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Massage/Questions Answered by Expert Zira

SubjectDate Asked
From the beginning.11/15/2011
  Q: What kinds of therapy would occur for an adult in their 20s to 30s who recently had several ...
  A: More than likely the hospital will just start with the basics to get the mobility going again & then ...
Abdominal Rehab/Pain questions7/14/2011
  Q: I was wondering if you might be able to give me a second opinion on what a physical therapist has ...
  A: Yep that sounds about right. Massage can be used to break down scar tissue, but not necessarily get ...
TFL/Sartorius Strain?6/9/2011
  Q: I'm a running and about five months ago, I felt a little twinge postrun in my left hip, kind of like ...
  A: Sorry for the late response. Ok so the deal with scar tissue is that you have to sprain, strain, ...
Hot Oil Massage5/22/2011
  Q: I recently had my first hot oil massage. I enjoyed it but I have a question. How sanitary is this? ...
  A: To me that doesn't sound sanitary at all. I know the oil is hot & heat usually burns off germs & ...
massage after marathon5/17/2011
  Q: On Sunday I completed my 13th full marathon in a good time and felt relatively good afterwards ...
  A: Congrats on the marathon! In all honesty I think it was a mix of your body recovering from the ...
change the order of a massage.2/6/2011
  Q: Recently my regular Therapist went on matt leave so I have been trying other Therapist and looking ...
  A: Your request is not unusual. In all honesty if you have posture issues then the pecs are what need ...
Swollen neck after massage12/23/2010
  Q: First of all thank you for volunteering your time. I do a lot of volunteering and find it helps me ...
  A: Sorry it took me a few days to get back to you! Ok so I'm thinking 2 things here. You might be ...
massage for ovarian cancer12/5/2010
  Q: I'm student in a massage therapy course. I'm doing a paper on ovarian cancer and was wondering in ...
  A: They used to tell massage therapists that doing massage on anyone with cancer was contraindicated. ...
Tensor Fascia Lata Tear11/11/2010
  Q: I suffered a TFL area tear last May during half marathon running. I am now many months into the ...
  A: A TFL tear is pretty painful. Ok so scar tissue can be broken down to an extent. With the TFL most ...
The Effects of Massage on a person with ADHD and High Blood Pressure10/20/2010
  Q: I have a daughter that is 18 years old and has ADHD and Hypertension. I am told that massage can ...
  A: With your daughter I would try shortened massage sessions with lots of deep flushing movements. Too ...
Glutes and hamstrings and IT band tightness10/12/2010
  Q: I started running last year and with infrequent runs, this did not bother me but now this year I am ...
  A: From the sounds of it you aren't stretching properly. Try going to get a massage on your legs with ...
Hot Stone Massage and Kidney Failure5/7/2010
  Q: I've started going to a massage clinic recently, and signed up for a Hot Stone Massage. When I ...
  A: Sorry for taking a few days to respond. Personally I have never heard of that & I do hot stone ...
burning leg after massage3/14/2010
  Q: I have burning leg sensation that will not go away after full body massage a week ago. I noticed the ...
  A: There definately could have been some damage. You were right to notice that the therapist was ...
masage after surgery11/18/2009
  Q: Now it is hard to find how to massage on a sprained or pulled or torn calf/ Achilles tendon i know ...
  A: Ok to start with if your cleint is fresh out of surgery you can't do anything more than effleurage ...
which oil to use?11/6/2009
  Q: i would like to know whether olive oil is good to massage my four month old baby? otherwise which ...
  A: I would actually use non scented baby oil for your baby. Just incase your baby is allergic to olive ...
blood thinners and massage10/27/2009
  Q: I am currently taking my first Swedish massage course and learning about how we as massage ...
  A: In all honesty the answer to your question is up to her doctor. You will require a dr note in order ...
Shoulder and hand pain8/31/2009
  Q: Two weeks ago, I leased a new car. For some reason, I am experiencing a lot of shoulder, arm and ...
  A: I think in this case you have to look at a few different factors. It could be the car, an old injury ...
Physical therapy8/12/2009
  Q: I was just wondering whether you can give me any more information in regard to physical therapy and ...
  A: A physio is not a doctor. A phyiso rehabs the body physically whether it be through stretching or ...
becoming a massage therapist6/18/2009
  Q: I am considering massage therapy as a new career. However, I have a concern. I am a person who has ...
  A: Just because you are small doesn't mean you can't apply pressure. If you have problems with your ...
Neck Injury6/11/2009
  Q: 4 months ago, I was playing american football and I butt-blocked an opponent. I was running towards ...
  A: First i would go to the doctor and ask for x rays. This will show whether or not the bones are in ...
Psoas Strain5/14/2009
  Q: I had a 1 1/2 hr full body massage, during the massage the therapist went deep into my psoas muscle ...
  A: I'm sorry to hear that your experience was bad. It sounds to me like the therapist did indeed make ...
Constant Low Back Pain4/19/2009
  Q: .I am a recently Qualified Neuromuscular therapist.My problem is that i have a dull ache in my Left ...
  A: So far what you have sounds pretty accurate. Try stretching out the erector spinae and multifidi. By ...
Massaging the ab area4/6/2009
  Q: I appreciate you being on allexperts! I've been spending the past year becoming aware of all the ...
  A: Well thank you Roger. Lol. I don't see a problem with it. Just be careful not to over do it. Also do ...
Consult a client3/25/2009
  Q: Could you help me I need to know the different forms of communication techniques I can use to ...
  A: I'm not really understanding what you're getting at. I'm guessing that you want to know how to ...
contraindications for massage?3/18/2009
  Q: What are the contraindications for massage in clients diagnosed with coronary heart disease ? ...
  A: Ok. You would have to get a note from their physician oking massage and the note should say what the ...
contraindications for massage?3/17/2009
  Q: What are the contraindications for massage in clients diagnosed with coronary heart disease ?
  A: First of all dear it is congenital heast disease. Coronary is an artery. The massage should be short ...
deep tisue massage3/15/2009
  Q: Good afternoon Zira, First, thank you for volunteering on this site. I am a volunteer in another ...
  A: Scar tissue can be broken down through massage, but will not disappear completely. Scar tissue is ...
sciatica3/15/2009
  Q: I went to a massage therapist last week for sciatica and he massaged in the inside of my right leg ...
  A: I have never massaged anyones thigh for sciatica so really I'm not sure of why he was there. Also ...
Shingles & Massage3/11/2009
  Q: i am a MT student at Miami Jacobs Career College-Troy Campus & am wondering How Shingles relate to ...
  A: Hey there Jacki, That's a great question. if they have had it in the past you don't have to worry, ...
back pain2/23/2009
  Q: I injured one of my ribs a few years ago (the costal cartilage on the tip of my 10th rib in the ...
  A: i'm not one to promote taking pain killers, so I'm not going to tell you to take more. I would ...
illness, infection and Massage2/16/2009
  Q: I am a massage therapist and I have been taught that massage may not be beneficial when a client is ...
  A: You do not massage during a flu because there is a risk of it spreading to other parts of the body, ...
back2/11/2009
  Q: my daughter chrissy 15 seems to have a hunch in her back i have asked her many times to correct her ...
  A: It seems to me since she is hunched over she is giving herself hunchback (kyphosis). It will worsen ...
Knots1/9/2009
  Q: My boyfriend used to be a swimmer and football player. He somehow managed to get two permanent knots ...
  A: If he continues to get these knots that means they are fed from stress, overuse, and not enough ...
Rash on my calf12/16/2008
  Q: I recently damaged my calf muscle whilst running, after allowing a couple of weeks for it to heal i ...
  A: I would definately go see the dr. because I'm really not sure on what happened here. It could be the ...
Massage to help whip lash neck injury11/30/2008
  Q: Five months ago I was tackled from the side by a boy at least 60 lbs heavier than me diving to catch ...
  A: Massage would definately help; but you do need to keep stretching. And be aware that it will hurt ...
massage therapy etiquette11/24/2008
  Q: I've been going to massage therapy due to an injury from a car accident to my neck, shoulders and ...
  A: Hey there, Ok so here's what I'm getting. The pants thing and the flirting is not normal. Caressing ...
Free Blowjobs11/20/2008
  Q: I'm a 24 year old woman and I'm a massage therapist. Although no one else knows about this, I have ...
  A: You can be charged for public indecencey. You will loose your job and a major offense will be placed ...
cerebral palsy and massage therapy11/16/2008
  Q: Is there classes that you have to take to work with cerebral palsy children or adults besides having ...
  A: No you don't have to take a class on how to work on cerebal palsy clients. You have to be very ...
Calf self-fitness test?11/13/2008
  Q: I pulled/tore my calf 4 weeks ago whilst running,i got a pain about 2 miles in but kept running and ...
  A: I don't want you doing anything on that calf for atleast a week except for some light stretching. It ...
Piriformis and Sciatic Pain11/11/2008
  Q: Would you recommend neuromuscular massage and active release therapy as a means to eliminate ...
  A: With the piriformis muscle the sciatic nerve either runs under the muscle, over it or through it. So ...
Erections and ethics11/7/2008
  Q: I know that an MT needs to be able to determine the man's intent if he has an erection and I was ...
  A: Sweety the sheets have nothing to do with erections. You can tell just by the way your male client ...
obese client11/2/2008
  Q: how would you adapt your massage techniques when treating an obese client?(mainly the back)
  A: Lowering the table is usually easier. If you don't adjust your table then you're going to be the one ...
fascia10/29/2008
  Q: For the past 2yrs I have had pain on my upper right back, shoulder and neck. It also causes pain ...
  A: if my posture has been bad for a long time and I've had pain for the last couple of years, how long ...
pain upper back10/23/2008
  Q: for the last 3 year i have had this pain below the neck on the right hand side of my back i fell 3 ...
  A: It sounds to me like there is a problem in the nerve if the pain is sharp and shooting. If it is ...
post-massage rash/flu?10/21/2008
  Q: I am having physical therapy on my right arm for an elbow injury I sustained over 2 years ago. The ...
  A: The rash could have been from the oil or lotion your therapist was using as for the flu im not ...
knots10/17/2008
  Q: I've read a few of the questions and answers and i hope i can direct this question correct. I work ...
  A: Its hard to say what's going on, you could even have a compressed nerve. Since you do work at a desk ...
about consent agreement on massage10/1/2008
  Q: Hey Zira: Do people have to sign an agreement authorizing massage therapist to touch their bodies? ...
  A: Yes you do need a therapy consent form and it's usually in the form of a contract. It basically ...
Sore Back8/27/2008
  Q: I have waken up before after feeling fully rested, but realizing I'd not gotten a full 8 hours and ...
  A: In all honesty James i think that your bed may be the problem. Massage will help, but it will only ...
Sore Back8/27/2008
  Q: I have waken up before after feeling fully rested, but realizing I'd not gotten a full 8 hours and ...
  A: There are several causes for this kind of pain. Were you recently lifting anything heavy? Do you ...
First Massage8/22/2008
  Q: I recently had my first neck and back massage. I decided to get the massage due to tension ...
  A: No this is not normal to experience. Light headed is sometimes a symptom of getting up too fast, but ...
Sciatia treatment8/21/2008
  Q: After several wonderful deep tissue treatments for neck and lower back issues, my next appointment ...
  A: The sheet method is both effective and not so much. Through the sheet you can do more of pressure ...
A question from a massage therapist8/9/2008
  Q: I am a young massage therapist and have only been working for a few months. I had a very ...
  A: Ok don't panic, these situations do happen. What you need to tell her is that the way she is acting ...
Neck Cracking8/7/2008
  Q: About 5 weeks ago my neck started cracking continuously when I turn it to the right. I feel the ...
  A: I would be talking to the chiro about cracking. You could have strained your SCM and need to get it ...
Indications or contraindications6/23/2008
  Q: I am studying massage therapy, I have a scenario question that I need answered if possible. The ...
  A: I always check for herniated disks before I even touch the lower back. I do assessments and ...
chiro and massage6/21/2008
  Q: You mentioned that you shouldn't get chiro and massage on the same day. I went to a chiro who had a ...
  A: I don't agree with doing massage and chiro on the same day because when you get a massage the ...
massage and lyme disease6/13/2008
  Q: my father is being treated for lyme disease and the doctor has recommended massage and sauna ...
  A: Ok so here's what I can tell you. When massaging with lyme disease, pressure doesn't matter because ...
muscle tension knots, etc.5/14/2008
  Q: My shoulders and neck and right side of my head feel like it is in muscle spasm and has been ...
  A: Lets start with what fascia is because thats an easy one. Fascia is the tissue that connects the ...
muscle tension knots, etc.5/13/2008
  Q: My shoulders and neck and right side of my head feel like it is in muscle spasm and has been ...
  A: I need some more information before I can help you out my dear. What do you do at work? Is your job ...
back5/13/2008
  Q: hey about 6 months ago i tore the muscles on the left side of my thoracic spine. i think it is the ...
  A: With your ribs and back it could be any of the muscles and around that particular area there are ...
Lactic Acid Build up around hip flexors5/10/2008
  Q: I am a runner and also do "spinning" three times/week. The lactic acid build up around my hip ...
  A: Lactic acid is the first thing that the body burns when you start to exercise. The lactic acid is ...
Mucsle tension4/7/2008
  Q: I have a persistent "knot" that develops on a regular (re:daily) basis. It comes when I am ...
  A: Ok so "knots" do not develop on a daily basis. What happens is that over time tension develops and ...
Pins and Needles in hand - from a massage?4/1/2008
  Q: I just read your response to a similar question on this site. I need your help. I had a massage ...
  A: Where did the therapist work on your shoulder? If the therapist worked, on the back of the shoulder, ...
info related to muscle knot..3/1/2008
  Q: This is Pavan from India ...From couple of years i find a ball like thing forming on my hand ..when ...
  A: I am not a doctor, but what I can tell you is that you should probably see a physician. A 'knot' or ...
Massage after Surgery....1/29/2008
  Q: I recently had a guest request to come in for a massage and she had a breast augmentation only 10 ...
  A: Nicole, If the tissue doesn't have time to heal the she could start bleeding all over and the body ...
my back1/23/2008
  Q: 2 ½ years ago, I was working out at the gym and long story short, the cartilage at the tip of my ...
  A: You need to have the muscles stretched before you can strengthen everything. Once everything is ...
Relaxation Massage1/9/2008
  Q: I am currently training to be an esthetician. In the state of Ohio, we are allowed to give ...
  A: With high blood pressure, if they are experiencing a high blood pressure "episode" during the time ...
Massage Glutes1/1/2008
  Q: I am a 17 year old guy going for a massage soon at a massage college. The way I believe it to work ...
  A: Ok hun the trainers do not watch while you get a massage although they may go from room to room to ...
Incidental Erections12/27/2007
  Q: I really enjoy the therapeutic and relaxation benefits of deep tissue massage, but I am often shy ...
  A: Hey there. You have nothing to be embarassed about. Look things happen. Everytime I run into that ...
Butt Massage11/27/2007
  Q: one time I went to a massage school and received an excellent massage from a student therapist. I ...
  A: In all honesty your therapist was going beyond her limits. We are told what to do and what not to do ...
what is a better career11/15/2007
  Q: i am a 21 year old and i am debating between physical therapy or massage therapy. can you tell me ...
  A: I love being a massage therapist. From what I understand of hpysiotherapy is that when it comes to ...
pain in neck and knots in shoulders11/2/2007
  Q: I have had chronic neck and shoulder pain for quite some time. I have seen a chiropractor and a ...
  A: Hun you probably should see a physician. Also it is bad for your body to get chiro and massage on ...
slipped disc10/12/2007
  Q: I was just told that I have a slipped disc between C6 & C7 that has been causing a number of other ...
  A: Unless your doctor instructs otherwise DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES work out or lift weights. You ...
muscle pull?10/9/2007
  Q: I'm hoping you can help me figure out what my pain might be. I injured my back a few months ago and ...
  A: Yes and no Holly. The psoas major is a muscle that supports the back. You might be in some pain for ...
muscle pull?10/9/2007
  Q: I'm hoping you can help me figure out what my pain might be. I injured my back a few months ago and ...
  A: It almost sounds to me like you pulled your psoas Major. This muscle is the closest to the stomach ...
Hepatitis c and massage9/27/2007
  Q: I regards to the question previously posted....... Is massage contraindicated for Hepatitis C? Would ...
  A: It is recommended that a massage therapist may wear gloves, but the client MUST keep their under ...
Ouch!!! Upper back and left arm pain.9/18/2007
  Q: Heart attack has been ruled out, but for about a week I have have pain that at first started on the ...
  A: That sounds painful! Instead going for a deep tissue massage try and relaxation massage. When a ...
UTIs8/8/2007
  Q: Is it ok to massage a client when they just found out that morning they have a UTI(urinary tract ...
  A: Book: Pathology A-Z second Edition states: Do not massage during the acute phase. Encourage the ...
UTIs8/8/2007
  Q: Is it ok to massage a client when they just found out that morning they have a UTI(urinary tract ...
  A: DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES MASSAGE THIS CLIENT. IT IS A CONTRAINDICATION AND COULD SERIOUSLY ...
bad muscle strain right side upper back8/3/2007
  Q: I got a bad muscle strain in my right upper back area it causes me this pins and needles sensation ...
  A: I hope that you are having a great week end. Now a muscle strain and a knot are 2 different things. ...
Bone pain7/24/2007
  Q: I have a continues pain in all my bones and it is more or concentrated in my right leg, I have seen ...
  A: You could be experiencing different types of pain. If it is a sharp shooting pain that will be nerve ...
tight body7/13/2007
  Q: I am a 17 year old keen sportsman but my performance is being hampered by my tight stiff body. I ...
  A: generally sports massage is used for before and after an atheltic event. For you I would suggest ...
massage move7/8/2007
  Q: We were taught in massage school to get the triceps really good was when the client was in a prone ...
  A: I was under the impression that it had no name. Also I was taught it in the supine position not the ...
Contraindications to massage5/11/2007
  Q: I asked you a question recently and got the reply that you do not answer homework questions. The ...
  A: please keep in mind that I am in western Canada and that the way we do things here might be ...
Swedish or Stone massage?5/5/2007
  Q: Greetings!: I never had a professional massage before, and am considering saving up for one. I am a ...
  A: I love your name its so cute! Anyways, here's what I've got for you. If your knee and back are ...
lymphoma and massage therapy, contraindications4/22/2007
  Q: What are the guidelines when working with a patient diagnosed with lymphoma. I know the question of ...
  A: When it comes to any type of cancer, the rule isl unless approved by the client's doctor massage is ...
eating disorders4/17/2007
  Q: i have already done extensive research on all three of these disorders and have found that massage ...
  A: Yes you need to put important infortmation like that in a client's file. Anything that you are ...
massage and eating disorders4/15/2007
  Q: im studying sports therapy at college and am currently doing an assignment on eating disorders. To ...
  A: What do you know about all these diseases? Take what you know and research what you don't know. Most ...
Body Massage4/2/2007
  Q: i hv jus moved from kl to here. i am a fitness freak and do weight training whenever i have the ...
  A: No problem. Again the best way to find a massage therapist is by word of mouth or the phone book. ...
Body Massage3/31/2007
  Q: i hv jus moved from kl to here. i am a fitness freak and do weight training whenever i have the ...
  A: Just look in the phone book under massage. I don't know what kl is, so I can't really help you out ...
Sick after massage2/28/2007
  Q: I have had two full body massages in the last 4 months , and both times have gotten very ill. Sick ...
  A: In all honesty I have never heard of this. Did you get abdominal massages done with it as well? ...
recovery2/25/2007
  Q: A few questions for you: I need to know if it would be ok to have massage done. I had triple hernia ...
  A: I hope I can help you out a little bit. Ok, the doctor needs to ok you for massage first. As far ...
information on contraindication for massage to MS patients2/22/2007
  Q: My name is Carmen. I am currently enrolled in school and ready to graduate in six weeks (yeah!!). ...
  A: sorry it took me so long. Lots of working and stuff like that. Conraindications for MS would be no ...
massage school2/20/2007
  Q: i was wondering about massage school; there is one around here that offers courses on it. about how ...
  A: I'm sorry I really don't know anything about massage in the USA. I wish I could help you further. As ...
massage school2/19/2007
  Q: i was wondering about massage school; there is one around here that offers courses on it. about how ...
  A: I'm sorry I don't know where you live. Every place is different for massage therapy. I live in ...
Massage Oil2/7/2007
  Q: How are you? wanted to know two things regarding massage oil: Firstly : Are carrier oil and base ...
  A: I'm fine thank you. I've only ever used one oil per treatment. If I do an aroma therapy massage I ...
Sport and Fitness Therapies1/9/2007
  Q: I'm wondering how would you deal with a client whose expectation from a massage treatment is ...
  A: It sounds to me like your client is stuck in the DADA syndrome. DADA is Denial, Anger, Depression, ...
Nausea after massage12/29/2006
  Q: My grandmother, who is 86, has been having lower back, hip and knee pain. She has recently started ...
  A: Does your grandmother experience any nausea when she gets out of bed or off the couch? Ask her if ...
Areas of Massage12/16/2006
  Q: If it's ok to rquest a massage without any draping. Oh and are erections a problem, since they can't ...
  A: Most massage therapists will drape because we don't want to expose more of the patient that needs to ...
massage and allergies12/13/2006
  Q: One of my clients is allergic to grass and take medication for it. After the massage sessions he ...
  A: I'm not sure what you mean by "feeling weird" because I don't know the signs and symptoms. Deep ...
massage on my elderly grandfather12/12/2006
  Q: I have been massaging my grandfather for 5 months now and he just complained of soarness after the ...
  A: Ok so here's the thing. With a diabetic you have to use lighter pressure because they will bruise ...
the urinary system12/12/2006
  Q: can you massage the urinary system
  A: You can't really massage a system because they are all connected. I wouldn't recommend deep massage ...
Treatment Environments12/7/2006
  Q: Could you analytically explain to me the positive and negative effects of treatment environments on ...
  A: It all depends on the treatment and the person. The main thing is to keep the room at a nice ...
Gloves?11/14/2006
  Q: I had a massage therapist at my chiropractors office massage my glute muscle I think it is. It is ...
  A: Yes this is very normal for a massage therapist not to wear gloves during a treatment. The glutes ...
modesty10/18/2006
  Q: I am not modest about nudity or my body when it comes to massage, but last time I recieved a ...
  A: As a massage therapist I was taught that if you are to do a certain treatment near the gentils then ...
what is the difference between exercise and training?10/6/2006
  Q: what is the difference between exercise and training?
  A: Exercise is a one time thing that you don't put much effort into and training is showing your body ...
neck pain10/5/2006
  Q: do massage therapists and physio therapists do the same thing? how would they check whether there ...
  A: When you are hurt it is wrong to exercise that injured body part until it heals. If you want to ...
neck pain10/5/2006
  Q: i am a student and i used to train moderately with weights, doing things like military presses , ...
  A: In all honesty Husain I'd go see a massage therapist. Depending where you live they can do ...
massage oil10/4/2006
  Q: I want to buy a massage oil that I can rub all over my body. I’ve read some oils relieve joint and ...
  A: I wouldn't recommened buying oil to moisturize your body for one thing. It stains clothing and ...
Massage therapy effects on the urinary system10/4/2006
  Q: I am currently in massage classes in Atlanta. I have a project due next week. I have been searching ...
  A: Massage moves fluids around in the body, blood to be exact. If you put too much pressure on the ...
modification of massage10/2/2006
  Q: Im doin a diploma in sports therapy and just wanted to know how i would modify a massage for a ...
  A: Unless they have some sort of open wound you shouldn't have to change anything. People are ...
chronic muscle tension9/28/2006
  Q: what massage techniques should be used for chroninic muscle tension? Thank you Nicole
  A: Some good techniques would be effleurage, friction, goading, and petrissage. The thing with chronic ...

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Zira

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Expertise

I can answer questions about exercise rehab, remedial (therapeutic/deep tissue) and general relaxation massage therapy, sports related massage therapy and any questions about massage in general.

Experience

I'm a registered massage therapist and have been for a few years now, I'm also an active athlete and know how to tie health and massage together. I have training in relaxation massage, remedial massage, pre and post event sports massage, problems in the lower legs of athletes, some thai massage, soft tissue manipulation, a small amount of pregnancy massage, exercise rehab and kinesiology, anything about the human body and how it operates, and I even have a small background in myofascial release. Currently I am in the process of becoming a certified personal trainer as well.

Organizations
MTAS is my association here in Canada

Education/Credentials
Two years of massage school as well as various seminars and educational lectures and working out in the real world and dealing with situations everyday.

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