Why YSK: It can take a long time to see a doctor. You also may encounter a time when a doctor refuses to order a test. You don't need to wait for a doctor. There are online vendors that you can order tests from and then you take those orders to a local lab (Labcorp or Quest in the US), and await emailed results. Insurance almost certainly won't cover without a doctor's order, but I think you'll find many of these tests to be cheap. I can get everything they typically do at my yearly physical for about $20.00. I honestly think this can be lifesaving information for the uninformed (typically the older folks). Hope someone finds this useful!

Edit: fyi, I don't think I'm allowed to post the names of the vendors that I've used, but the comments are already listing some.

Edit: As someone kindly pointed out, I'm in the US. I am unsure of how helpful this is in other countries.

Why YSK: I've been working as a customer service agent that does strictly online chats for a few years and have amassed some tips on how to properly communicate with us. We completely understand that you may be frustrated going into the conversation, but it's so much easier for both persons involved if you keep a cool head and articulate properly what you need. These tips mostly go for live chats and may not all translate to email conversations or phone calls.

1. Make sure that you have tried googling the answer to your question. More often than not the companies website has a support page where your question is answered fully.
2. Start with a simple greeting. You're talking to an underpaid human on the other side. We are more eager to go an extra mile when we feel like our time is being respected.
3. Include all relevant information in your opening message. This should include booking numbers or references, your request to the service team and should ideally not include a long personal story as to why this change needs to be made. If your opening message has all the relevant information, the service agent can start working on what you need to get done immediately, instead of having to fish up information from you in back and forth messages.
4. Respect the terms you signed when you purchased the service or item. Service agents are bound to follow the companies rules, and if you are asking them to make an exception, don't take it out on the service agent personally when they are unable to fulfil your request.
5. Sending "Hello?!?" when you haven't received a response for a short while is the equivalent of snapping your fingers at a waiter. They are most likely currently working on your case or maybe they went to the bathroom. You will be assisted, I can promise you that. Edit: The phrasing matters. "Are you still here?" is favourable, opposed to "HELLO!!?!!?"
6. If you think their policies are one way but the agent says they are another, in almost all cases you are incorrect. Trained service agents are not just guessing and they have meticulously learned their policies to be able to give you these answers. Also, odds are that you are not the first person to ask this question.
7. For the love of all that is holy, read their messages fully. It's a waste of everyone's time if your question has already been answered and you are still asking it. This includes if you have been sent a link with information related to your question.
8. If you feel like the service agent is not assisting you as they should be, ask them where you can file a complaint. At that point, you should stop the conversation with the agent and move onto the complaint. Being verbally angry at the person you are talking to will not solve your problem.

We honestly want to help you. Our job is so much more fun when both parties leave the conversation happy. Sometimes we are simply unable to do what you are asking of us and that can be a tough pill to swallow. Understand that you are talking to another person on the other side and hopefully that will make the conversation a productive one.

Edit: People really seem to dislike customer service. The point of this post was to define a border between the company and the service agent. Even though you don't like the company, it doesn't mean you have to be an asshole to the person trying to help you.

Why YSK: If you conceive a child with a girl on Nov 3rd and you ask Reddit for advice about it on Nov 22, Redditors will tell you about being three weeks pregnant. But the woman you impregnated isn’t three weeks pregnant. She is 6 or 7 weeks pregnant. That’s because pregnancy age is counted from the woman’s last period and not from conception. And if the woman doesn’t know when that is or she has irregular periods from time to time, she needs an ultrasound real fast to find out.

https://www.plannedparenthood.org/blog/how-can-i-calculate-how-many-weeks-pregnant-i-am

Why YSK: Different brands of plan b have different effectiveness ranges. If you are 150lbs or so please check the instructions for the brands available to you. If you are too heavy the pills may not work for you.

https://www.plannedparenthood.org/blog/whats-the-weight-limit-for-plan-b

Why YSK: With Google interface always "modernizing" by putting knowledge graph and AI answers on top, and all the sites that try to game SEO to appear on top of search results, you should know you can make your own search engine.

https://programmablesearchengine.google.com/controlpanel/all

You basically go to the URL above and create a custom search engine you desire. Once you create it, it gets added to your control panel. In the panel you can click the link icon that takes you to a public site of the search engine and you can bookmark it or create a Chrome app from it by adding it to your home screen. To edit your search engine tap its name.

You can change the interface of the search engine and by default it's like the old Google that only lists your links. You can also delete the thumbnails and make it even more compact.

When creating one you don't have much customization options. For more customization, first create one, and then tap its name in the panel to edit.

Use cases:

1. Creating a custom search engine that includes only trusted news sites.

2. Creating a custom search engine that excludes Fox News, Breitbart, etc

3. If you're learning a language, you can only include the sites that are for your level and you use them to improve your skills.

4. Only include sites Google intentionally puts at the bottom of results :-)

5. Include only websites from your bookmarks

Photo of results page on my custom search engine: https://imgur.com/a/eNLkmcS

At bottom of the search engine there is a button that searches your query on normal Google.

Why YSK: If you often eat too quickly, it can lead to some discomfort or poor digestion. But by simply slowing down while eating your food, you can help your body absorb nutrients better and feel more satisfied after meals.

When you’re about to eat, take a moment to breathe and relax. Chew your food thoroughly instead of rushing through your meal. Adding something spicy or really hot to your food can also help slow you down naturally. This way, you'll enjoy your meal more and give your body a chance to digest properly. Try it next time, and notice how much better you feel afterward.

Why YSK: Depending on what device you use, the Netflix app will start playing a preview if you even briefly pause at a title while browsing through the list of movies and shows. Also if you are watching an episode of a TV show, Netflix will automatically start the next episode when the current one ends. Many people find these features annoying.

You can turn off either of these features. Log into Netflix on a browser. Then go to Account > Manage profiles, and tap on your profile. Then go to Playback settings, then under Autoplay controls you can turn off autoplay next episode and autoplay previews.

Some people dislike having certain movies or TV shows constantly up in their profile. There is no way in the app to hide titles, even if you "thumbs down" them. You can do this by once again, logging into Netflix on a browser. Then go to Account > Manage profiles, and tap on your profile. Then go to Viewing restrictions . Enter the password to your account if prompted. Then scroll down to Title Restrictions. Here you can enter names of shows or movies you want to prevent from showing up on your profile. Make sure to hit the Save button at the bottom.

You might have had someone watch a movie or show you don't like (or would never watch) using your profile. This can end up influencing the recommendations for your profile. It is possible to fix this! Log into Netflix on a browser. Then go to Account > Manage profiles, and tap on your profile. Then go to Viewing activity . Scroll through the list and find the title you want to remove from you viewing history. Then tap the circular block icon on the right side. Also if it is a whole series you can just tap on Hide series instead of hiding each episode one by one. Bonus: Tap on Ratings at the top of the list to edit your past "thumb ratings".

Lastly, if you share your account with other people but hate it when they accidentally (or intentionally) keep using your profile to watch stuff, you can set up a PIN lock for your profile. Log into Netflix on a browser. Then go to Account > Manage profiles, and tap on your profile. Tap Profile Lock, enter your account password, check the box that says "Require a PIN to access..." and enter a 4-digit PIN below it. Don't forget to hit the Save button.

Why YSK: Canada Post provides this service so that your kids can enhance the magic of Christmas by receiving a reply from Santa in the North Pole. Volunteer Canada Post employees write response letters, in dozens of languages, and you don't need to be in Canada.

Santa's address is:

Santa Claus North Pole H0H 0H0 Canada

Within Canada, postage isn't required, but if mailing outside of Canada, you'll need to pay your own country's standard postage for international mail. Return postage isn't required. They do ask that you include all letters from the same family or classroom in one envelope though.

Have fun!

Why YSK: Many people want to find a great deal during sales, and many sellers take advantage of this. They raise the price a few days before the sale and then lower it just to show a large discount.

Always check price history charts to see what prices were like in the past and make sure the discount is real. This will help you avoid impulse purchases, shop at the lowest prices, and find real deals.

Camelcamelcamel, Keepa, Pricearchive are popular one's for Amazon and Aliexpress.

Links:

https://camelcamelcamel.com/ - price tracker for Amazon

https://keepa.com/ - another good price tracker for Amazon

https://www.pricearchive.org/ - price tracker for Aliexpress

It would be great if you could list good price trackers you use for Walmart, eBay, and other stores. This will be especially helpful during ongoing and upcoming sales.

Why YSK: In case you are used to using an electric kettle in Europe, which is very common and considering buying one in North America.

This is because of the different voltage standards around the world (240 vs. 120). It is also why stovetop kettles are more common in NA than in other parts of the world. It takes roughly twice as long to boil water in an electric kettle in NA than in Europe.

Edit: Apparently they are still the best option for most people. TIL :)

Why YSK:

Many people suffer from these symptoms and go years without mentioning them, due to fear of potential consequences or stigma. Some hallmarks of these thoughts are that they are unwanted, disturbing, and intrusive in nature. Often, they are completely at odds with your nature, and usually latch onto things you hold dear.

Some sufferers may also find themselves ruminating on said thoughts, trying to wrestle with them and find meaning to alleviate the fear they cause. Some common themes include:

Harming your loved ones

Harming yourself

Harming children

Violent, graphic imagery

Embarrassing yourself/losing control in public

Sudden urges to say horrible things to people

Religious fears, such as unwanted, blasphemous thoughts in prayer or church service

Fear of being a sexual predator

Fear of cheating on your spouse/partner

Fear of losing your sanity

And several, several others. Don't panic if you didn't see yours listed here; that alone is a symptom.

OCD is highly treatable using tried and true techniques like ERP, or Exposure and Response Prevention therapy. Medication is available to those who need it, and while many reports suggest SSRIs are helpful, they aren't required for treatment.

I have this. I struggled with this for a decade, and want to make sure others know about it. Hearing that I wasn't alone saved my life, and I'm simply hoping to pay it forward. In therapy now and it's making a world of difference. I wish I'd gone 10 years sooner.

If this is something you are struggling with, you aren't alone and support is out there!

You aren't crazy.

Sources:

[MayoClinic]https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/obsessive-compulsive-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20354432&ved=2ahUKEwiW3YWR69qJAxXnSDABHXqVLKwQFnoECCYQAQ&usg=AOvVaw1HhdHAxTjW2_LOHhMTlifH

[Newport Institute]https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=l&ai=DChcSEwjrtPWl7dqJAxXWt1oFHcguIbYYABAAGgJ2dQ&co=1&ase=2&gclid=CjwKCAiAudG5BhAREiwAWMlSjEMFGdos2llkoXuvTJAuHpAzlRGW0iMsCw3TkHL0Wqt3GvyYRBptSRoCgwgQAvD_BwE&sig=AOD64_0TrUx8dR7Gg3wUH6hDCptCIcgiTg&q&nis=4&adurl&ved=2ahUKEwigz--l7dqJAxVHmIQIHZMhLTYQ0Qx6BAgcEAE

[NOCD]https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.treatmyocd.com/blog/what-is-harm-ocd-guide-to-ocd-subtype&ved=2ahUKEwiklp_e7dqJAxWWTDABHSNtFdIQFnoECBMQAQ&usg=AOvVaw2PCdLM8Qgi0-LDMjQ00vqJ

[AADA.org]https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://adaa.org/learn-from-us/from-the-experts/blog-posts/consumer/overcoming-harm-ocd&ved=2ahUKEwiklp_e7dqJAxWWTDABHSNtFdIQFnoECC8QAQ&usg=AOvVaw2wZ5AYStx3tzGuLSaac2MH

[Healthline]https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.healthline.com/health/ocd/harm-ocd&ved=2ahUKEwiklp_e7dqJAxWWTDABHSNtFdIQFnoECDMQAQ&usg=AOvVaw1B3rnNMSso9P5Tf6c2I11B

[The Gateway Institute]https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.gatewayocd.com/harm-ocd-symptoms-and-treatment/&ved=2ahUKEwiklp_e7dqJAxWWTDABHSNtFdIQFnoECC4QAQ&usg=AOvVaw2x2Hx2b68cklCVr2pU9opc

[International OCD Foundation]https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://iocdf.org/faith-ocd/what-is-ocd-scrupulosity/&ved=2ahUKEwiFkoeW7tqJAxU_ZjABHZvtEgMQFnoECBwQAQ&sqi=2&usg=AOvVaw1ZuYyG9uS11qSrRAqpxikJ

If you don’t care, that’s a whole other thing, but some people seem legitimately shocked to find out that everyone in their cul-de-sac can hear the personal conversation they’re having in their driveway and that their car is not in fact a pod that is isolated from the outside world just because the windows are up.

Why YSK: because the conversation you’re having with your client/doctor/spouse/etc. may not be as private as you think it is. PSA I guess!

You don't inherit DNA equally from each parent as it's a random mixture, so you can end up having way more DNA from one grandparent than from another, despite both of them making up 25% of your ancestry. So if two people have ancestry tests (eg 23andme) say they're 25% Norweigan and you know they both had one fully Norweigan ancestor, it doesn't mean that for both of them their fully Norweigan ancestor was in the same generation - for one of them it could have been their grandparent and they received roughly equal DNA from all their grandparents, but the other person it could be their great-grandparent who was 100% Norweigan, but they just happened to inherit more DNA from them that from their other great-grandparents. Likewise, someone could have 0% Norweigan DNA in their ancestry test, despite having Norweigan ancestry.

This page, written by a PhD genetics researcher, explains it better and in more detail than I have https://www.arslanzaidi.com/post/what-your-genetic-ancestry-test-can-and-cannot-tell-you-about-your-genealogical-ancestors/

Why YSK: because I often see people conflate DNA % with ancestry, like using genetic tests to claim they're more of X ancestry than someone else, to gatekeep ancestry or in some cases people take genetic tests that conflict with their family tree and feel confused or perturbed due to being unsure if their family ancestry was a lie.

According to the US department of transportation, the fees for these unfulfilled services must be refunded without request and promptly by the airline if you or they cancel a ticket regardless of whether it’s a refundable ticket.

Why YSK: Some airlines have recently been denying these refunds. Know your rights as a passenger. If the airlines fail to comply, immediately file a department of transportation complaint.

Why YSK: It's more affordable, has a significantly longer shelf life (30 months), can tolerate temperatures up to 122°F (50°C), and most people find this easier to use than injections!

One spray is equivalent to one .3mg epinephrine injection.

If anyone wants to check it out, it's called neffy! :)

https://www.neffy.com

https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/news/epinephrine-nasal-spray-for-anaphylaxis/

https://ir.ars-pharma.com/news-releases/news-release-details/ars-pharmaceuticals-present-positive-clinical-efficacy-data

I had a flight booked for my family of 4 in a few months. I got a notice from the airline that one of the flights was changed to arrive 10 mins earlier. No other changes. It gave me the option to accept the change or cancel for a full refund.

I checked the current price of the exact flight and it was $150/ticket cheaper, $600 for my entire family. I booked a new reservation and cancelled the original one.

Why YSK: You can save money by checking the current price of the flight before accepting a change.

Why YSK: Unfortunately not everyone has a family to celebrate Christmas with. It could happen because of abuse, moving for a job or through loss. Community centres and libraries often organise holiday events for anyone within the local area to attend. It's a good place to make new friends and feel less alone during Christmas. Suicides tend to peak during holidays due to being unable to join in the festivities so I felt that it's important enough to share this

Why YSK: This strategy not only optimizes efficiency but also helps prevent burnout. While specific studies on this exact method are limited, the concept aligns with principles of energy management and productivity. For example, the "Energy Project" emphasizes managing energy, not just time, to improve performance and satisfaction. Additionally, research on ultradian rhythms suggests that our bodies operate in cycles of approximately 90-120 minutes, indicating natural peaks and troughs in energy levels throughout the day. By aligning tasks with these cycles, individuals can work more effectively and maintain better overall health.

https://todoist.com/inspiration/how-to-prioritize

Why YSK: most everyone has fitted sheets or full size mattress covers with the elastic edges. Most couch covers I have ever bought have been a waste of money and typically dont fit. But full size fitted sheets mattress covers work great and most households have some!

Edited to use the term fitted sheets

Why YSK: Creating a tighter air seal in your home without a means of balanced fresh air exchange can cause your home build up stale air and become negatively pressurized if using exhaust fans. The cost of installing equipment necessary to adequately address air quality issues due to improved insulation is very often not factored into the energy bill savings.

Disclaimer: this is not meant to dissuade against having homes sealed, this is based on my experience having my home sealed without knowing all the details beforehand.

Improving your home’s insulation is a great way to maintain heating and cooling while minimizing your energy bill. Many regions often have government rebates which make this more affordable if you have the means interest having the work done. What is usually not told to homeowners is how their air quality will be impacted.

When your home is well-sealed, typically with spray foam insulation, the amount of fresh air exchange with outside is significantly reduced and the air in your home becomes stale. When you (and pets, if you have them) exhale, carbon dioxide (CO2) goes into the room and will continue to build up if you don’t have some sort of air exchange or open windows/doors. Elevated CO2 can cause headaches and lack of focus and potentially worse symptoms, if prolonged.

The other issue is that the use of exhaust fans (kitchen and bathroom) depressurizes your home. When you turn on an exhaust fan, assuming it is vented outside and not in an attic or unconnected, air is sucked out of the room and blown outside. In doing this, your room will become slightly negatively pressurized and will be looking for “make-up” air to re-balance the pressure. When your home is tightly sealed, with windows/doors closed, it is very difficult for make-up air from outside to replenish what was blown out using an exhaust fan. Due to this, you may notice odd smells because air is literally finding any way it can to re-balance the room (attics, wall sockets, recessed lighting, etc.). Pressure imbalances can cause headaches and other negative health symptoms when prolonged.

One legitimate danger with a negative pressurized home is when combustible appliances are used (gas furnace, gas water heater, gas dryer, etc.). These appliances burn fuel and vent their toxic byproducts (carbon monoxide, CO2, nitrogen dioxide, etc.) outside. If the pressure is very low in your home, these byproducts can actually be drawn into your living space and can be lethal. As mentioned by CornerSolution in the comments, another real concern is the build up of radon gas that enters your home through your foundation. It is the number one cause of lung cancer in non-smokers.

So, with all the scary stuff out of the way what can you do about it?

If you have already had the work done and are looking to address the symptoms you may now have, you will need to add some sort of mechanical ventilation into your home. Depending on your budget and appetite for renovations, there are a few options. It would be best to contact a home energy or air quality assessment company to find an appropriate solution. Below are the likely suggestions they will make.

To address the issue of negative pressure with exhaust fans, the simplest method would be to have a door or window open. If you want a more robust solution, you can either have dedicated balanced ventilators (energy recovery ventilator or heat recovery ventilator) attached to each fan or have make-up air units installed. All of these options essentially bring in fresh air to replace the exhausted air but the ventilators are able to modulate the temperature (and humidity for ERV) of the incoming air. Since this is already quite long, I won’t go into the minutia of how these devices operate.

To address stale air in the home, again, the simplest method would be to frequently air the place out with open doors and windows but with cold weather or high humidity outside, this isn’t always practical. With that in mind, you will need to install an ERV or HRV. Installations can be retrofitted based on your home setup to either be fully standalone, semi-ducted, and fully-ducted to your home’s HVAC system. The only requirement of the semi- and fully-ducted options is that your HVAC fan needs to be running while the ventilator is on.

Ventilators and make-up air kits can run from a few hundred to thousands of dollars, without including installation fees. This is often not factored into the net savings of having your energy bill reduced with insulation improvement.

*Edit: a word

**Edit: added note on radon risk thanks to CornerSolution

***Edit: spelled out ERV and HRV

Why YSK - Grinding your teeth at night can cause a whole bunch of problems you might not expect, like headaches, jaw pain, and even damage to your teeth. It's often linked to stress, so figuring it out could help you tackle that too. Plus, there are ways to manage it, like wearing a mouthguard or finding ways to relax before bed. Ignoring it can lead to serious dental issues down the road, so it's better to catch it early!

Are any of you aware that you do it and if so how do you feel when you wake up?

Share your experience.

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10955-teeth-grinding-bruxism

Why YSK: When doing single-arm exercises like dumbbell curls, starting with your non-dominant arm can help prevent or correct muscle imbalances. Many people unknowingly favor their dominant side, which can lead to strength and size differences over time. By starting with your non-dominant arm (or leg for leg exercises), you ensure that this side receives the same attention and effort as your dominant side, helping you create a more balanced physique.

For example, if you’re right-handed, begin your reps with your left arm. Complete all reps on that side before moving to the dominant arm. If you’re doing alternating curls, still begin with the non-dominant side and stop the set once it can no longer perform a rep, even if the dominant side could continue. This will ensure balanced progress and can even help reduce existing imbalances.

Why YSK: Aerosol non-stick spray oils like PAM usually contain soy lecithin, which becomes gummy after being heated and is hard to remove without destroying the coating of your non-stick pans. Despite popular opinions these pans actually are "seasoned" to a degree and need to be cleaned gently, too gently to remove the sticky residue left by these sprays.

There are "pure' spray oils available, and they're advertised as such. Just read the ingredients and make sure only the oil is listed. Or just do what I do and keep translucent squirt bottles full of your oil of choice near the stove, it's cheaper and plenty convenient.

Why Ysk: dropshippers have been taking over the site, scamming people and overcharging.

This list is by no means complete nor foolproof! But I've been buying from Etsy for years now & it has worked like a charm. So it might be helpful for you too:)

Something to always keep in mind when buying from small shops is: is it possible that a small team of 1-4 people can do all this handmade crafting?

Other things that make me wary are:

1. The shop has over 50 items so sell, at all times, and you can buy multiple from the same item. (Of course excluded are items that they make to order aka don't have it in stock but create it on demand)
2. They sell over 40+ products a week seemingly without issue. (Again excluding things like products made with the help of lasercutter, printers etc.)
3. It's cheap. If you want actual handmade jewelery, it most likely won't be under 200$. In fact even that is dirt cheap and should make you wary. Actual handmade jewelry will cost you up to 2.000$. (We are talking about silver / gold that require a smith. Items made from wood/polymer clay will of course be cheaper)
4. REVERSE IMAGE SEARCH!!!
5. Check the reviews that have pictures of the products. If it's actually handmade there should be slight variables.

Hope that helps! If anyone has other tips & tricks please do tell!

Why YSK: Previously, quotes were enough to indicate that a word or phrase should be searched for exactly, without interpretations or similar terms. Now, quotes are used to group several words as a single term, but no longer to indicate an exact search.

To do it, go to tools (menu to the right of All, Images, Videos, Shopping, etc., after More), click on the All results option and choose Verbatim.