do to keep bathrooms safe ?

As we all know, public bathrooms can be gross, but the chance of getting COVID-19 there is probably low. The virus can be transmitted by touching contaminated surfaces, but the more common mode of transmission is through respiratory droplets, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
"The coronavirus isn't spreading around the world in public bathrooms," said Dr. Amesh Adalja, an infectious disease physician and senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security. "That's not how this virus is infecting people and causing worldwide calamity."
Adalja said he personally wouldn't hesitate to use a public bathroom right now, but, as with any activity during a pandemic, there is always a risk.
Ideally, people should use the bathroom before they leave their homes — but when you are out and about and need to go, there are several things you can do to reduce the risk of transmitting an infectious disease, whether it's COVID-19 or something else.
"You’re basically kind of going in, to use a cute term, 'a bioweapons factory' — so there is no safe. There's only things you can do to mitigate risk," said Dr. Greg Poland, a professor of medicine and infectious diseases at the Mayo Clinic.
As with other common spaces, people should touch as little as possible and wash their hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. Poland said it's best to use a paper towel to turn the faucet off and open the door because studies have shown those surfaces harbor fecal bacteria.
Robin Patel, president of the American Society for Microbiology, said it's also a good idea to carry hand sanitizer with you in case the restroom is out of handwashing supplies.
Patel also suggested waiting for others to leave the bathroom before going inside.
"Before going into public restrooms, you may want to wait until no one else is inside; if others are there, you should try to stay at least 6 feet from them," she said.
Should I use a disposable seat cover or clean the seat with a disinfectant wipe before I sit?


buzzfeed--2020-05-25--This Woman Found Multiple Sex Toys In Her Boyfriend's Sock Drawer — Should She Confront Him?

Make it clear that you 're not angry or upset , but you 'd love to know a little more @ @ @ @ @ toys .
You write in your DM that you 'd be open to trying some @ @ @ @ @ 'd be quick to mention that , too !
There 's a good chance he @ @ @ @ @ topic comes up , so the more you can do to make it clear that @ @ @ @ @ ashamed of , the better .
He 'll be more comfortable , and you 'll @ @ @ @ @ him as a result .

Make it clear that you're not angry or upset, but you'd love to know a little more about his use of these toys. You write in your DM that you'd be open to trying some new stuff, so I'd be quick to mention that, too! There's a good chance he'll be embarrassed when this topic comes up, so the more you can do to make it clear that he has nothing to be ashamed of, the better. He'll be more comfortable, and you'll get more honesty out of him as a result.


buzzfeed--2020-06-04--A Now-Retracted Study Claimed The Malaria Drug Touted By Trump Looked Deadly For Coronavirus Patient

A Now-Retracted Study Claimed The Malaria Drug Touted By Trump Looked Deadly For Coronavirus Patients

Update : On June 4 , the study was retracted from The Lancet due to serious concerns over its data .
Read our new story about the study ’ s retraction here .
The malaria drug that President Donald Trump has said he is taking as a coronavirus preventive , hydroxychloroquine , was linked to a higher rate of deaths and serious heart problems , according to a massive study of COVID-19 hospital patients released Friday .
The drug , also used to treat arthritis and lupus , has emerged as a medical flashpoint in the coronavirus pandemic , seeing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use outside of hospitals even as Trump said he was taking it .
The six-continent report released by the Lancet journal effectively slams the door on the suggestion that hydroxychloroquine helps COVID-19 patients , showing no signs of benefit among the 96,000 patients in the study .
Instead , it found the drug linked to an increased risk of dying — by over 35 % — while also more than doubling the risk of heart arrhythmia .
`` It 's no longer that hydroxychloroquine has no sign of efficacy — it is associated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said cardiologist Eric Topol of the Scripps Research Institute in a tweet on the study .
“ It ’ s one thing not to have benefit , but this shows distinct harm , ” Topol told the Washington Post .
“ If there was ever hope for this drug , this is the death of it.
” To generate its statistical power , the study tallied the experience of nearly 15,000 hospital patients taking some combination of hydroxychloroquine drugs against more than 80,000 who did n't .
More than 10,000 patients among the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ given a combination of hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine , taken with or without an antibiotic as some regimens suggested , died at a higher rate compared to the patients who did n't get the drug .
`` Our findings suggest not only an absence of therapeutic benefit but also potential harm with the use of hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine drug regimens , '' concluded the study .
It 's possible that the heart arrhythmias documented in the study are n't what killed the patients , noted a commentary led by Christian Funck-Brentano of France 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the study .
Instead , those might be due to a separate problem for people already on heart drugs , and hydroxychloroquine drugs , they suggested , simply `` could worsen COVID-19 severity in some patients . ''

The malaria drug that President Donald Trump has said he is taking as a coronavirus preventive, hydroxychloroquine, was linked to a higher rate of deaths and serious heart problems, according to a massive study of COVID-19 hospital patients released Friday.
The drug, also used to treat arthritis and lupus, has emerged as a medical flashpoint in the coronavirus pandemic, seeing the FDA issue a warning against its use outside of hospitals even as Trump said he was taking it.
The six-continent report released by the Lancet journal effectively slams the door on the suggestion that hydroxychloroquine helps COVID-19 patients, showing no signs of benefit among the 96,000 patients in the study.
Instead, it found the drug linked to an increased risk of dying — by over 35% — while also more than doubling the risk of heart arrhythmia.
"It's no longer that hydroxychloroquine has no sign of efficacy — it is associated with an increase in mortality," said cardiologist Eric Topol of the Scripps Research Institute in a tweet on the study.
“It’s one thing not to have benefit, but this shows distinct harm,” Topol told the Washington Post. “If there was ever hope for this drug, this is the death of it.”
To generate its statistical power, the study tallied the experience of nearly 15,000 hospital patients taking some combination of hydroxychloroquine drugs against more than 80,000 who didn't. More than 10,000 patients among the 96,000 in the study died.
Patients given a combination of hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine, taken with or without an antibiotic as some regimens suggested, died at a higher rate compared to the patients who didn't get the drug.
"Our findings suggest not only an absence of therapeutic benefit but also potential harm with the use of hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine drug regimens," concluded the study.
It's possible that the heart arrhythmias documented in the study aren't what killed the patients, noted a commentary led by Christian Funck-Brentano of France's Sorbonne University that the journal ran with the study. Instead, those might be due to a separate problem for people already on heart drugs, and hydroxychloroquine drugs, they suggested, simply "could worsen COVID-19 severity in some patients."


buzzfeed--2020-05-26--These Graphic Pictures Show What Can Happen If You Go Outside After Handling Limes

So , how long does it take to heal ?
Dr. Craiglow said , `` It is pretty common for @ @ @ @ @ subtle , so people only notice the pigmentation that follows , which is often in @ @ @ @ @ on the cause .
It can take weeks or months to resolve . ''

So, how long does it take to heal? Dr. Craiglow said, "It is pretty common for the inflammatory stage to be subtle, so people only notice the pigmentation that follows, which is often in streaks or stripes, depending on the cause. It can take weeks or months to resolve."


buzzfeed--2020-06-01--These 7 Men Will Convince You Therapy Is For Everyone

I learned it wasn ’ t her job to fix me — it was mine .
She was there to @ @ @ @ @ guide , to help me grow — to offer alternative perspectives and help me shift @ @ @ @ @ help , I have worked through and overcome so much .
I continue to learn @ @ @ @ @ namely that I ’ m stronger , smarter and more resilient than I ever believed @ @ @ @ @ and going in , I was terrified .
I buried everything , but I never @ @ @ @ @ bring it out safely and work through things .
I still slip up and make @ @ @ @ @ I ’ m not proud of , but she ’ s taught me that ’ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s the reason I ’ m still alive today and I hope one day @ @ @ @ @ around therapy .
It ’ s scary , but if you put in the work @ @ @ @ @ effort , you can change your life .

1.
"When I met my current therapist — about eight years ago — one of the first things she said to me was, 'you get out of therapy what you put into it.'"


buzzfeed--2020-05-21--What Movies Got Mental Health Right?

What Movies Got Mental Health Right?

What movies about mental health made you feel seen ?
Let us know which movies and why via the drop @ @ @ @ @ in an upcoming BuzzFeed Community post or video !

What movies about mental health made you feel seen? Let us know which movies and why via the drop box below to be featured in an upcoming BuzzFeed Community post or video!


buzzfeed--2020-05-23--15 Jokes, Struggles, And Truths People With Boobs Will Understand

When lying on your back changes everything ( especially for people with small boobs ) .

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buzzfeed--2020-05-22--21 YA Books To Read During Mental Health Awareness Month

What it 's about : Yesterday , Ellie died by suicide .
Now , she 's watching , stuck between @ @ @ @ @ to reassemble the fractured pieces of her memory .
Told in letters — to her @ @ @ @ @ father , to the boy who held her heart , to life itself — A @ @ @ @ @ — pardon the pun — breathtaking novel perfect for fans of If I Stay .
@ @ @ @ @ $ 16.55 , Barnes and Noble for $ 17.99 , or from a local bookstore @ @ @ @

Content Notes!
I wanted to make note of the different mental health conditions that are part of these books, so that if you're concerned about potential triggers, you can skip reading about those books. Put your brain first!
Depression and/or suicide: 1-7
Anxiety: 6-8
OCD: 9-12
Agoraphobia: 13
Schizophrenia: 14
Body Image Disorders: 15-17
Bipolar Disorder: 18-21


buzzfeed--2020-05-21--My Boyfriend Just Came Out As Trans — Do I Have To Tell My Conservative Family?

I 'm gon na end this advice by flagging one thing you said at the end of your DM , @ @ @ @ @ many other reasons '' you 're struggling in the relationship .
You do n't say @ @ @ @ @ '' are , but for the record : If you 're feeling like this is @ @ @ @ @ want to be in , for any reason , it 's okay to walk away @ @ @ @ @ your partner respect , empathy , and care in this vulnerable time .
But you @ @ @ @ @ romantic relationship if the situation is no longer right for you .

I'm gonna end this advice by flagging one thing you said at the end of your DM, about how there are "many other reasons" you're struggling in the relationship. You don't say what those "other reasons" are, but for the record: If you're feeling like this is simply not a relationship you want to be in, for any reason, it's okay to walk away from it. You owe your partner respect, empathy, and care in this vulnerable time. But you do not owe him a romantic relationship if the situation is no longer right for you.


buzzfeed--2020-06-05--15 Cute-But-Powerful Mental Health Comics That Are Strangely Comforting

Mental Health Awareness Month may have just passed , but that does n't mean we ca n't take care of @ @ @ @ @ month of the year .
Here are some comics that 'll comfort you , make @ @ @ @ @ boost your mood :

Mental Health Awareness Month may have just passed, but that doesn't mean we can't take care of ourselves year-round during every other month of the year. Here are some comics that'll comfort you, make you giggle, and definitely boost your mood:


buzzfeed--2020-05-28--This Video Of A Costco Worker Kicking Out A Guy For Not Wearing A Mask Is Going Viral Because It's S

This Video Of A Costco Worker Kicking Out A Guy For Not Wearing A Mask Is Going Viral Because It's So Wild

`` I was one of the only people in that store not wearing a mask , which means you 're @ @ @ @ @ 'm protected from you .
...
So if everyone else is wearing a mask , @ @ @ @ @ able to fly , if anything . ''

"I was one of the only people in that store not wearing a mask, which means you're protected from me and I'm protected from you. ... So if everyone else is wearing a mask, then one person should be able to fly, if anything."


buzzfeed--2020-05-22--16 Photos Of Things Opening Back Up In The US That Give An Idea Of What The Future Might Be Like

It 's been a great reopening day for our @ GoldsGym locations in Oklahoma !
I have loved connecting with @ @ @ @ @ final preparations and make sure everything is ready for members to safely return to the @ @ @ @

It's been a great reopening day for our @GoldsGym locations in Oklahoma! I have loved connecting with these teams to go over final preparations and make sure everything is ready for members to safely return to the gym. #StrongerTogether


buzzfeed--2020-05-21--As The World Hopes For A COVID-19 Vaccine, Anti-Vaxxers Are Growing Their Social Media Influence

The post performed better than previous ones .
It was shared more than 1,500 times on Facebook and had hundreds of comments tagging other users .
In fact , many of Winterstein 's posts have been performing well during the pandemic .
Her overall engagement ( shares , likes and comments ) on Facebook has been improving month on month , with nearly four times more engagement in April than in February .
Her monthly follower growth has increased fivefold to more than 1,500 new followers in April .
And she 's been using those posts to encourage people to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pseudo-legal tactics against politicians .
Other anti-vaxxer individuals and groups have been capitalising on the coronavirus , using the attention to find new audiences and galvanise existing supporters .
A BuzzFeed News analysis of 36 of Australia 's biggest and most prominent anti-vaxxer Facebook pages and Instagram accounts , using social media analytics tool CrowdTangle , revealed that anti-vaxxers have increased their posting frequency , follower count and monthly engagements since February this year .
And these groups continue to use their growing platform to spread false , misleading and dangerous information about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ platform 's plans to stop them .
A spokesperson for Facebook said the company removes COVID-19 misinformation when it contributes to `` imminent physical harm '' ( such as false cures or claims that social distancing does n't work ) and blocks popular health-misinformation hashtags such as # vaccinescauseautism .
The company 's third-party fact checkers can also label posts as containing false information , which limits their reach but allows them to remain on the platform .
Twelve major anti-vaccination Facebook pages tracked by BuzzFeed News have almost doubled their monthly engagement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ April , and 294,000 in May thus far .
These groups have collectively added more than 18,000 followers in this time .

The post performed better than previous ones. It was shared more than 1,500 times on Facebook and had hundreds of comments tagging other users.
In fact, many of Winterstein's posts have been performing well during the pandemic. Her overall engagement (shares, likes and comments) on Facebook has been improving month on month, with nearly four times more engagement in April than in February. Her monthly follower growth has increased fivefold to more than 1,500 new followers in April. And she's been using those posts to encourage people to take real world action, like deploying pseudo-legal tactics against politicians.
Other anti-vaxxer individuals and groups have been capitalising on the coronavirus, using the attention to find new audiences and galvanise existing supporters.
A BuzzFeed News analysis of 36 of Australia's biggest and most prominent anti-vaxxer Facebook pages and Instagram accounts, using social media analytics tool CrowdTangle, revealed that anti-vaxxers have increased their posting frequency, follower count and monthly engagements since February this year.
And these groups continue to use their growing platform to spread false, misleading and dangerous information about vaccines and the coronavirus, despite the platform's plans to stop them.
A spokesperson for Facebook said the company removes COVID-19 misinformation when it contributes to "imminent physical harm" (such as false cures or claims that social distancing doesn't work) and blocks popular health-misinformation hashtags such as #vaccinescauseautism. The company's third-party fact checkers can also label posts as containing false information, which limits their reach but allows them to remain on the platform.
Twelve major anti-vaccination Facebook pages tracked by BuzzFeed News have almost doubled their monthly engagement from 117,000 in February to 212,000 in April, and 294,000 in May thus far. These groups have collectively added more than 18,000 followers in this time.


buzzfeed--2020-05-25--A Man Shared A Shocking Photo Of What COVID-19 Did To Him After Six Weeks In A Hospital

`` I wanted to show it can happen to anyone .
It does n't matter if you 're young or old , have preexisting conditions or not .
It can affect you . ''
As he sat in his bed in a Boston hospital 's coronavirus ward , Mike Schultz chatted with one of his favorite nurses about his treatment of being sedated and intubated .
`` I thought only a week had gone by , '' he told BuzzFeed News .
That 's when she let him know he had n't been in the ward for one week — @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` I was so weak .
This was one of the most frustrating parts , '' he recalled .
`` I couldn ’ t hold my cellphone ; it was so heavy .
I couldn ’ t type , because my hands shook so much . ''
The 43-year-old nurse from San Francisco had no underlying health conditions .
He normally worked out six or seven times a week .
He weighed about 190 pounds .
When he spoke with BuzzFeed News on Tuesday , weeks after he 'd been able to start @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 140 pounds .
His lung capacity is only now starting to slowly come back .
Last week , Schultz shared a photo of the toll COVID-19 had taken on his body to his 30,000 Instagram followers .
The picture on the left was taken about a month before he first got sick .
He took the photo on the right in a recovery ward .
It exhausted him to stand up from the bed for a few minutes to take the picture , he said .
`` I knew what I thought going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I didn ’ t think it was as serious as it was until after things started happening , '' he said .
`` I thought I was young enough for it not to affect me , and I know a lot of people think that .
`` I wanted to show it can happen to anyone .
It does n't matter if you 're young or old , have preexisting conditions or not .
It can affect you . ''
Schultz went to the hospital on March 16 .
Two days earlier , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home in San Francisco to see his boyfriend , 29-year-old DJ Josh Hebblethwaite .
He was a little under the weather but did not have a fever .
The week before , the pair had gone to Miami Beach for Winter Party Festival , a circuit party that Hebblethwaite was working at and which drew thousands of people to the area for a week of events .
Schultz posted pictures of himself smiling with friends and declared on Instagram he 'd had a great time .
But as they danced , the people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was also present .
`` We knew it was out there , '' said Schultz .
`` There were no real restrictions in place , though .
No lockdowns .
We just thought , Well , we got ta wash our hands more and be wary of touching our face . ''
At least 38 people who attended Winter Party subsequently became sick .
Three men died .
Within two days of Schultz arriving in Boston , he and Hebblethwaite began feeling seriously ill. Schultz 's fever spiked to 103 , and he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ filling with liquid .
They raced to a hospital .
`` They took him right in and did n't let me stay to say goodbye , '' Hebblethwaite said .
On his first day there , Schultz was given oxygen through his nose , then via a full face mask , and then doctors started sedating him .
`` One of the doctors said early on I was probably going to be intubated , and it freaked me out , '' he said .
Within four days , he was taken to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ become Schultz 's medical proxy just in case .
`` There was no one else around , and I would be the one to make decisions for him , '' Hebblethwaite said .
`` It was definitely scary . ''
Schultz ended up being intubated for four and a half weeks , and Hebblethwaite could not visit him due to hospital protocols designed to prevent infection .
Instead , he called every four hours or so for updates and to ask the nurses to let Schultz know he was loved .
`` About @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nice enough to FaceTime with him , '' he said .
`` It was pretty much like he was in a coma .
It was definitely scary .
But I was so happy to see him at that point . ''
As he continues his recovery , Schultz said both he and Hebblethwaite have received some backlash online for their attendance at the Winter Party .
Some even said Schultz deserved to get sick , but he is choosing to focus on the outpouring of support he 's received since posting his photo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he said , `` but it does n't bother me that much , because I ’ ve gotten so much positive feedback . ''
He has also been thinking about the food he ordered at McDonald 's when he was finally released from the hospital : two double cheeseburgers , small fries , and a strawberry shake .
`` It did taste different .
I think lost some of my taste , '' he said , `` but it was good . ''

As he sat in his bed in a Boston hospital's coronavirus ward, Mike Schultz chatted with one of his favorite nurses about his treatment of being sedated and intubated.
"I thought only a week had gone by," he told BuzzFeed News.
That's when she let him know he hadn't been in the ward for one week — he'd been there for six.
"I was so weak. This was one of the most frustrating parts," he recalled. "I couldn’t hold my cellphone; it was so heavy. I couldn’t type, because my hands shook so much."
The 43-year-old nurse from San Francisco had no underlying health conditions. He normally worked out six or seven times a week. He weighed about 190 pounds. When he spoke with BuzzFeed News on Tuesday, weeks after he'd been able to start eating foods again, he weighed just 140 pounds. His lung capacity is only now starting to slowly come back.
Last week, Schultz shared a photo of the toll COVID-19 had taken on his body to his 30,000 Instagram followers. The picture on the left was taken about a month before he first got sick. He took the photo on the right in a recovery ward. It exhausted him to stand up from the bed for a few minutes to take the picture, he said.


buzzfeed--2020-06-03--If You Wash Berries In Salt Water, Little Bugs Will Start To Crawl Out

If the above text is too small for you to read , it says that spinach can have up to @ @ @ @ @ 100 grams .
NOTE : I did not see anything on the FDA website that @ @ @ @ @ allowed to be in strawberries , just that the mold count must be under 45 @ @

So, what are the white lil' worms that I saw? They are the offspring of a fruit fly called the Spotted Wing Drosophila . According to Garden's Alive, the females shoot their eggs into the interior of fruits that are just beginning to ripen , especially blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries. MEANING THESE BUGS ARE LIKELY IN ALL BERRIES!


buzzfeed--2020-05-21--This Guy Thought Period Pads Stuck To Women's Skin Like Band-Aids And Apparently Lots Of Men Think T

This Guy Thought Period Pads Stuck To Women's Skin Like Band-Aids And Apparently Lots Of Men Think This

`` When I found out it stuck to the underwear rather than the skin , I felt so stupid .
@ @ @ @ @ sense for it to NOT work like a Band-Aid .
I immediately felt the urge @ @ @ @ @ I found out , and it turns out a lot of guys thought the same @ @ @ @ @ '' Ked said .

"When I found out it stuck to the underwear rather than the skin, I felt so stupid. It makes so much more sense for it to NOT work like a Band-Aid. I immediately felt the urge to post about it after I found out, and it turns out a lot of guys thought the same exact thing as me," Ked said.


buzzfeed--2020-05-20--Instagram Has Been Taken Over By Influencers Giving Away Free Pelotons. What's The Catch?

In the beginning of April , as the realities of quarantine were setting in , I grabbed my computer in a moment of desperation and furiously tried to figure out if I could feasibly afford a Peloton bike , and where it would fit in my loft studio .
I ’ m not alone .
Pelotons are the thing to have on social media during quarantine , with people all over the country showing off their bikes .
However , as I ’ ve been told countless times , I don ’ t have to buy a bike ( which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) for myself .
It seems that every time I scroll through my Instagram feed , I am being asked to follow an influencer and a few of her “ friends , ” so they can bless me with the opportunity to win my very own bike , no strings attached .
Some even throw in shoes , weights , a mat , and a six-month membership .
The proliferation of these giveaways is becoming a thing on social media , with some people saying they can ’ t stop compulsively following influencer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a few weeks of offering giveaways for just one Peloton , the influencers began to up the ante .
Last week , Emerson Hannon , who blogs at Classy Clean Chic , teamed up with 21 other influencers to give away one Peloton per day for four days .
Last month , influencer Caitlin Covington participated in a giveaway where her followers could enter to win one of eight Pelotons .
EIGHT .
That ’ s almost $ 18,000 worth of Pelotons .
According to Peloton , the proliferation of these giveaways is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ News the company has nothing to do with the giveaways , nor is it offering any kickbacks to the bloggers through affiliate programs like rewardStyle .
A spokesperson for rewardStyle and its app , LikeToKnow.It , was tight-lipped about any involvement in the trend , saying only that sales are up 150 % in the fitness category .
“ Fitness has been a key category for us and the engagement has been through the roof post-COVID ( mid-March ) , ” spokesperson Isabel Lamb said .
So if these giveaways aren ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trust them ?
Are people actually winning a bike , free of charge ?
And if they aren ’ t getting paid by Peloton , why are so many influencers suddenly giving away these bikes ?
To understand the answer to all these questions , you first need to understand what is known as a “ loop giveaway ” on Instagram .
The basic premise is a popular blogger with a large following teams up with other influencers who produce similar content to help each other grow .
Some loop giveaways are run @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , while some are organized by the bloggers themselves through private chats and groups .
Each influencer offers their audience a big prize , like a Peloton , if they follow everyone involved .
The thinking is that once someone follows you to try to win a big prize , they probably won ’ t unfollow you — at least not right away .
Some may even become fans , and your audience will grow and grow .
This is the format in which most of the Peloton giveaways are being held .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a win-win — and worth the upfront investment of splitting the cost of the prize among all the participants .
However , these sorts of giveaways are controversial in the blogging and influencer space , as many view it as a way to artificially grow your audience .
Ad deals are often predicated on how big an influencer ’ s audience is ( although many in the industry argue that a microinfluencer 's engaged audience is just as valuable as a huge , less-engaged one ) .
Offering constant giveaways to gain followers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ endorsements is viewed by many in the industry as cheating .
So the motivation behind these giveaways is not completely altruistic .
It makes sense why , in the middle of a pandemic when the economy is cratering and Amazon is slashing affiliate-link rates , so many of these giveaways are popping up .
Despite the hidden motivations , though , most of the giveaways do seem to be legit .
Figuring out who wins is often hard to track , as many influencers hold multiple at once and only post about them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 24 hours .
However , the lucky followers who have won a bike say the whole process was seamless and winning such an expensive prize was super exciting .
Sarah , who lives in San Diego , won a bike after entering a giveaway hosted by Kathleen Barnes , who blogs at Carrie Bradshaw Lied , in April ( Barnes declined to comment ) .
She said she started following Barnes because she wanted some fashion inspiration , and a friend recommended her .
When she first saw the loop giveaway for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the girls I ’ d be following to enter are potentially the fashion blogger I need.
” She also , of course , was intrigued by the prize .
“ I decided to actually follow all the girls and enter on a whim .
I think this was the first giveaway I ’ ve ever entered , ” she said .
Once she won , Sarah said the process was “ super smooth ” and the bloggers were communicative about sending over all the information .
Her bike is expected to arrive in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Beaumont , California , won one of the bikes from the giveaway that Hannon and the others hosted last week .
She said winning “ really put me into shock.
” “ I got so lucky to win such an amazing prize , ” she said .
“ I ’ ve won giveaways multiple times , but they were little things .
To win this big of a prize really made me appreciate these awesome influencers and what they do for their following , and I feel so blessed to be one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Peloton is a long shot .
Mercedes Gonzalez Mayo , who blogs at Style It With Trix , said on average , about 10,000 to 20,000 people enter each giveaway she ’ s participated in , making the chances of actually getting the grand prize pretty minuscule .
And with so many new Peloton giveaways popping up every day , the backlash is growing .
One influencer , Stephanie Ledda , posted over the weekend that she would no longer be participating in the giveaways because “ everyone frickin hates them.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I don ’ t want to lose my followers who actually like me and not are following me just because they might win some free shit , ” she said .
However , some of the influencers who have been giving away the bikes defended their choice to participate .
Maddie Perry , a fashion and lifestyle blogger who participated in the giveaway with Hannon , said while it is true the giveaways help her “ gain more following and exposure , ” she also sees it as a way to give back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she and the other women all split the cost of the bikes , and no third party was involved .
They also select the winner through a random drawing , to comply with laws governing sweepstakes in the US .
“ It 's no secret that all gyms and workout classes are closed due to the whole COVID-19 situation , so we thought it would be a great item to bless people with , ” Perry said .
“ That way , they can get their workout on at home and stay both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Style It With Trix , also participated in the giveaway and hosted one of her own , a three-bike Peloton giveaway with 15 influencers , a week prior .
She said she wants to dispel the notion that “ these giveaways are ‘ rigged , ’ ‘ a scam , ’ or that there are no actual winners , when that could not be further from the truth.
” “ I would like my followers to know how much thought goes into these giveaways , ” she said .
“ The prizes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brands , and are items that we would actually use ourselves.
” Mayo acknowledged that there is controversy about the giveaways , but said she feels that not all of them are bad and cause artificial inflation in the industry .
“ Through trial and error in hosting and partaking in giveaways , I have found that there are ways to leverage them into growing an authentic following , ” she said .
“ The key is to be incredibly picky with which influencers you hitch your wagon to .
You need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a giveaway to ensure that they have actively engaged , authentic followings that are compatible with your own.
” Perry agreed , saying she thinks the followers she gains through loop giveaways are not artificial and the events are “ simply a form of marketing.
” “ My social media pages are my brand and my full-time business , and I 'm utilizing these marketing strategies to get my name out there and gain real , targeted followers , just like many other businesses do on a daily basis , ” she @ @

After a few weeks of offering giveaways for just one Peloton, the influencers began to up the ante. Last week, Emerson Hannon, who blogs at Classy Clean Chic, teamed up with 21 other influencers to give away one Peloton per day for four days. Last month, influencer Caitlin Covington participated in a giveaway where her followers could enter to win one of eight Pelotons. EIGHT. That’s almost $18,000 worth of Pelotons.
According to Peloton, the proliferation of these giveaways is completely organic. A spokesperson told BuzzFeed News the company has nothing to do with the giveaways, nor is it offering any kickbacks to the bloggers through affiliate programs like rewardStyle. A spokesperson for rewardStyle and its app, LikeToKnow.It, was tight-lipped about any involvement in the trend, saying only that sales are up 150% in the fitness category.
“Fitness has been a key category for us and the engagement has been through the roof post-COVID (mid-March),” spokesperson Isabel Lamb said.
So if these giveaways aren’t being sponsored by Peloton, can we trust them? Are people actually winning a bike, free of charge? And if they aren’t getting paid by Peloton, why are so many influencers suddenly giving away these bikes?
To understand the answer to all these questions, you first need to understand what is known as a “loop giveaway” on Instagram. The basic premise is a popular blogger with a large following teams up with other influencers who produce similar content to help each other grow. Some loop giveaways are run through third parties that take a cut, while some are organized by the bloggers themselves through private chats and groups. Each influencer offers their audience a big prize, like a Peloton, if they follow everyone involved. The thinking is that once someone follows you to try to win a big prize, they probably won’t unfollow you — at least not right away. Some may even become fans, and your audience will grow and grow. This is the format in which most of the Peloton giveaways are being held.
For some influencers, loop giveaways are a win-win — and worth the upfront investment of splitting the cost of the prize among all the participants. However, these sorts of giveaways are controversial in the blogging and influencer space, as many view it as a way to artificially grow your audience. Ad deals are often predicated on how big an influencer’s audience is (although many in the industry argue that a microinfluencer's engaged audience is just as valuable as a huge, less-engaged one). Offering constant giveaways to gain followers and then leveraging said following to get endorsements is viewed by many in the industry as cheating.
So the motivation behind these giveaways is not completely altruistic. It makes sense why, in the middle of a pandemic when the economy is cratering and Amazon is slashing affiliate-link rates, so many of these giveaways are popping up. Despite the hidden motivations, though, most of the giveaways do seem to be legit. Figuring out who wins is often hard to track, as many influencers hold multiple at once and only post about them in their stories, which vanish after 24 hours. However, the lucky followers who have won a bike say the whole process was seamless and winning such an expensive prize was super exciting.


buzzfeed--2020-05-16--Are Your Sexting Habits Normal?

Are Your Sexting Habits Normal?

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Please try again later Looks like we are having a problem on the server @


buzzfeed--2020-05-18--This Guy Constantly Makes Sexual Jokes About His Own Mother — Should His Girlfriend Dump Him?

All families have different dynamics , and trying to change them as an outsider is , generally speaking , a @ @ @ @ @ not likely to work , and it is likely to alienate you from them in @ @ @ @ @ this is just the way his family operates and they 're all having fun with @ @ @ @ @ to leave this one alone .

All families have different dynamics, and trying to change them as an outsider is, generally speaking, a losing game. It's not likely to work, and it is likely to alienate you from them in the process. So if this is just the way his family operates and they're all having fun with it, you might need to leave this one alone.


buzzfeed--2020-05-16--This Woman Went Viral For Being A PhD Student By Day And A Go-Go Dancer By Night

Danielle decided to share her school/work life on TikTok to her 44 followers at the time , but never imagined @ @ @ @ @ as it did .
`` If I would have known that many people were going @ @ @ @ @ would have put a bit more thought into my word choice !
Based on the @ @ @ @ @ majority of the viewers seem to be picking up what I ’ m trying to @ @ @ @ @ breaking stigmas .
Far too often , our actions and self-perceptions are ( un ) @ @ @ @ @ and expectations .
We are more than what any label can define us as ; @ @ @ @ @ to our gender , age , race , sexual orientation , or career .
Yes @ @ @ @ @ scientist , but that ’ s not all of who I am , '' she @ @

Danielle decided to share her school/work life on TikTok to her 44 followers at the time, but never imagined it would go as viral as it did. "If I would have known that many people were going to see it, I would have put a bit more thought into my word choice! Based on the comments, though, the majority of the viewers seem to be picking up what I’m trying to get across — empowerment and breaking stigmas. Far too often, our actions and self-perceptions are (un)consciously influenced by societal constructs and expectations. We are more than what any label can define us as; whether it be in regards to our gender, age, race, sexual orientation, or career. Yes, I’m a scientist, but that’s not all of who I am," she said.


buzzfeed--2020-05-16--15 Horribly Disgusting Things People Have Actually Witnessed Other People Do

`` We had a communal kitchen at work , but we brought our own plates and cups to use .
@ @ @ @ @ mug , which was fine with me .
But then , instead of washing it @ @ @ @ @ sink , licked around the rim of the mug , and put it in the @ @ @ @ @ kept my mug in my desk after that . ''

1.
"We had a communal kitchen at work, but we brought our own plates and cups to use. Once a colleague used my mug, which was fine with me. But then, instead of washing it, he stood by the sink, licked around the rim of the mug, and put it in the rack to dry. I kept my mug in my desk after that."