#doctors note

i have a sudden expense that’s popped up this weekend and I need to take on some quick comms!

clean sketch, 1 character: $20

clean sketch small gif, minimal movement, 1 character (kicks or shifting): $45

I think one of the largest examples of this is Hecate.

For one, I love the fact that she's totally covered yet still simply has to show off her six pack. It adheres so well to the Everyone Is Hot design philosophy of Hades. I feel like I'd despise it if it were any other game but somehow it works.

But going back to the main aspects of her design.... If she was put into any other game or universe, she'd be characterized as a villain. The muted colors, her face being obscured, ominous green glowing magic. Said green glow is a super common design aspect within Disney villains.

Granted, Hecate's magic leans more into turquoise territory a lot of the time. But the resemblance is strong enough that I'm still considering this part of the comparison.

It's interesting to me because a lot of the time, green lighting is used to represent greed, jealousy, or something not of this world. It's often used in settings were it contrasts very heavily with the softer greens of nature or other character's outfits. But Hecate's magic color mirrors a lot of Hades' natural world. It's the same hue that all of the spirits of mortals take on when they pass on. It mirrors the shade of green the healing springs in Erebus. It's represents a deep connection to that world and the betterment of it.

Similarly, many villains have their face obscured to symbolize hidden intentions, detachment from humanity, or just some kind of mystery. Star Wars does this a lot.

And to an extent, that might apply to Hecate. She's running a secret rebellion, she should probably be secretive to protect herself and the people around her. However, she's still very honest about her intentions to her allies.

And this design philosophy applies to SO many other character Mel meets along the way! Allies that represent some traditionally negative aspect of the world and whose design reflect that in some way. Yet continues to use those tropes to flip them on their head and create complicated, compelling protagonists.

—Bring facial coverings with you EVERYWHERE. Allergens, like cigarette smoke, pop up in any place at nearly every time. The facial coverings will act as a filter, and will help prevent continued exposure. That being said, you should still leave the area quickly since masks make breathing techniques a little more difficult. Thanks to the you-know-what, facial coverings have become more normalized, so it's not that strange to just slip one on. Also, you don't need to WEAR it everywhere, just bring it so you can pop it on if needed.

—This tip came from one of my previous doctors: caffeine acts as a stimulant and helps open your airways up. That being said, don't chug extreme amounts of caffeine, since anxiety can make your asthma attacks worse. Plus, the crash will be terrible.

—Have tea around in your house. I recommend having multiple kinds/flavors, that way you can change it up. I personally have both caffeinated and uncaffeinated teas, because there are times when I've had my max caffeine intake/I need to sleep soon. The vapors/warmth will help soothe your throat and open things back up, and sipping it will (hopefully) help you calm down. The caffeine thing especially applies here, since tea tends tends to have a more gentle caffeine affect. If you don't like bitterness, I recommend the brand Red Rose (it also has Sweet Temptations on the box, if that helps to find it lol). I personally have/have had the flavors Lemon Loaf and Strawberry Cheesecake. They come pre-sweetened with Stevia, and I've found that I don't need to add anything to it, when usually I have to add a ton of creamer, sugar, and everything nice. That being said, I've found honey helps soothe/coat my throat, as well as sweeten my tea. And, if you add a suitably flavored cough drop along with the packet (I always put them in the cup while the water is busy boiling so that mixing is a lot easier, and the bag tends to not float on the top), you have both flavoring and soothing. For less bitterness, I also recommend steeping your teas for the lowest recommended time.

—Have something to semi-mindlessly stare at. I often use video games, but stressful events like boss battles do NOT help. Looking out a window with tea in my hands and a blanket around my shoulders does help, though. Having a pet cuddle you also helps you to both cheer up and calm down. All of these above options should help you calm down and ease the attack.

—You should be resting, but for whoever's sake, SIT UP. It opens up your airways and makes coughing (if you have that particular reaction) slightly less distressful. Laying on my side also tends to help after the attack has passed, but I ultimately recommend propping yourself up with pillows/stuffed animals.

—Another thing that helps me, a lightweight with strong medications, is having a snack with carbs afterwards. I tend to get weak and hungry after all my treatments, so having a snack helps take that edge off and makes rest so much easier.

—Speaking during/after an asthma attack is hard. Try learning little bits of sign language to help you communicate. I frequently use the phrases "yes", "no", (sometimes shaking/nodding my head doesn't feel good, and just using my hands feels easier) "please", and "thank you". I also have basic knowledge of the alphabet to help me spell it out. However, if this is a struggle for you, the speech-to-text on Google Translate is another great tool. Just pop what you wanna say into the English/whatever language you're speaking box, then hit the little 🔉 button.

—I'm not sure if anyone else's doctor told them to use their emergency inhaler sparingly, but my most recent one had to inform me that is nonsense. Use it as soon as you have a problem, and don't hesitate to take a second dose if the first doesn't help within a minute. That being said, please don't exceed your limit. If multiple doses don't help within 30 mins-1 hour, try looking into either a stronger dosage or a nebulizer (which your doctor of course).

—If you have to walk/exert yourself to get to your morning destination, and if you have a daily inhaler, try using it a few minutes beforehand.

—If you're in school, I beg of you, GET A DOCTORS NOTE, if not multiple. I've had so many schools lock away my inhaler and say I need doctors notes just to approve having one in the first place, as well as say I need permission/supervision to take it, even in the nurse's office. Ask your doctor about having a doctor's note to carry it with you EVERYWHERE. I have purses and bags to easily carry it, along with a few other essentials, and the amount of fighting my parents and doctors have had to do against schools is ridiculous. Additionally, you might want to include a note about having your phone with you all the time for emergencies. Might be a little harder to argue for, but it's worth asking.

—This seems fairly obvious but is hard to remember in the moment, you need to learn breathing techniques. (Ex: breathe through nose, out through mouth). This will help with breath circulation and calming both you and your attack. Additionally, but also importantly, if you're at the "gasping for breath" point, you should still try to take slow and deep breaths. I know it's hard and you just wanna quickly suck in as much air as possible, but it really doesn't help. For one, it makes calming down harder, and for two, it really doesn't give you that much air. Since you essentially have to hold it for a while, getting as much quality air as possible is practically vital.

—If you have a nebulizer, keep tissues on/around you. The vapors tend to stick to my face & dribble down my nose especially, which is uncomfy, and a lil gross.