Sunday, January 24, 2016

top three [01.24.2016]

favorite :)
medicine
  • They always teach us that a good history and physical exam can basically tell you everything you need to know about your patient. There are so many physical manifestations of internal diseases - Janeway lesions are an example of that. They are little lesions on the palms or soles that are indicative of bacterial endocarditis (although they are apparently extremely rare manifestations - none of my attendings have actually ever seen them). 
  • If you are diabetic, but don't know it (or are non-complaint with your medications), you can go into DKA (diabetic ketoacidosis). One of the hallmarks of this is often a "fruity breathe" due to the ketones the body is producing. Until Janeway lesions, this is a very common finding in DKA patients, and something I smelled this week for the first time. 
  • Another physical manifestation is the Trousseau sign of latent tetany, which is a sign of hypocalcemia. Another name that has been used is "main d'accoucheur", which translates to hand of the obstetrician because it apparently looks like the hand position of someone delivering a baby. Here's a quick 20 second video showing what it looks like. 

on the internet

spotted
  • Has anyone tried these Henley blouses from NYDJ? They look really cute and come in a bunch of different colors and patterns (my favorite is berry pacifica!). A bit pricey for what they are...but cute!
  • With the current discount, this new open front cardigan is under $30 (and definitely looks like it costs more!). Old Navy is consistently killing it lately. 
  • How fun are these rose gold loafers from Sole Society?! Since I only wear flats to work, I'm always look for shoes that are fun but also comfortable. 

ask me anything
  • What are your tips for keeping your energy levels up (food, vitamins, exercise, dance parties, etc.) 
    • Dance parties are definitely at the top of the list, as lame as it sounds. But my roommate and I truly had dance parties at least several times a week throughout the first two years of school. Hans was often involved (he loved it, promise). Now I would definitely say that listening to louder music in the morning wakens me up, as well as an iced coffee a few times a week ;) But I do think that eating a healthy diet (most of the time) and having a regular sleep cycle does help a lot with energy levels as well. I wish there was an easier/less lame answer though!
  • How did you get through the tough times during 1st and 2nd year when everyone is studying nonstop and it's gross/dark outside all the time? I feel guilty for taking breaks, but have totally lost myself here in exhaustion and feeling stupid. How did you juggle life with boards + school + bf and not go crazy?
    • I'll be honest, the first two years of medical school kind of suck. They are a wonderful time because you are finally doing the thing you've always wanted to do, every day you get to learn something new, and it's really an opportunity that not many get. But, it's also a time where you are constantly stressed, you don't get nights and weekends anymore, and you always feel behind and that you don't know enough. You just have to find ways to get through it. Really enjoy the nights after exams - get pizza with friends, go watch a movie, get a good nights sleep. Find ways to spend time with friends that pulls double duty - my bff and I used to go to the gym three times a week just so we could talk while on the ellipticals. If you're at the library with your friends and truly doing work (instead of messing around), taking a break every three hours and go on a quick walk - it really is a great mini break to get some fresh air, bitch about studying, and then feel better when you sit back down. Make studying as comfortable and relaxing as you can - at home I always studied with a heating blanket on my lap (bonus is that I always had a cat or dog at my feet), and at the library I always made sure to have an iced coffee and my favorite headphones on (I love the epic station on pandora!). And just remember to breath once in a while, so if you just can't take another minute of reading Robbins, go watch an episode of your favorite show because bad studying is pointless. 
  • How long did it take you to make a profit from your blog?
    • If you use an affiliate company like ShopStyle, you can make money pretty much right away (although it may take quite a bit to get to the $100 payout). I've been blogging for almost four years, but I would say that I didn't get regularly monthly payouts for a year, and didn't make my current level of income until about 2.5 years into it. 

on franish
  • on the blog: my experiences with using a tretinoin cream
  • on the instagram: sometimes it is just necessary to curl your hair, even if you don't have to (my shoes are old and from Target, but this pair is almost the exact same!)
  • on the twitter: seriously, we see you buying followers!

notable sales

personal
  • CR and I took a little day trip down to Pittsburgh yesterday - we initially went because we had to get paperwork done for school, but then did a bit of shopping and then got the best sushi. And then spend the whole night watching The Office (because we are only 11 years behind). 
  • We're looking to do a few DIYs around the house in the next few months, including finding/making new legs for our couch, and legs for our TV stand (our first almost Ikea hack). Any tips for newbies?  
  • Hansi is 6.5 years old now, and so even though he acts like a puppy, his body says otherwise. He's been having some back problems again, and it just breaks my heart to see him in pain :(
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