Cancer Journey: Shaving Your Head

We know that Cancer is just as an emotional process as a physical process. Not only are patients losing their functionality as healthy humans, but they are losing parts of themselves that represent their identity. When someone is diagnosed with Cancer and decides to go through treatments, that individual knows they will lose their hair. It’s never part of the process people are prepared to go through. Patients wonder if or when they should shave their heads as treatment begins. They often think they will allow their hair to naturally thin and fall out to avoid the emotional crisis they might feel.

Most doctors and hair prosthesis specialists recommend patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation shave their heads before too much hair loss occurs. Most patients experience hair loss and thinning within two to three treatments, depending on factors like age and medication strength. Oncologists recommend patients shave their heads for a variety of reasons. Physically, they recommend patients shave their heads to avoid the added pain as the hair falls out and to avoid potential matting of the hair.

Shaving your head can be more therapeutic than allowing Cancer and the treatments to take your hair slowly. Doing this will enable you to decide and be active in your changing body and emotions. Many patients throw shaving head parties, post on social media, and create healing spaces. Most doctors recommend buzzing your head with a 1.5 blade to avoid ingrown hairs when shaving your head. Give us a call when you’re ready to shave your head and see about a wig. We’ll be here for you.

The Significance of Interior Design While Sheltering-In-Place

by Virginia Warren of Maxwell House Interiors

Millions of Americans sheltering-in-place are subsequently re-learning the lost art of nesting. Comfort and quality time have suddenly become paramount, as families are spending more time together at home. Additionally, many are noticing items as well as spaces within their homes that need updating-some small and some large.

Americans are also considering ways their homes could improve functionally, as families spend more time together. Hopefully, family time will become more of a focus in the future even as we get back to our busy lives.

At this time of social distancing, an interior designer can still help get the ball rolling. If all that is needed are simple updates or a fresh look, designers can offer advice on things that can be done to achieve a quick refresh. Simply send them a photograph of areas you are wanting refreshed. Furthermore, sending pictures of things in your cabinets provides designers with ideas of how those items could possibly be used in a different way on your mantle or on your bookshelves. There are also many things designers can find online and subsequently have shipped.

As this time at home progresses, designers are receiving a plethora of phone calls regarding future projects. Feel free to call and speak with one about navigating the best way forward. Additionally, get on their waiting list for after the COVID19 outbreak has subsided. Interior designers can send pictures and ideas for new room piece ideas, fabrics for curtains, bedding, as well as accessories. Sending a designer floor plans or room measurements allows them to begin space-planning a home in conjunction with a family’s needs.

A great deal of interior designing can be done virtually. Doing so also provides something to look forward to in the near future. Orders can be in place and ready to process as soon as the factories are up and running again. More than anything, interior designing reminds us that it is critical in times such as these to keep faith, dreams, creativity and hope alive for the future.

Interior Design, Built Interior Environments & Pathogen Transmission Reduction

Social distancing in the wake of COVID19 has most of us staying at home. In fact, even without social distancing, ninety percent of our time is spent indoors. Many people are taking this extra time to declutter and clean to help improve the energy flow as well as cleanliness of their homes-clean being a key term in preventing contaminants from spreading. But did you know that interior design also can help?

Why is it important to consider interior design in disease prevention? Our overall health is substantially influenced by everything we touch within these interior environments. Disease-causing pathogens can be transferred from person to person and through everyday objects, like a cart at the local grocery store, the door handle to the gas station, and even the mail. Being exposed to common viruses and bacteria in this way can help build strong immune systems. However, when it comes to more severe diseases, it is crucial to have an interior environment thoughtfully designed to help preserve overall health by reducing the transmission of various pathogens.

The work of interior designers encompasses mapping complex problems across the frameworks of our built interior environments. In doing so, they are able to find and implement design interventions or alterations for the protection of health and improvement of life, while also making our built environments aesthetically attractive. The COVID-19 outbreak provides us with an excellent example of how our built environments play a central role in disease outbreak and prevention.

The British cruise ship, Diamond Princess, is an excellent example of how interior design can increase the safety and cleanliness of a space. The cabins of the Diamond Princess are approximately one hundred fifty-eight to one hundred sixty-two square feet in size. Consequently, the ship consists of a plethora of surfaces that must be regularly cleaned within very confined spaces. As a result, interior designers selected materials that are easily cleaned and sterilized, such as vinyl floors, laminated countertops, and stainless steel sinks. On a luxury cruise ship, interior designers must also balance the need for disease prevention with that which is aesthetically pleasing.

On February fifth, the British government quarantined the Diamond Princess because of a COVID19 outbreak. The ship and its crew are being asked to provide all the services of a luxury cruise ship coupled with the functions of a hospital isolation ward. Their effectiveness on both counts is not only a testament to the ship’s interior designers but also to the dedication of its crew. This case serves to remind us why interior designers must always look beyond the obvious, anticipating risks and responding to threats through better designs that proactively protect our health and safety.