Whenever I speak with convention organizers about their risk and liability positions, frequently the issue of hiring UsagiMed for the comfort of their attendees leads to discussions of medical liability, and it seems there is a gross misconception that hiring UsagiMed increases a con’s responsibility. In fact, the opposite is true.
(more…)LGBTQ+ Convention Safe Spaces
In recent months, legislation in states such as Florida and Texas have been passed to limit the education and embracement of LGBTQ+ youth and adults. With laws such as these moving schools and workplaces away from a safe space, it’s crucial to recognize spaces in which these groups are empowered – and ways that even more progress can be made.
(more…)Service Dogs Are Cute, But…
Service dogs are common visitors during conventions. Service dogs are cute, but let’s not forget: they are working dogs who provide support so their human can safely and happily attend a convention when they might not be able to without such assistance. Some folks need support for social anxiety or PTSD; others for medical conditions like seizure disorders or diabetes, and for autistic, deaf, and blind populations.
(more…)We’ll See You At Anime Weekend Atlanta 2022
It is official: We’ll see you at Anime Weekend Atlanta 2022! AWA is where UsagiMed was born. Dr. Laura Block was THE first aid department back then–serving a very small convention with one first-aid kit. Dr. Laura says: “Working Anime Weekend Atlanta every year is just like coming home. It’s where we got our start 26 years ago. It’s been so incredible to see the growth and change over decades.”
(more…)Three Effective Ways to Deal with Stress
Between world pandemics and political events, 2022 has been quick to offer us with many opportunities to stay on our toes – and while browsing our phones and listening to Lo-Fi can be a good quick fix, we’ve all been in need of some more consistent, lasting fixes. Here, we’ve compiled three great, effective ways to destress in these trying times.
(more…)We’ll See You at MTAC Score!
It’s official. Usagi Medical Group will be with you at MTAC Score. We’re looking forward to joining their crew for an excellent show coming up April 15-17, and celebrating their new digs at the Grand Hyatt in Nashville!
We feel compelled to remind folks that things regarding COVID are still kinda weird, and that UsagiMed has a cool COVID Survival Guide for you. (Including a slick, downloadable PDF.)
(more…)What You Need to Know About Omicron
Holiday season brought Thanksgiving festivities and Christmas parties galore, encouraging family and friends to come together and enjoy the start of Winter close together. Unfortunately, the SARS-CoV-2 variant Omicron has resulted in a torrent of COVID-19 cases worldwide. With numbers rising to their early-pandemic numbers and higher, fear of the unknown and the search for any method possible to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe is only natural. Omicron is no joke, but fear-mongering has clouded our ability to find real statistics and information on the most secure, realistic method to avoid infection. Here’s what you need to know about Omicron:
(more…)3 Tips For Easing Seasonal Depression
Winter is here! Chilly weather, mocha lattes, and layered outfits are readily at hand. However, with this also comes a rise in depression symptoms compared to the rest of the year[1]. Seasonal Affective Disorder is a mood disorder in which depressive symptoms in a person occur at the same period for them each year, usually during the Winter season, due to the colder weather and decrease in sunlight during the daytime. Depression can be a very difficult illness to cope with, and there’s not usually a clear fix. BUT Easing seasonal depression is not that hard. Here are some of our top-tips you can try to help reduce the symptoms and improve your mood:
(more…)Call An Ambulance!
No one wants to find themselves in a situation where they must call an ambulance to save a loved one or prevent an accident. However, in the event you’re in an accident and waiting for an ambulance, how will you be prepared for when the emergency responders arrive?
(more…)Cosplay Is Not Consent
This Editorial Is Authored By UsagiMed Intern and Writer Allison Marrero
Trigger Warning for Mentions of Sexual Assault and Harassment
On October 9th, 2014, attendees of New York Comic Con entered the event seeking exciting guest panels, performance events, and of course, coveted cosplay photoshoots. However, fans saw signage at the entrance that permanently changed social expectations across the cosplay community: “Cosplay is Not Consent”
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