Dengue chooses no victim. Here's how you can protect you and your family and keep those dangerous mosquitoes at bay.
Dengue fever is a vector-borne disease most common in tropical regions, specifically in Southeast Asia. But even if you live in the western hemisphere, learning how to rid your environment of the causative factors can help eliminate other potential vectors, as well. An infected female Aedes aegypti, a mosquito, is responsible for the transmission of the deadly dengue virus.
Internal bleeding is the usual manifestation of the disease as patients’ platelets become significantly low, rendering them unable to clot blood properly. The goal of prevention is to reduce the existing mosquito population. This can effectively be done by destroying potential breeding grounds, as well as killing live ones. Here are some useful ways to prevent dengue.
1. Breeding ground.
Destroy all potential breeding places for the mosquitoes. Since they thrive in environments with stagnant water sources, you should be able to detect these. Take away all sources of standing water, like vases, basins, pails or even cups. If a water source remains stagnant for more than a week, it will likely be inhabited by mosquitoes sooner or later. Sewage and drainage systems must be covered at all times. These also must have a constant flow of water to flush out eggs and mating mosquitoes.
2. Fogging.
This technique is very much the same as spraying your house with insecticide. Fogging kills more mosquitoes, including eggs that haven’t hatched yet. It usually involves insecticide components diluted in water as a machine bombards the gases to potential breeding grounds. Recent technological developments have made it possible for humans to be unaffected by the fog due to less harmful ingredients. Newer versions only poison mosquitoes.
3. Tree planting.
Some species of plants are known to expel natural gases or components that mosquitoes despise. The neem tree is a good example of this. In tropical regions, there has been mass implementation of tree planting in order to battle dengue. These species of trees also grow quickly in less than two years and will have immediate beneficial effects on the environment.
4. Time.
The Aedes aegypti mosquito is usually active during the day and returns to its habitat just before dusk. It would be wise that people steer clear of unknown environments during the active hours to prevent transmission. Also, it is recommended that people enter the potential breeding grounds late in the afternoon just before dusk to implement the precautionary measures to eliminate mosquitoes.
5. Ward.
Several methods are also available to effectively ward off mosquitoes. You can wear long-sleeved clothing and turtlenecks to keep your extremities and neck from insect bites. A mosquito net may also come in handy during the day. At best, apply mosquito repellant on exposed skin areas to keep all insects at bay.
There is no vaccine or cure for the disease, since it is a virus. Supportive treatment is the best that you can do for anyone who has the condition. Children and infants should be extra careful as they have weaker immune responses compared to adults.
Author: Julieta Chin. All rights reserved.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
How to Perform CPR
If you're suddenly faced with an emergency, you'd be a better part of the scene if you know how to perform CPR on another person. With the tips below and practice, you just might be able to save someone's life in the nick of time.
Anyone can be hero, even you. First, you have to know CPR or cardiopulmonary resuscitation. There are several organizations around the world encouraging each and every one to have knowledge and skill in performing this vital task. You can immediately attend to any grave situation and save lives, making you the above average human being.
CPR is not complicated and the steps are basically uniform in all parts of the globe. Once you get the groove and proper sequence, it can be easy and automatic for you to perform. However, if you still do not fully trust your skill and knowledge in doing so, never attempt on a live scenario or you’ll only risk giving the patient further injury. Here’s how.
1. Safety.
Even if you’re trying to save another life, you first have to make sure that your safety will not be compromised. Check the scene and surroundings if it’s safe to approach. Look for possible loose electric circuits or hanging debris. If all else is clear, you can slowly approach the person. It is better if you ask someone else near the scene to call for help as you move in.
2. Consciousness.
Once you get near the victim, check for consciousness by tapping or shaking by the shoulder then saying in a fairly loud voice, “Hey! Hey! Are you okay?” If the victim is conscious, put him in a recovery position or sitting position and call for emergency backup. If the victim is unconscious, kneel at his side and place him in a supine position then proceed to the next step.
3. ABC.
ABC stands for Airway Breathing Circulation. First, check and maintain patent airway by tilting the patient’s head as you push his forehead back and lift his chin up. Second, check for breathing by keeping your ear at his mouth to feel air output and observing the rise and fall of his chest for a good ten seconds. Third, check for circulation by feeling his pulse. Place your forefinger and middle finger at his neck or wrist area to look for a pulse. If ABC is present, stay with the patient and wait for help. If none of these three are present, proceed to the next step.
4. Resuscitate.
Give to initial breaths through mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Locate the patient’s xiphoid process which is at the lower center portion of the chest. Place one palm over another with fingers interlocked. Keep your arms straight with your shoulders directly over your hands perpendicular to the ground as you prepare to give chest compressions. Give fifteen chest compressions followed by two breaths then recheck ABC. Do two to three more sets of these, rechecking ABC after each set.
Compress the chest about one and a half to two inches only. CPR can go on until other health personnel takes over the situation, another person who knows the task substitutes for you or you’re too exhausted to continue. The ratio of chest compressions and breaths and compression depth differ for infants and children. Two fingers are used for infant chest compressions while one hand is used for child chest compressions.
Author: Julieta Chin. All rights reserved.
Anyone can be hero, even you. First, you have to know CPR or cardiopulmonary resuscitation. There are several organizations around the world encouraging each and every one to have knowledge and skill in performing this vital task. You can immediately attend to any grave situation and save lives, making you the above average human being.
CPR is not complicated and the steps are basically uniform in all parts of the globe. Once you get the groove and proper sequence, it can be easy and automatic for you to perform. However, if you still do not fully trust your skill and knowledge in doing so, never attempt on a live scenario or you’ll only risk giving the patient further injury. Here’s how.
1. Safety.
Even if you’re trying to save another life, you first have to make sure that your safety will not be compromised. Check the scene and surroundings if it’s safe to approach. Look for possible loose electric circuits or hanging debris. If all else is clear, you can slowly approach the person. It is better if you ask someone else near the scene to call for help as you move in.
2. Consciousness.
Once you get near the victim, check for consciousness by tapping or shaking by the shoulder then saying in a fairly loud voice, “Hey! Hey! Are you okay?” If the victim is conscious, put him in a recovery position or sitting position and call for emergency backup. If the victim is unconscious, kneel at his side and place him in a supine position then proceed to the next step.
3. ABC.
ABC stands for Airway Breathing Circulation. First, check and maintain patent airway by tilting the patient’s head as you push his forehead back and lift his chin up. Second, check for breathing by keeping your ear at his mouth to feel air output and observing the rise and fall of his chest for a good ten seconds. Third, check for circulation by feeling his pulse. Place your forefinger and middle finger at his neck or wrist area to look for a pulse. If ABC is present, stay with the patient and wait for help. If none of these three are present, proceed to the next step.
4. Resuscitate.
Give to initial breaths through mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Locate the patient’s xiphoid process which is at the lower center portion of the chest. Place one palm over another with fingers interlocked. Keep your arms straight with your shoulders directly over your hands perpendicular to the ground as you prepare to give chest compressions. Give fifteen chest compressions followed by two breaths then recheck ABC. Do two to three more sets of these, rechecking ABC after each set.
Compress the chest about one and a half to two inches only. CPR can go on until other health personnel takes over the situation, another person who knows the task substitutes for you or you’re too exhausted to continue. The ratio of chest compressions and breaths and compression depth differ for infants and children. Two fingers are used for infant chest compressions while one hand is used for child chest compressions.
Author: Julieta Chin. All rights reserved.
Monday, February 7, 2011
How To Keep Cool During A Heat Wave
Not knowing how to cope with a major heat wave can leave you dull and dehydrated. By applying these sun protection and hydration tips, you're sure to stay up and alert during hot times.
Heat waves can really make problems for people, especially during the summer when the temperature can rise to high levels. Being able to keep yourself cool will be a difficult task to do, but it is not impossible. Learn to deal with the heat by knowing what methods to use to keep you cool and hydrated. Here are a few tips on how you can go about doing just that.
1) Stay in the shade.
Try to minimize your exposure to the sun by staying under the shade. Make use of curtains or blinds on your windows to keep you away from the heat of the sun. By avoiding direct contact with it, you are able to minimize the level of heat that your body may encounter during heat waves.
If you are outside of the house, try to avoid the sun by walking in the shade. If you can, try to spend the mornings and afternoons inside malls or other places that help cover you from the sun. Only go out if the sun is not as intense.
2) Use air-conditioners.
Air-conditioners are a great piece of machinery to have, especially during heat waves or in the summer. If you have one at home, it's time you crank it up. If you don't, spend most of your time, then, in public places where air conditioning is up 24/7, like malls, theaters, cafes, etc.
3) Keep your room well ventilated.
In order to avoid the heat, especially if your room does not have any air conditioning unit, you should make sure that your room is well ventilated by allowing the air to pass through. Open the windows to let air in and out of your room. The more ventilated your room is, the cooler you will feel. If you keep your windows closed, and you do not have any air conditioning, you are only trapping the heat in.
4) Stay hydrated.
Water is your best tool against feeling sick during a major heat wave. Drink as many glasses of cool water as you can a day, to stay refreshed and keep you going.
5) Take cold showers.
Taking cold showers is one very effective way of keeping cool, especially during a heat wave. You can take a quick shower whenever you feel that the heat is too much for you to handle. You can easily cool yourself this way without any hassle since you can do this in the comfort of your own home.
6) Install proper insulations.
Make sure that all your water heaters and attics are properly insulated to avoid increasing the amount of heat inside your home. If you can insulate these areas properly, you can avoid heating up your place from these areas.
Being able to keep cool during a heat wave can make it easier to bear and deal with. It allows you to still perform the things that you wish to do without letting the heat impede your ability and performance.
Author: Julieta Chin
Heat waves can really make problems for people, especially during the summer when the temperature can rise to high levels. Being able to keep yourself cool will be a difficult task to do, but it is not impossible. Learn to deal with the heat by knowing what methods to use to keep you cool and hydrated. Here are a few tips on how you can go about doing just that.
1) Stay in the shade.
Try to minimize your exposure to the sun by staying under the shade. Make use of curtains or blinds on your windows to keep you away from the heat of the sun. By avoiding direct contact with it, you are able to minimize the level of heat that your body may encounter during heat waves.
If you are outside of the house, try to avoid the sun by walking in the shade. If you can, try to spend the mornings and afternoons inside malls or other places that help cover you from the sun. Only go out if the sun is not as intense.
2) Use air-conditioners.
Air-conditioners are a great piece of machinery to have, especially during heat waves or in the summer. If you have one at home, it's time you crank it up. If you don't, spend most of your time, then, in public places where air conditioning is up 24/7, like malls, theaters, cafes, etc.
3) Keep your room well ventilated.
In order to avoid the heat, especially if your room does not have any air conditioning unit, you should make sure that your room is well ventilated by allowing the air to pass through. Open the windows to let air in and out of your room. The more ventilated your room is, the cooler you will feel. If you keep your windows closed, and you do not have any air conditioning, you are only trapping the heat in.
4) Stay hydrated.
Water is your best tool against feeling sick during a major heat wave. Drink as many glasses of cool water as you can a day, to stay refreshed and keep you going.
5) Take cold showers.
Taking cold showers is one very effective way of keeping cool, especially during a heat wave. You can take a quick shower whenever you feel that the heat is too much for you to handle. You can easily cool yourself this way without any hassle since you can do this in the comfort of your own home.
6) Install proper insulations.
Make sure that all your water heaters and attics are properly insulated to avoid increasing the amount of heat inside your home. If you can insulate these areas properly, you can avoid heating up your place from these areas.
Being able to keep cool during a heat wave can make it easier to bear and deal with. It allows you to still perform the things that you wish to do without letting the heat impede your ability and performance.
Author: Julieta Chin
Saturday, February 5, 2011
How To Make Your Henna Tattoo Last Longer
Henna tattoos are a great body art and is perfect for those who want to shift designs from time to time. Here's how you can make yours last longer and fade slower.
Henna tattoos are the kind of tattoos that you can get without any fear of it lasting on your body for a very long time. Henna tattoos are not permanent and last only about two to three weeks. However, if you wish that your henna tattoo would last longer than it normally does, then there are a few factors that you need to take into consideration in order to prolong its life. Here are a few hints on how you can make your henna tattoo last longer.
1) Avoid sweating too much.
Excessive perspiration can affect the duration of the henna tattoo on your body. Sweating can cause your skin to exfoliate faster, cutting down your henna tattoo's lifespan. In order to make it last longer, you should try to avoid sweating over the areas where your henna tattoo is situated. If it is unavoidable for you to sweat over the tattooed area, you can try to lessen the effect of the sweat by applying an antiperspirant over the area that you want to protect.
2) Avoid the ocean or the pool.
Getting into the pool or the ocean with your henna tattoo will affect its life span. The more time you spend in the water, the less time your henna tattoo will last. The duration of your henna tattoo is greatly affected by the frequency of your going to pools and dipping in oceans. If you cannot avoid the pool or the ocean completely, you can try putting a layer of Vaseline on your tattoo to lessen the effect of the ocean and pool water. This will help protect your henna tattoo from the chlorine and the salt water that helps in fading your henna tattoo.
3) Avoid too much exposure to the sun.
Just like the ocean and the pool, your henna tattoo’s duration will also be affected with too much exposure from the sun. The more you expose your henna tattoo to the sun, the faster it will fade away, decreasing the amount of time your henna tattoo will stay on.
4) Avoid washing your henna tattoo.
Constant exposure to water through bathing or washing of hands and body can be a factor in your henna tattoo's duration. The more times you wash over the tattoo, the less time it will last on your body. Although it is not possible to not take a bath or wash yourself, try to avoid washing over your henna tattoo too much. Too much exposure to water can affect your tattoos color and quality.
5) Apply Oils.
One way of making your henna tattoo last longer is by applying oils or Vaseline over your henna tattoo, especially on times when you are about to take baths or showers. This will give your tattoo a few more days or weeks to last, increasing its life span and even making it fade slower.
Although henna tattoos are not designed to last for very long on your body, you can still help increase its duration for a few more days or weeks by simply following the simple tips that are presented above. Of course, the best thing about them is that once they fade, you can easily get another one of another design right away.
Author: Julieta Chin
Henna tattoos are the kind of tattoos that you can get without any fear of it lasting on your body for a very long time. Henna tattoos are not permanent and last only about two to three weeks. However, if you wish that your henna tattoo would last longer than it normally does, then there are a few factors that you need to take into consideration in order to prolong its life. Here are a few hints on how you can make your henna tattoo last longer.
1) Avoid sweating too much.
Excessive perspiration can affect the duration of the henna tattoo on your body. Sweating can cause your skin to exfoliate faster, cutting down your henna tattoo's lifespan. In order to make it last longer, you should try to avoid sweating over the areas where your henna tattoo is situated. If it is unavoidable for you to sweat over the tattooed area, you can try to lessen the effect of the sweat by applying an antiperspirant over the area that you want to protect.
2) Avoid the ocean or the pool.
Getting into the pool or the ocean with your henna tattoo will affect its life span. The more time you spend in the water, the less time your henna tattoo will last. The duration of your henna tattoo is greatly affected by the frequency of your going to pools and dipping in oceans. If you cannot avoid the pool or the ocean completely, you can try putting a layer of Vaseline on your tattoo to lessen the effect of the ocean and pool water. This will help protect your henna tattoo from the chlorine and the salt water that helps in fading your henna tattoo.
3) Avoid too much exposure to the sun.
Just like the ocean and the pool, your henna tattoo’s duration will also be affected with too much exposure from the sun. The more you expose your henna tattoo to the sun, the faster it will fade away, decreasing the amount of time your henna tattoo will stay on.
4) Avoid washing your henna tattoo.
Constant exposure to water through bathing or washing of hands and body can be a factor in your henna tattoo's duration. The more times you wash over the tattoo, the less time it will last on your body. Although it is not possible to not take a bath or wash yourself, try to avoid washing over your henna tattoo too much. Too much exposure to water can affect your tattoos color and quality.
5) Apply Oils.
One way of making your henna tattoo last longer is by applying oils or Vaseline over your henna tattoo, especially on times when you are about to take baths or showers. This will give your tattoo a few more days or weeks to last, increasing its life span and even making it fade slower.
Although henna tattoos are not designed to last for very long on your body, you can still help increase its duration for a few more days or weeks by simply following the simple tips that are presented above. Of course, the best thing about them is that once they fade, you can easily get another one of another design right away.
Author: Julieta Chin
Friday, February 4, 2011
What to Do If You Get Bitten by a Dog
Dog bites sound minor. However, you must know that dog saliva contains enzymes that can be potentially deadly over the long term. Here are first aid tips to dealing with dog bites.
A dog bite is never a pretty sight. You have to deal with your emotions first, remain calm and act with your sanity intact to be able to treat the wound. Besides the painful gash, rabies is a grave disease that can kill you, if you do not properly attend to the situation. Some people can acquire the rabies virus several years, apparently unaffected at first, but later on developing adverse symptoms.
Every dog’s saliva contains enzymes that are potentially lethal to the human body. It will take several years before symptoms develop but, once present, are irreversible. You have to know the immediate and appropriate measures in order to save yourself. Here are some steps on what to do if you get bitten by a dog.
1. Stay calm.
An animal attack can leave you bewildered and shocked. Contain yourself after the bite and try to identify the animal because you will need to observe it later on. Do not panic and have the presence of mind to treat your wound at once. Quickly go inside the house to attend to it.
2. Wash.
Find a faucet and let cool running water flow over the wound. Get some soap and wash the wound thoroughly. Keep the water running at all times as you wash it. You may need to reapply the soap two to three times to fully cleanse the area. Rinse thoroughly and dab dry with a clean towel.
3. Medication.
Apply antiseptic lotion and antibacterial cream on the wound to prevent contamination. It is more commonly advised that you do not put any bandages on the wound to hasten healing through air drying. But if you need to, feel free to put on a band-aid or sterile bandage. Larger and deep wounds should be washed the same way with soap and running water, then brought to the hospital for possible stitches and other wound treatments.
4. Consult your doctor.
Always go to your doctor after a dog bite so that he can give you the necessary shots needed to prevent viral contamination or infection. Some individuals are more susceptible to developing infection or diseases after a dog bite, like children, HIV or AIDS patients, organ donors, and the elderly. These people must take extra caution after being bitten to prevent complications.
5. Observe the dog.
There are two reasons why you should observe the dog, both medical and legal. Medically, the dog that bit you should be confined and observed for ten to fourteen days to check if the bite was rabid. Rabid bites will eventually kill the dog in fourteen days, due to the release of enzymes and bacteria. It also indicates that you should take antiviral and tetanus shots to prevent rabies. Legally, you can contact the owner to receive compensation for your injuries.
Wash, reapply antiseptic agents and put fresh bandages over the wound daily. It’s actually easy to prevent being bitten by a dog. Stay away from dangerous and agitated animals and move slowly. It’s better if you bring a stick or stone for protection when passing through unleashed territory.
Author: Julieta Chin
A dog bite is never a pretty sight. You have to deal with your emotions first, remain calm and act with your sanity intact to be able to treat the wound. Besides the painful gash, rabies is a grave disease that can kill you, if you do not properly attend to the situation. Some people can acquire the rabies virus several years, apparently unaffected at first, but later on developing adverse symptoms.
Every dog’s saliva contains enzymes that are potentially lethal to the human body. It will take several years before symptoms develop but, once present, are irreversible. You have to know the immediate and appropriate measures in order to save yourself. Here are some steps on what to do if you get bitten by a dog.
1. Stay calm.
An animal attack can leave you bewildered and shocked. Contain yourself after the bite and try to identify the animal because you will need to observe it later on. Do not panic and have the presence of mind to treat your wound at once. Quickly go inside the house to attend to it.
2. Wash.
Find a faucet and let cool running water flow over the wound. Get some soap and wash the wound thoroughly. Keep the water running at all times as you wash it. You may need to reapply the soap two to three times to fully cleanse the area. Rinse thoroughly and dab dry with a clean towel.
3. Medication.
Apply antiseptic lotion and antibacterial cream on the wound to prevent contamination. It is more commonly advised that you do not put any bandages on the wound to hasten healing through air drying. But if you need to, feel free to put on a band-aid or sterile bandage. Larger and deep wounds should be washed the same way with soap and running water, then brought to the hospital for possible stitches and other wound treatments.
4. Consult your doctor.
Always go to your doctor after a dog bite so that he can give you the necessary shots needed to prevent viral contamination or infection. Some individuals are more susceptible to developing infection or diseases after a dog bite, like children, HIV or AIDS patients, organ donors, and the elderly. These people must take extra caution after being bitten to prevent complications.
5. Observe the dog.
There are two reasons why you should observe the dog, both medical and legal. Medically, the dog that bit you should be confined and observed for ten to fourteen days to check if the bite was rabid. Rabid bites will eventually kill the dog in fourteen days, due to the release of enzymes and bacteria. It also indicates that you should take antiviral and tetanus shots to prevent rabies. Legally, you can contact the owner to receive compensation for your injuries.
Wash, reapply antiseptic agents and put fresh bandages over the wound daily. It’s actually easy to prevent being bitten by a dog. Stay away from dangerous and agitated animals and move slowly. It’s better if you bring a stick or stone for protection when passing through unleashed territory.
Author: Julieta Chin
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Prenatal Purchases: How to Shop for Your Baby’s Things
Having a new baby is exciting and requires a lot of preparation. If you're a first-time parent, read on and discover helpful tips to make shopping easier.
As a well-providing parent, you would always want your baby to have everything in the world. However, due to other priorities and, perhaps, financial constraints, you have to learn how to narrow down your list of baby stuff down to the essentials. Even if you’re expecting your baby several months from now, you have to practice shopping the right way.
It’s not difficult to shop for your baby’s things. What’s hard is the impulse that goes with seeing a beautiful item on a store window which you think would look very good on your baby. You have to know the proper way of balancing your impulse, your time as well as your budget in order to provide your baby with the things that will truly be useful in the long term.
1. Make a list.
A shopping list is one thing that can save you a lot of time, money and difficulty in choosing. Make two columns wherein one contains all the necessities while the other contains extravagances. Be sure to finish your necessity column first before moving on to the second. Then, at the bottom, write down your overall budget so you stick to it.
2. By stage.
The stuff you purchase for youR baby will be used in stages, so it will be more convenient to first buy the items that will be used during the first few months of life. Categorize the list from zero to six months, six months to one year and so on. This will help you save more money until more items are needed later on.
For example, you shouldn’t be purchasing walkers as early as now since your baby will begin walking at around ten months to one year. Instead, invest in diapers, feeding bottles and a crib.
3. The essentials.
This should be on top of your list. Include everything you need from the moment your baby arrives home. Diapers, feeding bottles, the crib, clothes, blankets, towels, baby toiletries, mittens and shoes should all be ready by then. You will also need to prepare the nursery months before the baby arrives, because this will be the place where he’ll be spending most of his time.
4. The wants.
Purchase some stuffed toys, chewers, pacifiers, rattles, a mobile for the crib, and other decorations you may want to put in the nursery. Don’t buy too much of these items yet, as your baby may show a liking for a certain type of toy. Buy one or two at the beginning and observe from then on which items you think need to be added. You don’t have to rush purchasing the wants, since your baby won’t really get too uncomfortable without them.
5. Emergency use.
Prepare a first aid kit containing cotton balls, Q-tips, scissors, alcohol and bandages for emergency purposes. You also need to have the basic medications for fever, cough, colds and allergies for primary treatment, if ever your baby experiences adverse reactions.
The strategy for things that are constantly used, like diapers, milk and toiletries is to estimate the number of weeks or days each will last. Refill about one week before you run out. As for feeding bottles, pacifiers and other not consumed but frequently used items, get a new one every month or so.
Author: Julieta Chin
As a well-providing parent, you would always want your baby to have everything in the world. However, due to other priorities and, perhaps, financial constraints, you have to learn how to narrow down your list of baby stuff down to the essentials. Even if you’re expecting your baby several months from now, you have to practice shopping the right way.
It’s not difficult to shop for your baby’s things. What’s hard is the impulse that goes with seeing a beautiful item on a store window which you think would look very good on your baby. You have to know the proper way of balancing your impulse, your time as well as your budget in order to provide your baby with the things that will truly be useful in the long term.
1. Make a list.
A shopping list is one thing that can save you a lot of time, money and difficulty in choosing. Make two columns wherein one contains all the necessities while the other contains extravagances. Be sure to finish your necessity column first before moving on to the second. Then, at the bottom, write down your overall budget so you stick to it.
2. By stage.
The stuff you purchase for youR baby will be used in stages, so it will be more convenient to first buy the items that will be used during the first few months of life. Categorize the list from zero to six months, six months to one year and so on. This will help you save more money until more items are needed later on.
For example, you shouldn’t be purchasing walkers as early as now since your baby will begin walking at around ten months to one year. Instead, invest in diapers, feeding bottles and a crib.
3. The essentials.
This should be on top of your list. Include everything you need from the moment your baby arrives home. Diapers, feeding bottles, the crib, clothes, blankets, towels, baby toiletries, mittens and shoes should all be ready by then. You will also need to prepare the nursery months before the baby arrives, because this will be the place where he’ll be spending most of his time.
4. The wants.
Purchase some stuffed toys, chewers, pacifiers, rattles, a mobile for the crib, and other decorations you may want to put in the nursery. Don’t buy too much of these items yet, as your baby may show a liking for a certain type of toy. Buy one or two at the beginning and observe from then on which items you think need to be added. You don’t have to rush purchasing the wants, since your baby won’t really get too uncomfortable without them.
5. Emergency use.
Prepare a first aid kit containing cotton balls, Q-tips, scissors, alcohol and bandages for emergency purposes. You also need to have the basic medications for fever, cough, colds and allergies for primary treatment, if ever your baby experiences adverse reactions.
The strategy for things that are constantly used, like diapers, milk and toiletries is to estimate the number of weeks or days each will last. Refill about one week before you run out. As for feeding bottles, pacifiers and other not consumed but frequently used items, get a new one every month or so.
Author: Julieta Chin
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
How To Manage an Internet-Obsessed Teen
The Internet is thing of the present and everyone is practically on it. However, this shouldn't be the reason why you'd allow your teen to wrap her world around it. Here's some helpful advice.
The Internet can, indeed, be addicting. Once you’ve logged on, there’s a small chance you’ll ever want to leave. The Internet has been very effective in providing opportunities a lot different from the real world. Online, you can connect with people from other countries with a click of a mouse and find out about the latest trends with a push of a button.
Teenagers have specifically relied on the Internet as their sole source of information. Some even depend on it for social interactions, which is why it is also considered as a hotspot for sexual predators and opportunists. You have to know how to control your teen, in order to keep her life balanced with the real world, as well as to protect her from the dangers imposed by the Internet.
1. Schedule.
You cannot expect to keep your teenager away from the Internet completely because, as much as the threats are present, the invaluable data still carry a lot of weight. Instead, give your teen one or two hours for research purposes on weekdays and another extra hour on weekends for miscellaneous Internet activities.
At best, set up a firewall and virus scanner to keep your child protected from Internet opportunists. It is highly recommended that you keep the computer in an area where other family members can monitor your teen’s online time.
2. Diversion.
Provide opportunities for your teen to enjoy the real world. Even if the virtual universe seems well-equipped and populated, the joys and excitement of real life are still incomparable. Take your teen out to nature trips or simply spend some time at the park for her to catch some fresh air and appreciate the beauty of the outside environment.
3. Assignment.
Give your teenager assignments to make sure that she doesn’t spend too much time on the Internet. Ask her to do chores daily with spontaneous ones, like letting her help you in the kitchen while you’re preparing meals. Always give her a chance to deviate from her Internet obsession by assigning new tasks.
4. Exercise.
Let your teen take up a hobby or a sport to keep fit. Tell her the consequences of sitting in front of the computer all day. Explain how fat can significantly increase, especially if she remains sedentary. Teenagers are especially mindful about their appearance, so feel free to enroll her at the nearby gym. She’ll also most likely enjoy feeling refreshed and vibrant instead of sulking all day in a lonely room.
5. People.
Introduce your teen to people her age. It may help to bring her along in some social events so she can get to know people whom she can relate with and talk to. Conversation can immediately erase all her thoughts of returning to the virtual world to chat. It’s more exciting to meet real live friends than just waiting for featureless responses from emails and messengers.
It is important that you discuss with your teen the risks involved in spending too much time on the Internet with no specific purpose. Make her aware of the bad influences that some sites may present and the dangerous individuals lurking in certain areas on the Web.
Author: Julieta Chin
The Internet can, indeed, be addicting. Once you’ve logged on, there’s a small chance you’ll ever want to leave. The Internet has been very effective in providing opportunities a lot different from the real world. Online, you can connect with people from other countries with a click of a mouse and find out about the latest trends with a push of a button.
Teenagers have specifically relied on the Internet as their sole source of information. Some even depend on it for social interactions, which is why it is also considered as a hotspot for sexual predators and opportunists. You have to know how to control your teen, in order to keep her life balanced with the real world, as well as to protect her from the dangers imposed by the Internet.
1. Schedule.
You cannot expect to keep your teenager away from the Internet completely because, as much as the threats are present, the invaluable data still carry a lot of weight. Instead, give your teen one or two hours for research purposes on weekdays and another extra hour on weekends for miscellaneous Internet activities.
At best, set up a firewall and virus scanner to keep your child protected from Internet opportunists. It is highly recommended that you keep the computer in an area where other family members can monitor your teen’s online time.
2. Diversion.
Provide opportunities for your teen to enjoy the real world. Even if the virtual universe seems well-equipped and populated, the joys and excitement of real life are still incomparable. Take your teen out to nature trips or simply spend some time at the park for her to catch some fresh air and appreciate the beauty of the outside environment.
3. Assignment.
Give your teenager assignments to make sure that she doesn’t spend too much time on the Internet. Ask her to do chores daily with spontaneous ones, like letting her help you in the kitchen while you’re preparing meals. Always give her a chance to deviate from her Internet obsession by assigning new tasks.
4. Exercise.
Let your teen take up a hobby or a sport to keep fit. Tell her the consequences of sitting in front of the computer all day. Explain how fat can significantly increase, especially if she remains sedentary. Teenagers are especially mindful about their appearance, so feel free to enroll her at the nearby gym. She’ll also most likely enjoy feeling refreshed and vibrant instead of sulking all day in a lonely room.
5. People.
Introduce your teen to people her age. It may help to bring her along in some social events so she can get to know people whom she can relate with and talk to. Conversation can immediately erase all her thoughts of returning to the virtual world to chat. It’s more exciting to meet real live friends than just waiting for featureless responses from emails and messengers.
It is important that you discuss with your teen the risks involved in spending too much time on the Internet with no specific purpose. Make her aware of the bad influences that some sites may present and the dangerous individuals lurking in certain areas on the Web.
Author: Julieta Chin
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